From Fat to Back, A Comical Self Journey to Dieting.

It’s been a whirlwind, folks, the kind that sweeps you off your feet and into yet another airport, hotel, or business dinner where every meal is an Olympic event. These past six weeks of travel have turned into a parade of bad habits sneaking back in like old friends you didn’t quite invite to the party. Now, if you’ve never wrestled with the joys of weight loss, this might be hard to relate to. But trust me—getting back on track feels like trying to nail Jello to a wall.

I was doing so well, still down from where I started! But I can feel the weight lurking in the shadows, like a villain in a low-budget horror movie, just waiting to pounce. With every flight, every hotel buffet, I see old Elaine winking at me, whispering, “Come on, you’ve earned that dessert. You’re in a new city, try the local delicacies!” And then I just stand there, head in my hands, thinking, "Elaine, what are you doing? Seriously, where’s your ‘no’ voice? Where’s the part of you that’s supposed to scream, 'PUT DOWN THAT PASTA!'?"

The jogs? Oh, those were cute. They've gracefully morphed into leisurely strolls. I tell myself, "A walk is still something, right?" But deep down, I know it’s time for a swift kick in the rear before winter rolls in and makes it even harder to resist comfort foods and cozy couches.

So, here’s the plan: buckle up, dig out the inner drill sergeant, and set this ship back on course! I’m calling it: Operation 'Don’t Let the Holidays Win'! Stay tuned—I’m sure there’ll be some mishaps, but at least we can laugh through them!

Hey everyone!

It's been a hot minute since my last update here on "Fat to Back." Work has been a whirlwind of travel—Nashville, Dallas, and now Saint-Hyacinth. If you’re wondering where I’ve been, just follow the trail of airport snacks and hotel room coffee.

The scales have decided to take a nap, and my weight is at a standstill. Between juggling time zones and mixing up schedules, keeping up with my weight loss journey has been as tricky as trying to get a taxi during a downpour in Nashville! I’m still squeezing in my walks, but I need to step up my game during these road trips. The year’s not over, and neither is my quest for better health.

In a fun twist, one of my friends recently asked, “Who is this? I recognize your voice but it sounds like someone from the past.” Maybe it’s the jet lag talking or just my voice trying to catch up with the many miles I’ve traveled.

Here’s to more walks, more consistency, and hopefully, a little less chaos. Thanks for sticking with me through this rollercoaster of a journey. Let’s keep moving forward—literally and figuratively!

Catch you all soon!

Elaine

Today's Fat to Back: Part 2

So, my traditional nature kicked in—no loss? No way! So, I laced up my sneakers and decided to show that scale who’s boss. I started with a 1 km jog to the track and back, then tackled 5,000 meters around the track. That’s 12 laps for those keeping score, and on each lap, I threw in 10 incline push-ups, 10 squats, and 10 single-leg lifts. You do the math—120 push-ups, squats, and leg lifts later, I was feeling pretty smug.

To top it off, Kobi and I did a 1 km victory lap around the neighborhood, clocking in at 7 km (or 7,000 meters) and 9,700 steps for the day. So yeah, screw you, scale. You’re not the boss of me!

From Fat to Back: The Weekend Warrior’s Fiasco

Well, folks, if you’re tuning in for an inspiring tale of flawless fitness and unfaltering discipline, I’m afraid you’re in for a bit of a letdown. This week’s update comes with a side of heavy sighs and a sprinkle of self-deprecating humor because, let’s be honest, when life hands you a gym membership and you still manage to lounge around with ribs and ice cream, you’ve got to laugh or you’ll just cry.

So, let’s rewind to the weekend. Picture this: me, fully embracing the “treat yourself” mentality with the zeal of a kid in a candy store. I had big plans—plans that included ribs slathered in barbecue sauce and an ice cream bar that I swear whispered sweet nothings to me. All the best intentions of hitting the gym or choosing a lighter meal? They were swiftly overtaken by the seductive power of sticky fingers and creamy indulgence.

Fast forward to Sunday morning. I step on the scale with the optimism of someone who just can’t accept the consequences of their weekend decisions. Instead of seeing a drop in pounds, the scale looked back at me with a cold, unfeeling stare: no loss at all. Not a single ounce. Beyond disappointed? Oh, honey, that’s an understatement. I was in full-on, woe-is-me, pity-party mode.

But, as I wallowed in my self-imposed misery, a little voice in the back of my head (probably the same one that reads motivational quotes) reminded me that setbacks are a part of the journey. Yes, I failed to lose a single ounce, but I also managed to gain a whole lot of perspective. It’s like the universe handed me a lesson in “You get nothing if you don’t put in the work”—and threw in a side of guilt for good measure.

Here’s the thing: we all have those weeks where things don’t go according to plan. Maybe we indulge a little too much, or skip out on that workout because, you know, the couch is just so comfortable. The trick isn’t to dwell on the scale’s refusal to cooperate or beat ourselves up over one less-than-perfect weekend. The trick is to get back on track faster than you can say “post-ribs run.”

