Progress!!

     I have always wanted washboard abs, well at least a toned abdominal area. It has always been the one area on my body that I just could never tone like I wanted. Well, tonight I got told my abs are looking good by my trainer! ME! I have the start of some tone in my midsection! I am pretty much on Cloud Nine over it. Jeremy didn't quite get my excitement on the issue, but any woman would I am sure. I could tell before tonight I was making progress in my training with Susie, but tonight her telling me that really helped solidify that I am on the right track.
     Tonight we also looked over my food diary.She told me that in her opinion,I am doing really well with my eating. Again, this made me so happy! I am not restricting and then eating everything in sight. I am eating healthy, normal. I am having treats and balancing it with good food. I don't want to toot my own horn, but toot toot. I have come so far from where I was. I am losing the fear I had with food. I am realizing and learning that feeding my body properly is the key. I am finally getting it, and yes, Mom, you were right.
     Another quick snippet from my training session tonight, it was eventful I guess looking back! There was another woman there tonight training with the other trainer. She had a lovely British accent that I loved listening to. Anyway, I heard her talking to her trainer when I walked away asking why I was there training because I was thin. I knew what my response to her would be if I wanted to bother. I would tell her I was there to gain muscle, to increase my strength, to get healthier, if I said anything at all, which I wasn't planning on. But leave it to my trainer, Susie, she stepped right up and told her that thin doesn't always mean healthy. And that is so right, definitely with me. I mean I wasn't horribly unhealthy, but I wasn't  near as healthy as I could be. Which is why I started this journey. Which is why in part I was there training tonight.  Finally, I am making good progress towards a healthy, balanced life, finally.
     So, needless to say I am feeling pretty stoked about my progress and am pretty excited to keep going and see what else is in the cards! I am finally realizing it really is about progress not perfection.
     One more thing I wanted to share from tonight is pictures from dinner. Jeremy and I generally make separate meals, as our tastes vary quite differently. I have mentioned before that God love him, but Jeremy isn't quite interested in health the way I am, the following picture from dinner will prove my point:




My dinner- quinoa, steamed veggies and salmon! Delicious!



Jeremy's dinner- a GIANT cheeseburger, french fries cooked in his beloved Fry Daddy and Golden Light Beer- The All-American dinner, a favorite of Mr. Dunham!

 They always say opposites attract......

Dreary Hump Day

     As pretty and sunny as yesterday was, today is the polar opposite! Boo! Makes a girl sleepy and a little unmotivated.  I am thankful that I had a great workout with my trainer, Susie, last night! I realized when leaving after my workout last night how strong I feel after working out with her. Not only physically strong (and a little sore) but also mentally strong. I feel I can do anything and I am strong enough to keep going. I fell I truly will get better. It is all very motivating and I love it! So thankfully a bit of my good mood rolled into today!
     While sitting her relaxing this evening, Jeremy asked me why I blog everyday. I couldn't really explain why I do, but, blogging even just a few thoughts everyday is rather therapeutic for me. Helps me stay positive and not go back to the negative place I once was. Looking back on days when I have slipped and days I have done well keeps me going, looking forward, and keeps me motivated. Hard to explain in full I guess, but what is most important is that its helping me and I could be helping others along the way!
     So, probably off to bed soon. The pups and the husband are already curled up on the couch dozing off and I am not far behind. Good night moon!   

Saturday Sunshine

     It is January 7th, the sun is shining and it is supposed to be close to 60 today?? Do I really live in the Midwest? I am going to take it though, puts me in a fabulous frame of mind as did the following post...found on Pintrest:

     When I read this as I sat down for oatmeal and coffee in front of my computer it really resonated with me. I have let this disorderd eating issues, define and confine me for SO long! Now I am choosing to leave it behind me and move on!
     Before I even read this quote this morning,  I was driving home after my second awesome session with my new trainer and I thought to myself "Jen, you really are going to do this!". I haven't been this confident in myself in a long, long time. But I just have this feeling inside this time, that this is the time to finally do it. It also helps that I am working with a very understanding and nurturing nutritionist, as well as a very positive personal trainer. As well as the support of my spectaular family and friends.
     After my training session today, I was so excited for the next session (Tuesday!), again, I haven't felt like this  about anything exercise related, but running, in a long time! I basically just went to fitness classes on autopilot, not really engaging. I can't wait for my husband to get out of bed later today to tell him how MUCH I am loving this trainer and how the money was totally worth it and show him how positive of a change this is (he can be skeptical). So needless to say I am in a rather upbeat mood today.
     It also has hit me (AHA moments everyday!) that if I just stay positive, positive things will happen or at least I will just be happier and the crappy stuff won't seem as crappy!  I mean don't get me wrong I am an all around positive, outgoing person. But when it comes to most of my personal issues, as well as the disordered eating, I can be rather negative and down, although I won't show it (often). So,I have also decided to work on my attidute as well, because I think that play a HUGE role, if not one of the biggest, in succeeding. I have always believed in karma,( putting postitive out and getting it back sorta thing) and  always  try to practice it with others, but maybe it is time to practice it with myself as well.
    So, here is to a Saturday full of sunshine, positivity and probably (later) some (good) sore muscles! Enjoy! Cheers!