-lost 25 lbs.
-decreased body fat
-more working out
-daily tracking food
Looking at this progress pic and thinking about everything that's happened this year makes my eyes water. I was so dang unhappy on the left, and super self conscious. After months of weighing and tracking all my food, and a bunch of working out...I haven't hit my goal yet - but I'm a heck of a lot closer!
So, the hubs and I booked a cruise last year for this year - 8/28-9/4/2016. At the time we booked it, I knew that I had a ton of work ahead of me in order to get to a place where I just felt comfortable. I had that unrealistic goal of getting into a tiny pair of shorts and losing like 70 pounds...which didn't happen. What did happen was a transformation from the inside out. I signed back up for boot camp, and then for nutrition coaching a few months later. I took things one day at a time, and focused on doing my best every single day. Slowly but surely, the fluff started to disappear. It's not all gone, but a big hunk of it is! The months flew by, and then it was time for our cruise.
I totally listened to tropical music for about two months, and ate a lot of pineapple, all with the mindset that the cruise was almost here. Not gonna lie, I was really nervous about the trip. I had already decided that I was not going to be connected to the internet in any way, and that I didn't want to mess with logging my food that week. So, I was scared that I was going to go nuts and just eat everything. If there's one thing a cruise ship doesn't lack, it's food. I'm talking pizza, ice cream, all you can eat buffets all the time, and so much more. Food. For. Miles! So, I had a semi-gameplan with the food: focus on grabbing whole foods, avoid fried things, and don't eat a lot of sweets. I wasn't perfect with this plan, but I didn't go crazy like I thought I would. I stopped eating when I was satisfied, and I kept a stash of protein powder in the room to help me with cravings. :) That totally sounds weird to say. If you had asked me a year ago what snacks I would bring for the room....I would've said cheez-its. Now it's protein powder. Transformation I tell you.
Anyway, aside from being pretty controlled with what I ate, I also managed to be pretty active. The ship had a gym, which was really nice!
Speaking of walking...did I mention that there is lots of walking? Yep. Lots of walking. :)
We booked some really fun excursions on our trip...things that I wouldn't have wanted to do a year ago...
The first stop was Montego Bay, Jamaica. We had a big day ahead with ziplining through the jungle. After coating myself in bugspray and putting on all the gear, I was ready to roll.
I know, total nerd. Hehe. So, we were split up into groups of about 12, and we took off walking. We hiked up hills and lots of stairs...which made me really grateful for boot camp. Stairs and hills? No problem, let's go!
I had never ziplined before, so it was slightly frightening...but so fun! I would definitely do this again!
Our next stop was in the Cayman Islands, and we had a segway tour/beach time planned. We were in a small group of 7 people, and we all went to the segway office together in a tiny van. Then, we had to put on all the gear and watch a training video, then go practice on the segways. We took off down the streets of Grand Cayman, and ended up riding along 7 Mile Beach. Then, we got to spend some time just chillin at the beach...such a fun day!!
Our last stop was Cozumel, which I was looking forward to the most. We had a big day planned: snorkeling with sea turtles, and snorkeling in underground caves. Once the ship docked, we got off and got onto a ferry, which took us over to the mainland. We were in a tiny van with 12 people this time, some of which were yankees (I'll get back to them later). So, we rode to a beach where we snorkeled in the ocean for a bit and got to see a few turtles, which was really cool. Then we headed to our next stop which was underground natural cenotes. The water was cold and crystal clear...so neat! After that, we stopped to eat and shop for a bit. The tour guide gave us specific instructions on when and where to meet so we could all ride back to the ferry, and make it back to the ship on time before it left. We all managed to meet on time, except for the yankees. We were all sitting in the van, looking for them, getting slightly panicked with each minute that passed. If we didn't make it back to the ferry in time, that meant we wouldn't make it back to the ship in time, which meant that we would all be stuck in Mexico while our cruise left without us. Talk about stressful!!!!!! Anyway, they finally made it back after being 20 minutes late, and we got back on the ship. Phew!
Other than stopping at three places, we just had a ton of fun on the ship...so much to do! Here's a few pics...and selfies:)
After we got back from the trip, I was sure that I had gained 10 pounds, but I ended up losing .8. Crazy. I guess all those naps and low levels of stress paid off!!
This
vacation was much needed, and so much fun! I am now suffering from PCD
(post cruise depression) and a severe lack of desire for Adulting. :)
...So, big lesson I learned on this trip...
There is no finish line to being healthy/fit. It's a lifestyle, a day in/day out thing. You can go on vacation and have fun without sabotaging yourself and your results. It's okay to not be perfect while out of your normal routine. Live a little. Work smart. Have fun. Nap hard.
Can't wait till the next big adventure!!!! :)
