Yesterday marked the official beginning of the Omron Fitness Challenge.
The official first day of constantly wearing my pedometer (and realizing I failed MISERABLY at reaching 10,000 steps just with normal activity).
The first official day of measuring portion sizes and tracking water intake.
The first official day of constantly thinking about ways to be healthy every. single. day.
And then . . . I tried brainstorming new recipe ideas. Valentine’s Day breakfast ideas and Asian inspired recipes and cookie bar recipes.
The harder I tried to focus on my protein and fiber and water logged world, the more I wanted to cram bread and sweet things in my mouth.
Blah. BLAH, I say!!!!!
It will get easier, I know. I’ve been down this road before and as I get through this next week, life will be easier. I’ll develop a fitness routine and my body will adjust to healthy food combinations.
(and I’ll get my craving fix on Sundays when I have my one “cheat” meal)
It’s all about getting back in the groove.
Results So Far
The good news is that I have managed to lose weight since I first applied for this challenge! WOO HOO!
My application weight: 210
1/13 weight: 203.8
Loss to date: -6.2 lbs
Sadly, the majority of that weight loss has litle to do with my efforts and more to do with several weeks of the flu and sinus infections. Two weeks of a nearly wholly liquid diet whittles one down in a miserable way.
I hope that I don’t see an increase as I add more food back to my diet in the coming weeks; surely, my strength training workouts and daily cardio will keep that in check!!!
Before Pics and Measurements
And, now, we come to the part I’ve dreaded. And dreaded. And dreaded.
The “coming clean” of where I am with my weight and physique. Technically, I’m not required to show this pictures and info now, but I decided I wanted the public scrutiny and accountability. So, here you go … in all my overweight glory.
(I think the pics are a bit distorted — not sure the Husband was standing in the exact spot each time!)
Beginning Measurements
- Bust: 43.25
- Waist: 36
- Hips: 48.5
- Left Arm: 12.5
- Right Arm: 12
- Left Thigh: 27
- Right Thigh: 27.75
So, there we have it. What I’m trying to do (get back in the groove), what I’m working against (cravings), and where I’m starting from (in very raw pics).
Despite some trepidation, I am looking forward to seeing the results in five weeks. Any change will be much welcomed!!!!
What hurdles do you encounter when trying to lose weight/get healthy?
p.s. Check out Bob Greene in this video … he had some special words for all of us participating in this challenge!
This post is sponsored Omron Fitness as a collaboration with Bookieboo Blogging Network and Mamavation – a community dedicated to weight loss for women and obesity prevention for families. I was provided with product and compensation for my time and honest opinions.



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My name is Rachel -- I share tales about food and family. I'm a home-cook who focuses on fresh & simple meals to both fuel us and to help us celebrate our family-life. My day starts with coffee. Lots of coffee. 

















Monday - Corn Casserole, Pepper Steak, Salad
Tuesday - 
















You look amazing now, but I can’t wait to see how awesome you look after this journey is over!
good for you! I look forward to watching your progress- you’re off to a great start!
Wow, this is awesome! I can’t wait to follow you on this. I know you’ll do well!
I have always thought you were one of the most beautiful women I’d ever met….from way back in New Orleans. I was in awe of you. I still think you’re gorgeous and I wish you LOTS of luck reaching your goals. You have nothing to be ashamed of in posting these pics.
I concur.
I agree with Rhea and I think you look wonderful and not overnight but it is how you feel and up to you. You are gorgeous though!
Overweight not overnight
I just started trying to lose some weight (okay a lot of weight) also. I lost -4.8lbs the first week, and will weight in again on Wednesday for week two. The first week was easy, the second week has been much harder. And I have a long way to go. I look forward to reading your posts. It always keeps me motivated when I know I am not alone.
You are beautiful, imagine what you will look like what you are done!
You’re going to do amazing! You look wonderful now and I can’t wait to see you in person in March. Best of Luck with the challenge.
Well, I think you already look fantastic! Your before pic looks like what my after pic will look hahaha! But I know it’s all relative and for you to post the pics and start this journey publicly is a big deal. Well done and very best of luck.
I think you’re looking great! Good luck with your goals!
You look great – and you will look even better at the end! (PS: That’s a super cute outfit!)
My husband did my measurements & photo. I agree, I think they might not be very accurate!
You look and ARE beautiful!! <3 You can and WILL totally rock this!! If you need ANYTHING… I am here to fully support you!
You look amazing already, and you are doing a great job.
My biggest hurdle has always been time –time to workout, plan meals, etc. I just had to make a decision to make the time, no matter what, with no excuses.
I am cheering you on!
Eh, you look adorable anyway.
I know that I was not hitting anywhere near 2K steps a day, none the less 10K. You look great now so I now and I I know you are going to rock this challenge!
Congrats on the weightloss and I hope you are feeling better. I am looking forward to hearing about your progress!
You look great Rachel, and I can’t wait to see your after pics! I am totally addicted to baked goods and sweets – just thinking about cutting them out makes me want them more! So I’ve decided to give my oven a time out for a while LOL Isn’t it funny how few steps we really get in until we start monitoring? I’m looking forward to following your progress on this challenge!
You are off to a great start! Keep up the good work. You’re going to have awesome results.
Good luck on the challenge, cheering you on
Great post! I think sharing a picture is a great way to keep yourself motivated, and accountable! Keep up the good work!!
You look great!!! I know it can be hard, but you are going to do great!!! Good luck!
Well, you look great to begin with – wonderful job with the loss! Good luck as you continue!!
Thanks, Lydia!
Cheering you on! Keep up the good work!!! LOVE your hair btw!!!
Awesome job on your weight loss so far! Having a pedometer REALLY helps, because it can be so difficult to gauge how much you really are moving, outside of exercising of course.