Measures from Wednesday
Oops…I forgot to post these.
See what I mean about seeing almost *no* inch loss? I’m really glad I’m taking pictures now.

No workouts just yet today…Maya’s still home on Fridays, so I’m holding off until her nap time.
Oops…I forgot to post these.
See what I mean about seeing almost *no* inch loss? I’m really glad I’m taking pictures now.

No workouts just yet today…Maya’s still home on Fridays, so I’m holding off until her nap time.
So far this morning (before 10am):
Hey, it’s not like the protein is in my “Lent Challenge” plan, but I’m finding that it’s an idea breakfast for immediately post-workout, and it allows me to take my various meds/supplements without an upset stomach. If I ever do decide to let go of dairy (from reading Summer’s blog, I’ve considered it), I’ll have to re-think breakfast, but that’s no big thang.
I also decided to forgo making a pot of coffee this morning. I haven’t committed to the idea of giving it up just yet, but honestly, after doing T-Tapp, I simply don’t *need* caffeine. Damn. If I do decide to give up coffee entirely, it would certainly make for some nice extra space on the counter in the kitchen, LOL.
Update
By the end of the day, I went well over the 75 ounce mark, and if I include the hot water w/lemon I added later, I might have even hit a gallon. I’m only counting until I hit 75, and consider anything after that a bonus. In total, caffeine-wise, I had exactly one Diet Coke w/Splenda. And you know what? It kind of tasted icky to me. I didn’t miss the coffee, and this is a very.good.thing. for a gal who’s accustomed to drinking two rather *large* cups of coffee per day.
Since I’m weaning myself off Effexor (another post for another time), the lack of caffeine in my diet is a good thing — I need nothing else to add to anxiety.
And, not quite so scary, here are the workout wear photos. See those Skechers (I mean, c’mon…how could you NOT see those blindingly white things)? Those are (duh) new…the ones I got for $15…well, let’s just say there was a reason they were cheap. OMG, these are so much better.

Today’s Report:
The water change was so stinkin’ easy, it’s embarrassing I didn’t start up earlier. If things continue this well, I may add a few more changes every week or two. Ones I’m contemplating (but no, not committing to yet) are removing sugar from my diet, lowering/eliminating caffeine, and adding a single apple to my diet each day.
Over all, it was a good day.
Update:
I never did make time for OIP/HF/OIP. Oops. But, I got up to 105 ounces of water.
Here’s the first of two sets of photos I took. While this may not seem particularly impressive (other than the hair…have I mentioned I love my stylist in Colorado?), if you look at my beginning photos, there’s a marked difference, even with negligible inch-loss. I’m really thankful for having seen Cheryl’s photos at this point, because they reminded me that I really *do* need to take bikini photos at least once per month.
Anyhoo, without further ado, Allison in a bikini, circa TODAY:

And for comparison, on 24Jan07:

Since the difference between these two photos isn’t entirely obvious immediately, I’ll point out a couple places. Note the ribcage. Note the waist. See the becoming-svelte upper arms. See the jawline.
The other places *I* can really feel a difference are in my ankles, wrists (dang, should have measured those too), face/jaw, and shoulders. My chest is a good 1-1/2 to 2 inches smaller. As is MY norm, I’m losing at the periphery of my body and at the top first. That means that my size 12s still fit, much to my annoyance…and my 10s are still more snug than I like…barely wearable.
Coming next, today’s log, measurements, and the “official” challenge photos (ie, in workout wear instead of scary bikini shots).
Hell, since I grew up an hour north of N’awlins, it’s only appropriate for me to join in on a Lenten challenge, even though I gave up religion for New Years (more on that at IIWII, link at the bottom of this page).
WHAT? I’m starting a 40 day challenge designed to take advantage of the Lenten self-deprivation season, starting tomorrow and running until Easter. The challenge consists of making one (1) dietary change and doing T-Tapp.
WHY? Because of that little fat pudge that still remains on my lower belly and the backs of my upper thighs. Also because I can’t see any reason why I shouldn’t combine my religious observances with my fitness regime. God wants me to make the most of what He gave me, right?
WHEN? Starting tomorrow, like I said, and lasting through the 40 days of Lent.
WHO? Well, me, of course. And you, if you’d like to join me. (You don’t need to be a Lent-observer to join the challenge, but you do need to be a T-Tapper. I will discriminate about exercise but not religion.)
HOW? Today, choose your dietary change. I’m going to give up sugar. (I will not be giving up coffee. I’m going to have to get some stevia….) Email me or leave a comment letting me know that you’re in. Tomorrow, take your measurements and your first set of photos. Yes, photos! Best way to really see what your results are, I promise. Photos should be taken in workout clothes or other form-fitting attire, preferably the same outfit each time. Take three full-body shots, one from the front, one of your rear view, and one from the back. You will take a second set of measurements and photos over Easter weekend, at the end of the challenge.
WHERE? Right here. I’ll be using this blog to document my progress through the challenge. But this isn’t just about me — I’d love to have some company over the next 40 days, so every week I’ll post a challenge entry where you can leave comments about your progress. I’ll be posting my own photos at the end of the challenge, and if you like, you can email me your photos to include in the end-of-challenge entry. If you have your own blog, you can certainly post about the challenge, post your photos as often as you like, etc. Just link back here, and include the link to your challenge entries in any comments you leave.
WHAT DO I WIN? Um… a sense of accomplishment? Shorts and bikini readiness? The jealousy of your friends? These are fabulous prizes. And there might be a surprise at the end, who knows.
HOW COME YOU WAITED ‘TIL NOW TO TELL US ABOUT THIS? Because I just thought of this last night. I’m organized like that.
So, any takers? You know you want to….
Head over to her place to join in the fun. I’m going to drink water — at least 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight, preferably more like 3/4 ounce per pound. And of course, I’ll do T-Tapp.