Day 5 Check In | Step Tracking

Here we are on day 5. I haven't failed yet! haha. Here's a recap of what I'm doing and some results now that we are a few days in.

Current Activities

Over the last few days, I have established a solid routine and one I think I can maintain as I have in the past.

Each day starts with dancing! It not only helps my brain get set for the day, but keeps me from thinking about food at such an early hour. I'm doing intermittent fasting and doing the 11am-7pm thing as of now. I'm not hardcore on that, but when I'm not out and about it's absolutely obtainable.

Eventually I'll add some VR cardio and weights to my routine, but right now I am mainly dancing, doing some walking, and doing all of my PT exercises for my lymphedema.

For meals, I'm mainly having 2 meals a day close to beginning and end of the fasting. I know I can eat a third meal, but I haven't been hungry. I do plan to get more protein shakes there in the middle after talking with my dietician on Friday and going over the plan. I am not being strict on the diet front. I'm trying to have mainly protein (think eggs and cheese) for a first meal as I can and then a nice dinner. I will still have my take out and Friday meals (we do takeout Friday), but of course portions will be less, sides not likely being eaten. Honestly as long as I stay active and I feel better and see weight coming off, I'm not going crazy. Many people fail at weight loss because they hold themselves to insane standards. I refuse to do that. If I want to eat out and have a burger and fries I will do it! I may plan ahead and do way more steps that day and plan my other meals accordingly, but I'm not going to just say oh i failed because I want a burger (especially if it's a football game day!)

Busted out some low carb/keto recipes for a couple snacks and meals

Initial Results

As of today, I am down 4 pounds, and yes I am aware it is water weight. haha First week of weight loss is always my favorite as it gives you such hope! Then you need to keep that hope even when it slows way down (or even goes up and down). If you will get unmotivated then don't weigh often! I weigh myself every morning at around the same time and same circumstances because it helps me compare, but I won't get down when the weight doesn't move for a bit.

Step Count and Activity Levels

In these initial days, I set a goal of achieving a daily step count of at least 10,000 steps Monday-Friday and I don't have a goal on the weekends. I mainly want to hit 350,000 steps in January as that's an obtainable yet easy metric to track. This target challenges me to stay active throughout the day, whether through dancing or simply being more active during daily tasks.

Here's a summary of my step counts over the past four days:

• Day 1: 12,142 steps

• Day 2: 11,036 steps

• Day 3: 11,043 steps

• Day 4: 11,422 steps

  
  

Tracking my steps not only helps me visualize my commitment but also serves as a reminder that every bit of movement contributes to my fitness goals. There is a step tracker on my website now. I felt in order to be accountable I needed to have my spreadsheet attached to the site so others can see how I'm doing at any time. After each month, I'll be adding a recap for each month as well. Just remember the overall monthly goal, no matter what you see for my steps any given day (especially if it's Monday-Friday). ;)

Typical morning of dancing to start the day

Progress Ahead

I won't be giving step count updates a ton in the future unless it's a highlight of some sort since the tracker is on the site. Send a shoutout if you see I'm doing anything right haha. I'll make some posts this month for the products and tools and things that are helping me. I'll also be putting links and any helpful info in the group section of the site, Then I'll be sure to make a post in beginning of February with how January went (hopefully great!)

How are you doing with your life goals? Lastly, GO BIRDS!!!!! (Will we have an Eagles/Vikings NFC Championship again?!?!)