Week 12 Weigh-in

Weekly overview

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38"     44"     35"
Arm       R11.75"     F12.75"
Waist     35" 
Hip        45"
Thigh    26"
Calf       15.125"

#     176.4#  
%    34%
Lean #     116.4#
Fat #         60#

Average steps/day: 10,000!


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating

Week 11 Weigh-in

Weekly overview

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38.5"     44"     36"
Arm       R12.5"     F13.125"
Waist     34.34" 
Hip        44.75"
Thigh    26"
Calf       15.125"

#     177.4#  
%    33.5%
Lean #     118#
Fat #         69.4#

Average steps/day:  8360


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating

Week 10 Weigh-in

Weekly overview

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38.25"     43.25"     35.125"
Arm       R12.5"     F13.25"
Waist     34.25" 
Hip        45"
Thigh    26"
Calf       15.125"

#     177#  
%    34.5%
Lean #     116#
Fat #         60#

Average steps/day:  9580


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating

Week 9 Weigh-in

Weekly overview

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38"     43."     35"
Arm       R11.75"     F12.5"
Waist     34.5" 
Hip        45"
Thigh    26"
Calf       15"

#     176.6#  
%    34.4%
Lean #     115.8#
Fat #         60.6#

Average steps/day: ???


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating

Week 8 Weigh-in

Weekly overview

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38"     44"     35.125"
Arm       R12.375"     F13"
Waist     35" 
Hip        44.5"
Thigh    26.125"
Calf       15.125"

#     177.2#  
%    33.5%
Lean #     117.8#
Fat #         59.4#

Average steps/day: 6100


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating

Week 7 Weigh-in

Weekly overview

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38"     43.25"     35.5"
Arm       R12"     F12.75"
Waist     35.5" 
Hip        44.5"
Thigh     26"
Calf       15.125"

#     177.2#  
%    34.3%
Lean #     116.4#
Fat #         60.8#

Average steps/day: 7600


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating 

Week 6 Weigh-in

Weekly overview
I had an unusually active week. I went jogging twice, and did Zumba once. Zumba was the most challenging because we didn't take 5 minute breaks between songs. I had planned to do a 5K on Saturday, but I was still so sore that I'm glad the weather was horrid. Even walking it would've been a challenge.

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     36.5"     44.5"     35.5"
Arm       R12.25"     F13"
Waist     35.5" 
Hip        44.625"
Thigh    26"
Calf       15.25"

#     176#  
%    34%
Lean #     116.2#
Fat #         59.8#

Average steps/day: 7115


Resolution for next week
I was excited to see that I actually lost weight again this week - I wasn't sure if I would. Sure I added in the extreme exercise, but I doubled how much I was eating the last half of the week too. Oh, and the cinnamon almond carnage - whoo!

Now that I've run the calculations, I'm mostly disappointed. I lost .2 of fat, but I lost .4 of lean weight too:((( Now, I have to keep in mind that my scale isn't really telling me the whole story of what's happening inside my body each week, it's most useful for tracking a general trending. But... vigorous exercise does tear down muscle, and it takes a few days before that new improved muscle is built back. I'm no longer convinced that this is the only, or even the best way to build muscle. It will be interesting to see was the numbers say next week, and the week after that:)

I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating
I have been slacking in this area... I've definitely noticed that I've been allowing myself to eat while working or playing on the computer, but it doesn't seem to have led to any overeating.

Week 5 Weigh-in

Weekly overview
I had a nice calm week. I got to do exercise with some intensity twice, and branched out on my own with improvised yoga. I'm also really tickled that I did 6 out of 7 days of working out at least 30 minutes; the only off day was still 20 minutes. I also did well on eating consciously, and only overate that one horrible time:)

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     36.25"     43.25"     35.5"
Arm       R12.25"     F13"
Waist     35.5" 
Hip        44.75"
Thigh    26"
Calf       15"

#     176.8#  
%    33.9%
Lean #     116.9#
Fat #          59.9#

Average steps/day: 7000


Resolution for next week
I keep waiting for some sort of reckoning with my numbers.... Remember, I'm NOT trying to lose any weight! So every week they keep improving, and I'm always thinking "Is this gonna be the week my scale and tape measure go Haha, just kidding!"... Well my body measurements were all over the place, some up some down, but the scale #s still went down. The coolest thing is that even though I lost .2# of weight, it tells me I exchanged a whole half a pound's worth of fat weight for lean body weight! And we all know muscle burns fat! I've never lost this kind of weight before, and although I have a few theories, I'm not really sure why I'm losing so much while doing so little. Its pretty awesome though!

