What Comes After The 30 Day Shred?

Well, I did it, you guys. I completed all 30 days of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred! To say that I feel great is a huge understatement. I'm not sure what's improved more: my mental strength or physical strength. Either way, I'm so glad that I achieved my goal, especially considering I had to complete the last 4 days on vacation.

It would have been easy for me to be like, "Well, I did 26 days so I don't need to worry about 4 measly days." But the new, disciplined me was like, "Shut up, lazy bum." (When you live alone, you talk to yourself a lot, okay). So anyways, I packed my hand weights, exercise mat, and 30 Day Shred DVD in my giant green suitcase and busted those last 4 days out at my grandma's house & then at the lake house. 

I know I said I wasn't going to weigh myself, but my curiosity got the best of me last night. The last time I got on the dreaded scale was back in February, so while I'm not exactly sure if my starting weight 30 days ago was the same, it was probably close. With that in mind, I was happy to see that after a month of exercising each day and much healthier eating habits, I am 20 pounds lighter. Woo hoo! I can tell that my clothes are looser, and I'm well on my way to feeling fit & fabulous.

Originally, I had planned to continue working out each day, alternating Zumba on the Wii, yoga, and the 30 Day Shred. However, after seeing me exercise while we were on vacation, my sister asked if she could borrow the 30 Day Shred to get "buff" before her wedding (Also, she sang Chicago's "You're The Inspiration" to me. Okay, no she didn't, but that would have been awesome). So, little sis took the DVD home with her.

Luckily, my sweet friend, Ashley lent me another Jillian Michael's DVD, Ripped in 30; I used it last night, and have decided to make my new fitness goal to stick with Ms. Michaels for another 30 days and get "ripped". Let me just say that I'm glad I did the 30 Day Shred first, because I can already tell this program is even more intense. But since I'm now a workout beast, I'm sure the next 30 days are going to be a piece of cake (insert laughter here).

Nutrition over the next 30 days will be focused on finding a realistic balance between what's good for me & what's not-so-good-but-tastes-really-good (I'm looking at you, hamburgers & french fries). Bascially, if it's a special occasion like a party or a night out with friends, I'll allow myself to indulge (within reason). But for the most part, I'll be cooking with whole foods at home. I'll repeat some of the healthy dishes that I cooked last month & really enjoyed, but am looking for new ideas too. Help a sister out, y'all.

Here's to accomplishing my goal these past 30 days, and here's to the next 30. Cheers!