A Motivating Benchmark, Plus Healthy Snack Ideas

For the past three weeks, I've been trying to get back into a more regular workout schedule. I notice that when I skip workouts, my lower back and shoulders feel tight and uncomfortable, and I really have to watch what I eat. When I exercise, my muscles feel looser and I have a little wiggle room in terms of my calorie intake.

A discovery I've made this week is that I've found some time-saving healthy snacks to eat. Before, I would spend a lot of time preparing smoothie bags for the week - and I think I've found a time-saving alternative to throw into the mix (i.e., I plan to still find time to make smoothies for breakfast occasionally).

Here are a few healthy snack ideas:

• sliced cucumber and hummus
• sliced bell pepper (I prefer orange, red, or yellow)
• sliced or whole apples (I prefer Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, or Jazz)

Current goal: Lose ~15 lbs.

Current loss*: 10 lbs.

*For a more current amount, see the icon in the top right corner of this blog.

This step toward my weight-loss goal has earned me a badge on Fitbit.com!

On Track...!

The past few weeks have been unusual, in terms of my workout routine, but somehow I managed to lose my first 5 pounds!

Current goal: Lose ~15 lbs.

Current loss*: 5 lbs.

*For a more current amount, see the icon in the top right corner of this blog.

This step forward toward my weight-loss goal has earned me a badge on Fitbit.com!

More Attainable Goals

I've had a goal set in my trackers saying that I wanted to lose about 40 pounds. That seems so far out of reach, so I'm going to try something a little differently: I'm going to set smaller goals that can actually be attained, and then reset with another small goal.

Side note: I've restarted my breakfast smoothie routine this week - and I feel so much better getting all those nutrients in the morning!

Previous goal: Lose ~40 lbs.
Current goal: Lose ~15 lbs.

Today's body fat reading: 38.4%

Let's keep this downward trend going!

Wish List: Aria Scale from Fitbit

I've been wearing a Fitbit pedometer for a few years now, and I love it. Especially now that they've added the challenges in the mobile app so you can compete with family and friends. I have my eye on the digital scale that Fitbit makes, too. It also syncs with your Fitbit account. (Plus, it shows a decimal point, unlike the old scale I'm currently using.) It's a little expensive, so I've created a 'wish list' item in my bank account so I can start saving up for it. Perhaps by this summer it will be mine! There's a link below for more information. 

Update: I acquired this scale in April 2015 - and I love it! It makes tracking my progress more fun and high-tech.

Fitbit and the Fitbit logo(s) are trademarks of Fitbit, Inc.