Since apparently I'm doing something right, I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!
I'm embarrassed that this one is still such a big issue for me. Just go to bed on time! I guess it would be beneficial for me to meditate on why this one is so important, so I can become motivated to want to go to bed on time.

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

I am flirting with the idea of adding in just a wee bit of semi-strenuous exercise, but I know I'm not yet ready to go to Phase 2 because I still have a lot of body aches and stiffness. I've made huge progress, but I still have along way to go before I will feel confident that I won't strain something.


3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating
I can't imagine now ever going on some restrictive diet, or counting calories. I am so content with what I eat. I look forward to every meal, and I have zero anxiety about food. Of course it helps that I love healthy food, but I do have treats in the house that I'm not abusing, and I can go out to eat without a second thought! I never imagined I could be this happy and calm about food.

Week 4 Weigh-in

Weekly overview
I was one stressed out, busy girl for a second week in a row. Compliance to everything was way down, but I'm not discouraged. After all, I'm aiming at progress, not perfection.

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38.625"     43.5"     35"
Arm       R12.5"     F13"
Waist     35" 
Hip        44.75"
Thigh    26.125"
Calf       15"

#     177#  
%    34.2%
Lean #     116.5#
Fat #         60.5#

Average steps/day: 6750


Resolution for next week
I did NOT expect my numbers to improve again this week, and so drastically! Wouldn't you know it - the first time I start a fitness plan where I don't care if I gain or not, and here I am losing real fat!!! I have noticed my jeans fitting better the last couple weeks:D The bodyfat scale tells me  I've lost 5# of fat in three weeks. Unbelievable. WOOT!!! And I haven't broken a sweat, or gone hungry, or eaten a bowl of sticks and bugs...

So, you know what comes next: I will continue to build on my three habits! Even thought I'm super excited, and I want to go outside and run a couple miles... I will not freak out, I will not go running, and I will not celebrate by eating cheesecake. Unless I'm really really craving cheesecake, which thankfully I'm not. Now I need to go think of anything but cheesecake before that changes!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!
I've been really disappointed with myself over this habit. I think I'm going to start reporting my bedtimes and hours slept. I'm finding that if I have to tattle on myself, I'll be that much more motivated to act like a grown-up, and just do what I'm supposed to. So go to bed on time!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

It seems pretty clear to me that I do better with an hour a day, but I'm going to keep the minimum the same in order to avoid rebellion.


3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating
I want to get back into eating consciously! Really proud of how well I'm doing Rules 1, 2, and 4!

Week 3 Weigh-in

Weekly overview
I missed doing my weigh-in yesterday, because my scale suddenly decided it needed new batteries.  I only had three good days out of eight of following my food plan. Did better with my exercise. It was a busy week, but I certainly could've done better. I like that my steps per day have increased steadily, without my intentionally trying to walk around more.


What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra is worn. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's off by 5-10%. So even though it's inaccurate, it IS measurable. And it's the only scale I've got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     38.5"     44"     35.75"
Arm       R12"     F12.75"
Waist     35.5"
Hip       45"
Thigh   26.125"
Calf      15"

#     178.6#  
%    34.9%
Lean #     116.3#
Fat #         62.3#

Average steps/day: 7300


Resolution for next week
Hey my numbers improved again this week! I must be doing something right, even though my adherence to my habits is pretty shaky. I'm glad I get to reset every week. I will continue to work on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating

Week 2 Weigh-in

Weekly overview
I had a rough week. I was sick nearly the whole time and only started to rally the last couple of days. It kinda feels like I'm starting over, and today is the first real day of my resolution.

