I can’t believe it’s almost December. It seems like just yesterday was July! Don’t get me wrong – I’m beyond excited for the weather to cool down (c’mon Texas!), twinkle lights to take over, and to have more reasons to get together with family and friends. December also brings temptation, though, by way of too many Christmas cookies, celebratory drinks with friends, and dinners out. With my wedding now less than 5 months away, now is not the time to be passing on my goals, so this blog will now be my place of accountability – starting now.
#truetalk.
Today I weigh 131 lbs. Three years ago, that number made me cringe (my stage weight two years ago was 111), but today, my body is completely different. I lift heavier and carry a lot more muscle than I did at my original 110 lb stage weight. I’m still a size S and a 0/2 in jeans.
Do I have room to improve? Absolutely. At 5’3″, I’m carrying a bit more body fat at 131 than I would like to. The goal is to be between 120 and 125 by my wedding – but I don’t want to do it at the expense of the things I enjoy (and keep me sane through constant travel), like the occasional chocolate chip cookie. So, my goal is a long, slow cut to 125.
So, December goals.
- Track, even when on the road. I’ve been traveling cross-country at least once a week, sometimes zigzagging my way back and forth across the US, and macros are often the last thing on my mind (priority 1: sleep). I’m going to be packing more protein (Designer Protein mixes so well in water, so it’s great for on-the-go consumption) in my suitcase so I don’t have an excuse to grab a carb-heavy, protein-light sandwich because it’s “easy”.
- Analyze my numbers collectively, not individually. I’m bad about hopping on the scale and getting frustrated, then move on. In December, I want to see the number on the scale as just one metric – and try and spot trends in its movement. I invested in a Withings scale and activity tracker watch that all sync into a single app that pulls in MyFitnessPal data so I can see how fluctuations in my weight and body fat percentage are linked to specific activities or on/off track days. Knowledge is power, y’all.
- Get outside and run! C and I have started jogging to the gym on Sundays. It’s just a little extra effort, but burns another 200 calories and is doing wonders for my cardio endurance. As temperatures drop, I want to keep that up!
- Invest in relationships. Health is as much about emotional health as physical health. My top goal anytime I’m cutting is to ensure that doesn’t result in me becoming a hermit who only leaves to get groceries or go to the gym. I need to remind myself that I can meet up with friends for dinner and hit my goals at the same time. Striking that balance is critical, so in December, I’m also trying to get out more and spend this break in non-stop work travel to spend time with friends and family.
Don’t wait until January to start making yourself a priority. What are your December goals?
This post was sponsored by Designer Protein as part of their Health Up Your Holidays campaign. Read my other HealthUpYourHolidays posts or search #HealthUpYourHolidays on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on healthy living this holiday season!