Get Fit Challenge Amy's Blog

A month of birthdays and a family reunion

gfcamy31 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:32:07 +0000

July is and always will be a test of my will power. Not only is it summer, the season for hot dogs, hamburgers and beer but for my family and friends it is Christmas in July. There are 5 birthdays including my own that I actively celebrate in July, not to mention the family reunion filled with so many of the foods I grew up with!

I did so well on my birthday, sticking with vodka martinis vs. beer and a filet w/ veggies vs. a burger. But as the month proceeded I started slipping into beer and hot dogs. I did do light beer (what little concellation that is) and no chips on the side, but I could have done better. The bright side is that I could have done A LOT worse. I kept hearing my former dietician Gelsie in the back ground saying it’s ok to cheat, just stay as close to 1,500 calories as possible.

I upped my walking mileage to 6 miles from 4 miles. I need to work up to at least 12 by October in time for the Atlanta 2-Day walk for breast cancer. It’s good for me to always have an event or sport to be involved with otherwise I would never exercise. At least I know that about myself so I always look for new things to do.

Now it’s smooth sailing until Thanksgiving!

A Little Advice

gfcamy31 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:11:39 +0000

I spent some time yesterday reading through the new challengers’ blogs. What memories I have from that time in my life! Some of you sound discouraged, either with your progress or with your injuries. I hope that what I have to say will help you on your journey!

I never had a month during the time of the Get Fit Challenge where I did not lose any weight BUT that is not to say I did not have my tests and down times. You have to ask yourself a question. What do I want? What is my motivation? If you think of those two things when having a bad meal/day/month, this should help you re-focus. For me it wasn’t calorie counting or worrying about how much I was exercising. It was that I was fed up with how unhealthy I was and I was not going to take it anymore!

Take any discouragement you feel when trying to lose weight and use it to push you even further. I played sports all my life so I’m really competitive. Every time I lost a game I thought what could I have done better. I don’t want to feel like this again so I pushed harder the next game.

Keep pushing, keep looking towards the finish line, do not give up. You can do this…YES YOU CAN!

Paying Attention

gfcamy31 — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:15:54 +0000

You’d think after spending most of your life overweight, being made fun of as a kid, and FINALLY finding the will power to lose the weight you would not have to struggle so hard to keep it off afterwards. My big lesson has been paying attention to everything.

For instance, I just got back from vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL. Now I do enjoy my drinks, but since the challenge I’ve learned to stay with Gin & Tonics…it’s something I enjoy and only 90 calories/drink. Well ‘When in Rome’ was my saying this week so the first two days I found myself ordering margaritas, daquiris, and rum runners. Remember the fruitier the drink the more calories!! Even though I allowed myself to cheat at the beach, that was an area I could control and still have a good time.

After that it was back to the Gin & Tonics. AND instead of sleeping in every day, I took a nice but brisk walk to the pier and back each morning. I used it to clear my head and have some alone time but what a way to get in some exercise at the same time!

If I can continue to control what I intake, then it will be (relatively) smooth sailing for years to come but if I lose track of my goals that’s when I hit my personal road blocks.

What Finally Made Me Make a Change?

gfcamy31 — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:12:48 +0000

My first big question was how did I get up to 245 lbs? But the more important one for me was what finally made me do something about it? I think it’s the same with anyone who struggles with weight or even addiction (not to compare obeisity with additionat AT ALL). There comes a time when you hit ‘rock bottom’ and are absolutely fed up with your current situation.

Before the show even started I was already reaching out for help. I had tried out for the Biggest Loser and made it to a second call back but didn’t get past that. I had joined a volleyball team to try and get in some exercise but I was so embarrased with how out of shape I was that I quit. I was overwhelmed and needed focus and direction. With the Get Fit Challenge came the knowledge of how to lose weight. My dietician broke it down to where I could easily understand and track everything I was putting into my body. I realized how many calories I needed to burn and eat on a daily/weekly basis. Once the light bulb clicked I was on my way to some major weight loss!

The biggest change the show brought me was nutritional knowledge. Without that losing weight for me would have been impossible. I already knew what was involved on an exercise front but realizing how many calories was in a burger vs. a turkey burger opened my eyes to how much ‘crap’ I was eating before hand. Now if I tried to eat a burger and fries I’d feel it for the rest of the day.

Anyone out there trying to lose weight…PLEASE reach out for help! Splurge on yourself and get a dietician/nutritionist to set you on the right track. You don’t have to go at this alone and a strong support system will help you keep off the weight once you reach your goals!

I’m baaack!

gfcamy31 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:11:04 +0000

My before picture. This is before I started weighing myself so I am between 245- 260 lbs in this picture.

: April 2008 at 170lbs in a size 12 dress!

Hello everyone!

WOW…time has flown by since I was a part of the first season of the Get Fit Challenge. It has been a whirlwind of a year for me. I was promted within my company which means more responsibility and more travel! I got a new puppy to keep me company and he is just plain adorable. He’s been a great addition to my life because even if I don’t want to go work out I at least have to walk and play with him a few times a day which keeps me active. One of my goals from the show was to join a competitive volleyball league which I am happy to say that my first season starts in a couple of weeks! I’ve been doing some major cardio work and playing some rec ball to warm up for it so I think I’m ready. It’s going to feel so great to get back into it again!

I have to admit that maintaining the weight loss has been the hardest part of this entire process. Within the year since the reveal show, I think the heaviest I got to was 210, but I’ve been able to keep it under 200 for the most part. My goal is still to reach at least 155 lbs. I think with the volleyball season starting and a renewal in focus I should be able to do that within a year. My nutrition goals are still the same: 1,500 calories on a daily basis, 5 meals a day, and half my weight in ounces of water per day. The only think I need to start back up is the water…that part is tough for me! My workouts have been sporadic; I tried to motivate myself by working out with others but even that didn’t get me to the gym every day. I really need to work on toning my arms.

But for the most part I’m still really happy with the weight I have lost and have kept off! My self-confidence is still high and I’m thankful every day for the opportunities I’ve had to better myself. I know I’ll reach my weight loss goals…whenever I set my mind to do so I can do it. If you are trying to lose weight, just remember that it is tough and if you have problems with it then it is always something you will struggle with. Have your breaking points and your acceptable weight range; that way when you reach the top of it you’ll know to renew your focus.