Today I claimed victory on numerous levels.
First, my body is not being taken over by a gigantic tonsil. The diagnosis was that I’m fine and it looks a lot worse than it is. Second, I got a vacuum cleaner and health insurance. And finally, I fit back into my dress.
Perhaps you may recall when, in a fit of cheese-induced self pity, I forcefully threw my Citizens into the corner of my house and refused to pick them up for a solid week.
At this time, I pointed my finger to the sky and vowed that by my birthday I would fit back into my dress, which back then resembled more of a sausage casing rather than Anthropologie.
Obviously everyone in the world knows exactly what passes my lips daily and you know I certainly haven’t been depriving myself. I’ve eaten my fair share of cheese and dessert and frolicked at many a wine tasting.
So what have I done differently since that fateful April day?
I’ve joined a gym and started to lift weights again. I’ve followed Gina’s Summer Shape-Up plan pretty seriously for the past few weeks and every time I work out, I bring a list of the exercises to do with me on an index card so I don’t just wander aimlessly.
I’ve reduced portion sizes and instead, ate smaller meals more often.
I increased my protein and added back daily protein shakes and egg whites to my diet.
I’ve mindlessly not drank as much alcohol or eaten as much dessert even when I really wanted to.
I’ve made better choices when dining out—ordering more entree salads rather than something rich and heavy.
Never once have I felt like I’ve been on a diet (because I haven’t been) but I feel a lot more comfortable now in my own skin and that’s what matters. I really didn’t even lose any weight at all; I just toned up and now feel much stronger. On that note, I’m about to go out for birthday dinner number one with the boy and my mom at my favorite restaurant in Sonoma……. And you better believe that cheese plate(s) will be involved.
Mary
June 9, 2010 at 4:58 pmIs that an actual pig’s head in the photo for ZAzu?
Angharad
June 9, 2010 at 5:04 pmCongrats lady! Feeling good in your skin is an amazingly good thing!
Bethany @ More Fruit Please
June 9, 2010 at 5:22 pmWoo hoo! Glad to hear you’re healthy and you get to wear such an adorable dress again!!
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
June 9, 2010 at 5:23 pmCongratulations! And hooray for cheese!
Sana
June 9, 2010 at 5:25 pmwow! I am going to start summer shape up asap :)!
Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit!
June 9, 2010 at 5:26 pmWhat an amazing feeling (and feat)!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
June 9, 2010 at 5:27 pmIt is great to feel good in your own skin. I’m so glad that you did it without feeling deprived. Enjoy your night.
MMiller
June 9, 2010 at 5:28 pmSo happy for you! On many levels! So glad you can enjoy the week with your mom! I need to get back to some strength training!
Trish
June 9, 2010 at 5:29 pmWoo Hoo!!! It’s not always about the number on the skale – but always about feeling comfortable. I know the weight where I feel good, and if I go up a few pound I just don’t feel like myself. And it’s total crap when your clothes are cutting off your circulation.
VeggieGirl
June 9, 2010 at 5:29 pmHooray for better health and feelin’ good 🙂
Ashley@thehungryscholar
June 9, 2010 at 5:35 pmThis post is so honest and witty. Thanks and congrats!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
June 9, 2010 at 5:36 pmThat is great, girl! Glad you are feeling good!
Evan Thomas
June 9, 2010 at 5:36 pmGood for you! Living–not dieting–is the way to go
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
June 9, 2010 at 5:42 pmGood for you and for feeling good about your self. At the end of the day that’s what counts and how you should determine success. Happy Birthday.
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
June 9, 2010 at 5:46 pmHooray for cheese indeed!!!!!
Amber K @ sparkpeople
June 9, 2010 at 5:52 pmWHOO HOO! That’s amazing. And feeling comfortable in one’s own skin is the BEST feeling.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
June 9, 2010 at 6:13 pmhurray for fitting into your dress! i know what it feels like to finally get back into something that you’ve wanted to fit into for a while! congrats 🙂
Brynne
June 9, 2010 at 6:17 pmYay for the dress! Have a great night Jenna!
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
June 9, 2010 at 6:17 pmCongrats! I love your approach to weight loss. I’m similar. I don’t believe in diets. I just believe in being aware of the choices I make at each meal…awareness and mindful indulgences are the key to long-term health success! 🙂
Leslie
June 9, 2010 at 6:19 pmThats how you do it! Thanks for setting such a great example. Seriously!
Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
June 9, 2010 at 6:21 pmCongrats! I love that you are proof of healthy living! You are such a wonderful example of being happy, living and loving life. HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY and ROCK THE DRESS ;)!
Annie D. @ Annie's Simple Life
June 9, 2010 at 6:23 pmGood job! I remember the pants being thrown 🙂 (I do that too…)
R @ learningasichop.wordpress.com
June 9, 2010 at 6:25 pmGood for you! That is the right way to do it!
Miranda @ MirandasJeans
June 9, 2010 at 6:26 pmCongrats on fitting back into the dress. That HAS to feel Ah-May-Zing. All your hard work paid off. Yeah!
Angela @ A healthy fit
June 9, 2010 at 6:34 pmWhoo hoo! That must have just made your day! Have a great dinner, complete with cheese platter!
amanda
June 9, 2010 at 6:34 pmGood job on meeting your goals. BTW, glad to hear your tonsils are much better. 🙂
eatmovelove
June 9, 2010 at 6:45 pmCongrats on all levels. It really is about how you feel.
