Part two: The scoop

Here's a little about the specifics of what I did last year to lose some weight and keep it off. Mind you, I did not have a certain amount of weight in mind....I just knew I wanted to push myself, start eating better, and tone up. It's not that I was eating horrible, but I knew I could do better. I'd never put myself with a coach or trainer who challenged me to push my mental and physical limits and I wanted that....mainly to see what would happen. I knew I was mentally prepared and mentally tough...so I was finally ready for the challenge.

I invested some money (and it was about what a friend just spent on a month's worth of food from one of the large companies that sell pre-packaged products for people who are 'dieting') which got me 2 sessions with a nutritionist and 18 semi-private training sessions.
It's really that simple.

I am a pretty 'by-the-book' Type A personality...I like rules...I like to follow rules...I like plans...I like to execute the plan....you give me a list of things to do and I'm on it. I also like things that get a desired end result. And I felt like this would do that.

Now, they could have given me the recommended plan, taken my money, and if I never did anything about it, or just tried half-heartedly, I'd be in the same boat today that I found myself in year ago.

I finally decided I'd do the hard thing and make some pretty drastic changes, especially to my eating habits. I've also done some pretty drastic things about working out. Since I was 14, I'd been a member of some type of gym, pretty consistently until I was 42. I like gyms. I like group exercise classes. I like being in a room...sizing everyone up...finding someone I think I can 'compete' with...and determine in my own little mind, I'll at least keep up with them, or do better. I love competition and I like to work hard.

But for the first time in a very long time, I am not a member of a gym. After the 8-week program ended, I spent a little money on some equipment to keep in our garage. I wanted to see if I was determined and disciplined enough to continue working out by myself. At times, it's kind of boring. However, I've had some of my greatest worship times and talks with the Lord during those workouts.

Next up, Part three:  Foods to eat, foods to avoid, and inexpensive equipment you can buy for your own home gym.......Let me know your feedback and/or questions!