ZUMBA and the Muffin Top

I love muffins. I do *not* like muffin tops. And I have one!! For the first time in my life, I have the infamous muffin top....that lovely blob of skin and fat that poofs out over the top of one's jeans. To give me some motivation for this 90 Day Challenge, I put on my jeans from LAST YEAR, and took a couple pictures that will serve as my "before" photos. When I looked at them on my camera, I think I threw up in my mouth a little. As you can see, I am pretty much thin everywhere but my mid-section. Not cool. I used to have a six-pack. It's under there...somewhere....  I am cringing right now, because I am about to make these photos public. But really, why should I? Not everyone has a perfect body and most people do struggle. I actually look pretty decent, after having four children. Still, this is not my personal best and I intend to make some serious changes. Besides, I think posting these ugly belly shots will just motivate me even further.

I have NEVER looked like this. I didn't even look like this after having my fourth baby!! This is SAD, people!! It was only after I stopped breastfeeding Jackson (in March 2010) that the muffin top began to appear. Horror of horrors!! 

I tell ya....I turned 30, had my fourth baby...and it all went downhill from there. I used to be able to eat an entire pizza - all by myself!! I'm not saying that was the healthiest thing to do (although it sure was yummy), but - I was able to do it and it never altered my appearance. Now, at age 33, I actually have to work at it. "Work." Ugh...

And then, this year, ZUMBA came into my life. I'd heard about it before, on television, but never thought much about it. I mean, it looked fun...sure. But I never had a desire to buy the product. Earlier this year, I found out my friend from Church was a Zumba instructor. I wanted to get to know her better, support her as an instructor, and - let's face it - get some exercise. Oh. My. Goodness. Zumba was sooo fun!!! I thought, "Zumba, my LOVE - where have you been?!!"  I was instantly hooked. It got even worse when I found out the gym I have a lifetime membership to (24 Hour Fitness) had Zumba classes. Turns out, my friend from Church knew the Zumba instructor from the gym. So, I went to her class. Michaela kicked my butt and I enjoyed every second of it. In fact, one hour was not enough. The great music, the fun routines, the enthusiastic instructor...all made the hour fly by. I thought, "This can't be right! I am basically dancing, having SO much fun, it doesn't feel like exercise, and yet my workout clothes are sweatier than they get when I run a 5k!!"  SOLD.

The great and powerful Michaela introduced me to Shakeology and I love it. I did a Shakeology cleanse shortly before my soldier hubby came home for R&R and lost - *drumroll* - SIX pounds!!! It's a good thing, too...because we went to California for two weeks and ate our weight in awesome food. Shakeology has been really nice to have. I can choose to do a three day cleanse, whenever I want. Otherwise, I substitute one meal each day for a shake. 

I know what I need to do. I need to drink lots of water each day. I need to get a good night's sleep, every night. I need to inject Shakeology and Zumba into my days because they truly are like shots of happy energy. Finally, I need to keep my house free of candy, processed foods, etc....because if it's here, I WILL eat it. I fully admit, when it comes to yummy goodness, I have no willpower. Knowing this, I just need to take the steps to keep myself from failing.

This blog is getting long. I'm glad I started it though. Even if no one reads it, this is a great journal for me to keep track of my thoughts and goals and how I am progressing. And if you ARE reading this...hop on board!! Every day is a new day. Each new day can be a fresh, new start. Yeee-HAW!!!

Motivation: This was me, 6 weeks pregnant with baby #4.
THIS is what I want to get back to.