I only hope someday to acheive that balance. Pics of cheese plates please! …But what’s cheese without bread and wine?! :0
Blaine
June 9, 2010 at 6:46 pmWERK IT GRRRL! Feels so good to set an intent and meet it…
…but don’t get it twisted – you’re still beautiful and amazing no matter what dress size you fit into =)
Marie
June 9, 2010 at 6:48 pmway to go lady!!!!! love the dress and congrats!!! I am working on beating “the boyfriend layer” right now…those boys!
Paige (running around normal)
June 9, 2010 at 6:50 pmYeah girl!! Way to go:) Happy for you on all accounts.
Sabrina
June 9, 2010 at 6:58 pmCongrats Jenna. You looked amazing in Philly. I am so happy your dress fits again- that is an awesome feeling.
Happy early birthday!
Stephanie
June 9, 2010 at 7:04 pmI’m a new reader, so in case the sheen has come off your success at all… a huge kudos on the century. Awesome! And fitting old clothes–almost even better, since it lasts longer!
Erin
June 9, 2010 at 7:09 pmToning up make such a difference vs just relying on weight. I have a low weight but am not toned at all, something I hope to change!
Marilou @ Mostly Healthy
June 9, 2010 at 7:25 pmLosing weight AND eating cheese? Where do I sign to have you as my life-coach? 🙂
Heather @ Side of Sneakers
June 9, 2010 at 7:37 pmYay!! Have a fun birthday dinner 😉
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
June 9, 2010 at 8:20 pmcongrats on fitting back into your dress. is that what you’re wearing tonight? enjoy your dinner @ ZAZU!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami)
June 9, 2010 at 8:41 pmHey, if you don’t want those fancy jeans, I’ll take them! 🙂
Ashley
June 9, 2010 at 8:42 pmCongrats! Sometimes a little motivation and will power is all it takes! You’ve been looking quite dashing in your pictures! 🙂 Enjoy and have fun with your mom. I get to see my mom tomorrow night!
Brooke (Baking with Basil)
June 9, 2010 at 8:55 pmCongrats on getting back into that adorable dress! Isn’t funny how a few simple modifications make a difference and you the best part is that you didn’t deprive yourself of anything. Enjoy the cheese plate!!
Amanda
June 9, 2010 at 9:10 pmGood job Jenna!
Kristin
June 9, 2010 at 9:41 pmGreat job on getting back into your dress without “dieting”
Sarah for Real
June 9, 2010 at 9:49 pmHappy Birthday! What could be a better gift for yourself 😀 Congrats!
Lisa O
June 9, 2010 at 10:07 pmWhat a perfect birthday present to give to yourself! Enjoy your birthday week, mine was the 7th and I’m still living the birthday dream too on holiday with my husband. Happy birthday week to you!
Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards)
June 9, 2010 at 11:51 pmgood for you!!! i gotta adopt this. the last month has not been good to my body.
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
June 10, 2010 at 5:19 amWow, awesome victory! That is the healthiest way to do it, for sure!! Congrats, that is a beautiful dress!!
xo
K
jenna
June 10, 2010 at 5:26 amcongrats!! I’m proud of you for showing everyone deprivation and over exercise is no way to go! 🙂
Helen
June 10, 2010 at 5:48 amCongrats and Happy Birthday!! You toned up in the best way possible. There’s no way you could have not eaten cheese, it is the food of gods!
Lindsay
June 10, 2010 at 5:59 amHappy Birthday, Jenna!
Lindsey
June 10, 2010 at 6:23 amCongrats! It’s always such a great feeling to fit back into an old piece of clothing you love so much! Clothes are definitely my gauge for weight gain and not the scale! Def the way to go, toting around blocks of cheese the whole way. 🙂
Kelly
June 10, 2010 at 7:34 amIsn’t it amazing what weight training can do? I myself have gone through something similarly lately. My best friend last night commented that I looked great and had lost weight. But, really I haven’t – okay maybe 2 whole pounds. I also just realized that the pants I’m wearing right now fit me when I was 6 pounds lighter. So even though I haven’t lost “weight”, I have lost fat, due to a lot more weight training. This just goes to show you that the number on the scale is just a number and doesn’t really mean much at all. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I’m definitely in a better place physically. Congrats on fitting back into your dress! Definitely one of the best feelings in the world. 🙂
Ashley
June 10, 2010 at 9:57 amLove your attitude about shedding a few pounds. Exactly…not a diet, just a few lifestyle changes. There is nothing wrong with wanting to lose a few pounds that you know are extra…I’m glad you shared that with us and shared your very balanced way of dealing with it! <3
Kim (Imperfectly Perfect)
June 10, 2010 at 10:12 amI’m glad you’re feeling comfortable in your own skin again. You always look great to me though! 🙂 Right now, I’m out of my comfort zone, but I’m getting there….slowly, but surely.
jennifer (take the day off)
June 10, 2010 at 1:15 pmWay to go on fitting into your dress again! I loved that you didn’t stress about not fitting into it, and instead made small changes that add up to big ones. Well done–you can go get the jeans out of the corner too!
Cara
June 10, 2010 at 1:53 pmLove your blog. You’re a sweetheart!
sherri
June 10, 2010 at 7:12 pmgorgeous roses! fun to have quality time with your mama and beau. happy birthday, jenna! p.s. i ran my fastest half-marathon ever last sunday. almost backed out (i’m injured and not feeling the love for running) but figured if you 😉 could ride 100 miles i could run 13.1. my goal was 2:07 but i finished in 1:54 woot! woot!
Michelle
June 11, 2010 at 7:05 amThank you for writing what changes you made. I have been feeling like that lately..and it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and 1. do nothing 2. try to diet.
But I don’t want to do either of those things. SO thank you for reminiding me, us, that it’s about lifestyle choices and moving.
M