Day 35

Despite completing my original Zumba goal, I am still going to Zumba everyday. I was thinking of a suitable reward for my dedication, and decided should I make .... or rather, when I make my goal weight, I am going to invest in becoming a certified zumba instructor. Not because I have any desire to teach a class,  but more just to say I did it. Plus, me as any kind of dance instructor is a funny thought. I am still really, really uncoordinated.

DAY 30!

Sunday maked the 30th day of the challenge. In 30 days, I completed 32 classes, lost 10 POUNDS, and several inches. I lost a pant size, going from a 12/14 to a 10/12.

I'm not sure how many inches I lost, but I'm sure it was quite a bit.

So what now? 30 more days. This time I will take proper measuerements so I can report the actual number of inches lost. I also took a full body picture so we can compare in another 30 days!

Day 27

OMG! I am so close to the finish line. Yesterday and the day before I took 2 Zumba classes. So,although it's my 27th day, tonight'sclass with be my 29th. In 30 days I will have exceeded my goal, and couldn't be any more proud of myself. As an extra congrats, the scale moved two pounds, completely surprising me, and causing me to break out in a spontaneous happy dance. Today is a good day (in my Ice Cube voice).

Day 24

Just less than a week to go. Someone asked me yesterday if I could see and feel a difference. My answer was yes! Although I am still left drenched with sweat after each class, my endurance has improved tremendously. I am no longer gasping for air. I have entered a place where I can enjoy the music, and relish in my own thoughts as I move in step with the instructor. Progress. Yes. As for weight loss, 7 pounds as of today.

The journey continues!

Day 18

Remember how my ankles were swollen? Well, thanks to my good friends at google, I was able to determine that my ankles and knees were most likely reacting to my poor choice of shoes. Skechers are not good dance shoes. What was recommend is something lightweight (like mesh), with shock absorption, and light tread.  I found some (very cheap) shoes that fit that description, and it has made a huge difference.

Confession: I missed Saturday. But am taking two back to back classes today. Still on track for 30 classes in 30 days!

Day 14

I'm pretty sure my ankles are swollen. How do you fix that? Ice? Elevation? Should I Zumba tomorrow? Do people actually take rest days during 30 day challenges? Do I just push through? Dammit. What to do?

Day 13

I was minding my own business, getting my work on as I normally do on a Thursday afternoon when I came across this article, Exercise benefits black girls less than whites, study shows.  The science behind it attributes the discrepancy on lower metabolism and our (meaning myself and other black ladies) decreased ability to oxidize fat in response to exercise.  Well, that sucks. Assuming that this is true, it has the potential to derail fitness plans across America. Another item to add to a long list of excuses. I refuse. I'm going to purge the thought out of my head and dance as if no one is watching...... and as if my weight didn't depend on it.


The scale still hasn't moved. I care less today.

Day 12

That is not a dance move. That is a squat. Several squats in a row. My legs have finally acknowledged this point, and I am sore.

Ouch.

Adding insult to injury, the scale hasnt moved in about 3 days :( Waiting for the gain part of this pain.
The show must go on. Class at 5:30

Day 10

Everybody has a vice.... something they cling to when the going gets tough. For me, it used to be french fries. Particularly McDonald's french fries, still hot from the grease. The ones that leave your fingers salty and delicious. YUM.

Today I found myself stressed. The day has wore me out, and to my surprise the first thing I though about was Zumba. Don't get me wrong, Zumba is no french fry. However it's definately a worthy alternative.

Here's to kicking Zumba's ass today!

Day 9

Although it is Sunday, and despite the fact that I am craving a mattress and bed full of covers..... I'm headed to Zumba in a couple of hours. Sometimes picking yourself up, and making it out of your front door is the hardest part.

Day 7

Day 7, and I'm already plotting a cheat day. My dad is doing the Torah walk tomorrow at his synagogue, which apparently is a big deal. Ones daughter is expected to be there, which means I will miss the only two classes offered tomorrow. In order to make up for the missed class, I am taking two classes today. I go to the first one in a couple of hours, and oddly enough I am not dreading it.... that much.

Last nights class kicked my ass. Sweat dripping, chest pounding, eye rolling at the instructor type of ass kicking. However, once it was over I contemplated taking the next class. What is wrong with me? Have I suddenly become a glutton for punishment? Perhaps too many nights reading Fifty Shades of Grey? Whatever it is, I'm going to need this type of crazy to continue...at lease for the next 23 days. It will make this challenge a breeze.

So the new challenge. 30 classes in 30 days. I'm still on track.

Day 4 (almost the beginning)

This story begins with a tragedy, the parting of lifelong friends. This may be a bit dramatic, considering I'm talking about my relationship with food, however I must admit that a recent diagnosis left me in mourning. I am missing all things delicious (as I typed delicious, I imagined myself biting into a moist piece of chocolate cake.... I miss my friend).

About two weeks ago I was told I have something called Fructose Malabsorbtion. What the heck is that, you ask? Well, it basically means that my body has a hard time processing fructose, and as a result it causes some pretty serious stomach situations. The symptoms have been around for awhile, so it was a great relief when I figured out what was wrong. However, it meant that in order to control my symptoms I have to follow a pretty strict diet, avoiding fructose.

Fructose is a form of sugar most commonly found in fruits and vegetables, but is also present in wheat and lactose. This means a protein rich diet with about a cup of fruits a vegetable allowed a day. Oatmeal, rice, and other gluten free grains are permitted, but I have found that oatmeal kinda hates me.. so I stay away.

With a change in diet, came the need to change my focus. Being someone who loves food, (I watched food network like an inmate with a Playboy), I needed something to keep my mind busy. Given that this diet would inevitably result in some weight loss, I wanted to take advantage and kick start the process.

I decided to see what would happen if I took a Zumba class everyday for 30 days. What would the transformation look like? Lord knows I can stand to lose a couple of pounds.

Important Facts About Me:

I'm no where near coordinated
My rhythm is often times lacking

Stats:

Height-      5'2
Pant Size- 12/14
Weight ................... I will give starting and ending weight at the end of the 30 days.

Today is day 5.