Chapter 16: Documentation

When I started this weight loss journey, the first thing I did was take "before" photos.

Looking back, I really wish I would have taken measurements as well because not all of my results are reflecting on the scale.

In three months, I have gone down almost three sizes and it would be nice to be able to report how many inches I've lost as well as pounds.

No matter how I've chosen to document my progress, I know that those "after" photos are going to feel awesome to post...

Rachelle Vaughn

Tomorrow is my big monthly weigh-in and I’m more excited about taking progress pics than finding out what the scale says.

I can’t believe we’re already at the three month mark! So glad I’ve stuck with this weight loss plan!

There’s no turning back now…

7/13/21

Wow, now that’s what I call a challenge!

I thought I was ready to do a pilates challenge, so I tried a Total Body Pilates Workout 5-day Challenge video from @trifectapilates on YouTube and it was waaay out of my league.

I only made it 25 into the 35 minute video (and this is after 3 months of doing HIIT workouts 3-4 times a week!)

I don’t consider this a fail because I WILL try again and eventually I know I’ll get stronger and be able to do it all the way through.

In a way, it’s nice to know that there are still things out there that we can challenge ourselves with, still things to strive for, things to work toward.

This wouldn’t be called a journey if I arrived at my destination in the first few days…

7/12/21

I’m getting really good at this not making excuses thing.

Even when I’m feeling like garbage, or it’s too hot or I don’t feel like it, or (insert excuse here), I workout anyway.

This is a @lucywyndhamread HIIT video from YouTube…

I love her workouts because the moves aren’t complicated and her accent is fabulous 🤩

7/11/21

Another workout completed ✔️

This is a standing abs video from @hanamilly on YouTube.

Bonus points for doing this while on my period and it’s 115 degrees outside…

Infused Water

It’s tough for me to drink enough water because I never seem to be thirsty, but it’s a heck of a lot easier to drink more throughout the day when it’s flavored.

My favorite is plain lemon, but I also love lime and mixed frozen fruit. We even tried watermelon once and it was really good too…

7/9/21

We combined all of our favorite HIIT moves from YouTube into two 28 minute workouts…

This is part 1 of 2 and it works the whole body and leaves you sweating by the end of it!

After two months of doing these workouts 4 times a week, I definitely notice improvements in my strength and endurance.

😅

Chapter 15: Motivation

Whatever your reasons are for wanting to lose weight, whether you are doing it for health reasons, you have a physical goal you want to achieve, or you simply want to fit into a specific size of clothes, use that to propel you forward and keep going throughout this difficult journey.

Whenever you start to falter and need an extra boost of motivation, remind yourself why you’ve decided to lose weight in the first place. Make a vision board on Pinterest and revisit it when you’re having a rough day. Get out those jeans you want to fit into. Scroll through photos of the marathon you want to run.

Keep working toward that goal and you will get there eventually!

Most of my reasons for losing weight are vanity-related…and that’s totally okay!

When I’m having a tough time, I’ll go into my closet, get my “skinny” jeans out and unfold them and look at how cute they are and how wonderful it will feel to be able to fit into them again.

Do whatever you need to do to not lose sight of your original motivation.

Someday I’ll fit into those jeans and I’ll get to post a photo of me rockin’ the hell out of them!