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. I have found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra you wear. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I'm certain it's much closer to 40-45%. But even though it's inaccurate, it is measurable. And it's the only scale I got, so it'll have to do.


Chest     39.25"     44.125"     35.125"
Arm       R12"     F12.75"
Waist     36.5"

Hip       45"
Thigh   26"
Calf      15"

#     179.2#  
%    35.4%
Lean #     115.8#
Fat #         63.4#

Average steps/day: 6200


Resolution for next week
Hey, my numbers went down! But it's important I don't freak out, and veer toward any extreme. Besides time will tell if this is a blip, or a trend. I will continue to build on my three habits!

1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!
I have been getting enough sleep the last couple of days; I'm just in the wrong time zone. Bedtime is 8, not midnight!!! If I just go to bed one hour earlier every night, I'll be back on track shortly. Starting tomorrow night:)

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

I have so much residual tension from coughing that I would really benefit from doing at least an hour a day... but 30 minutes minimum - no excuses!

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating
Even though I absolutely LOVE how I feel when I follow the rules, I still struggle with my old habits like eating emotionally, eating  while distracted by reading or tv, ignoring early hunger signal and getting too hungry. And trying to outsmart my appetite my doing healthy food substitutions. If I was so smart, then why aren't I already thin and healthy?

Week 1 Weigh-in

So why did I decide to do weekly check-ins, when I'm NOT trying to lose weight? Simple. It starts the process of building the habit, and it keeps me focused and accountable. Plus it supports my scientific curiosity that there might be positive long term changes to my bodyfat % by making these simple daily changes like getting enough sleep, eating well, and the bare minimum of exercise.

Weekly overview
Overall a fantastic beginning! I have never before started a fitness regimen where I focused solely on behaviors, decisions and habits instead of results and numbers (like how many miles jogged, calories consumed or burned, etc). I had some really good days, and a couple not so good days. But this was a good foundation to building those new habits that I hope will stick with me for the rest of my life. What is especially encouraging is that the times when I broke my own rules, I physically felt bad. That kind of negative reinforcement is very good because it makes me eager to go back to the smart decisions.

What the numbers mean: In measuring my chest, I measure the upper chest, across the bosom, and then the upper ribcage. In earlier fitness times, I found this to be a much more accurate assessment of the area, since the bosom number can change drastically depending on which bra you wear. The arm measurement is right across the apex of of the bicep, both relaxed and flexed. I thought it would be fun to see the how the numbers would change in relation to each other as I lose fat and build muscle. Also, I believe my bodyfat scale is being overly optimistic about my percentage of fat. I believe it's much closer to 40-45%. So though it's inaccurate, it is measurable. And it's the only scale I got, so it'll have to do.

Ps: there was a time when my waist was the same measurement as my thigh is now... sheesh.

Chest     38.5"     45"     35.75"
Arm       R12"     F12.75"
Waist     37"

Hip       45"
Thigh   26.25"
Calf      15"

#     180.8#  
%    36.3%
Lean #     115.2#
Fat #         65.6#

Average steps/day: 5500


Resolution for next week
I will continue to build on my three habits! They say it takes 21 days to build a new habit, but I'm kinda stubborn, so I'm hoping to have them really locked in within 90 days.


1 - Go to bed on time - get plenty of sleep!
I started off my week by staying up 7 hours past my normal bedtime, which has had a ripple effect on everything else within my day. I'm almost certain it contributed to me succumbing to this infernal cold. This is the week to really focus on getting back into a sleep routine.

2 - 30 min of non-strenuous, therapeutic exercise daily - physical therapy, gentle yoga, walking

It will probably a good idea to schedule a time everyday to do my exercise, but for now it's so easy to fit in anywhere - even if it's right before bed. So just keep up the good work!

3 - Follow the 4 Golden Rules of Eating
I have found it really easy to do Rules 1, 2, and 4. It's that blasted #3! I swear, I feel like sometimes I need to take my meal and lock myself in a dark closet in order to quiet my monkey mind:) But surely eating with intention and appreciation can become second nature as well.