So, as I lace up my running shoes and prepare to embark on a 5km run this Sunday morning at 6am (yes, I’m one of those people who actually gets up early to exercise), I’m reminded that a single setback doesn’t define our journey. It’s just a funny story to tell, a reminder that we’re human, and that we’re all in this together, bumbling our way through fitness fads and food temptations.

Here’s to getting back on track, and to laughing at ourselves along the way. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with the open road and a playlist that will hopefully drown out my inner grumbling. Until next time, stay strong, keep moving, and remember—if you fall off the wagon, just hop back on.

Another Work Travel Week – The Best Laid Plans

Hey everyone,

Welcome back to another edition of Fat to Back! I hope you’re all doing great and staying committed to your fitness goals. This week’s update comes from the road again, as work has whisked me away for yet another travel stint.

As always, I had grand plans for staying on track while away from home. I packed my workout pants and shoes, full of good intentions to hit the hotel gym and squeeze in some solid workouts. But, as fate would have it, I managed to forget one crucial piece of the puzzle: my workout tops. Yes, you read that right—I was left without anything to wear for a proper gym session.

At first, I was frustrated. How could I forget such an essential item? But rather than letting it derail my whole week, I decided to improvise. I dug out my trusty resistance bands and bodyweight exercises to create a makeshift workout routine right in my hotel room. It wasn’t the intense gym session I had planned, but it kept me moving and sweating.

The good news is that while my workout plans had to shift, my eating habits stayed on point. I made a conscious effort to stick to clean, nutritious meals, focusing on lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. I even found some healthy dining options nearby and kept hydrated throughout the week.

It’s always a bit of a challenge to maintain routines while traveling, but I’m proud of the way I adapted and stayed committed to my clean eating goals. The real test will come on Sunday when I do my weekly weigh-in and see if these efforts have paid off.

Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of the situation. I’m excited to share the results with you and see how these small adjustments have impacted my journey.

Stay tuned for the Sunday update, and here’s to staying adaptable and focused, no matter where life takes us!

Until next time,

Day 27: From Fat to Back

Well, folks, it’s been a wild ride so far, but I’ve hit my first milestone—10 pounds down! 🎉 Even after a whirlwind work week in Nashville, I managed to keep my focus and shed some pounds. Maybe it’s all the running around at Fiber Connect or dodging BBQ joints with their tempting smells, but hey, it worked!

Now, let’s talk about my trusty sidekick, Kobi. Bless his heart, my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not as spry as he used to be. The big walks are a bit much for him these days. But you know what? It’s all good! When I head out on our walks, Kobi gets his fill after a bit, and then I loop back to the house to drop him off, giving me an extra kilometer to myself. Kobi, you’re doing me a favor, buddy!

My handy Apple Watch has been keeping me honest. I’ve gone from a below-average cardio fitness18.9 VO2 max to an above-average cardio fitness 25.6 VO2 max! Talk about progress. I’m practically ready to compete in the Olympics—well, the couch-to-fridge relay, at least. But in all seriousness, it feels amazing to see those numbers climb.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. My knees have been giving me some trouble. I’m not sure if it’s veins, arthritis, or just a case of “I’m-not-20-anymore-itis.” In the immortal words of the late, great Toby Keith, I need “a little less walk and a lot more action.” Translation: it’s time to up my weight training game.

So, here I am, 10 pounds lighter, a bit sore, but definitely determined. The journey continues, and I’m ready for whatever comes next—whether it’s a new personal best on my Apple Watch or finally figuring out how to properly use all the tentacles of the ‘metal octopus’ in my home gym.

Until next time, stay fit, stay funny, and remember, a little progress each day adds up to big results.

Till tomorrow

The Good, the Bad, and the Darn Right Ugly: A Nashville Adventure
Hello, friends and fellow adventurers! Buckle up, because this week's blog post is a wild ride through the highs, the lows, and the just plain "What was I thinking?" moments of my life, straight from the heart of Nashville.

The Good 🍎

Let’s start with a victory lap around the salad bar! I’ve been pretty good with food this week—lots of veggies, lean meats, and just a smidge of carbs. But, let's not pretend I’ve turned into a health saint overnight. There were two late-night hotdog incidents. Who can resist the call of a midnight street meat anyway? Certainly not me!

Exercise? Oh, I’ve been on fire! Instead of dancing in my living room, I’ve been taking my moves from bar to bar on Broadway St. Walking around Nashville has been great for the legs, and the evening dancing at the honky-tonks has kept my heart pumping. Who knew work trips could be this active?

The Bad 🍷

Now, onto the bad, or should I say, the boozy? A few drinks in the evening have turned into one too many for this newly proclaimed lightweight. I swear, my head was pounding like a Toby Keith drum solo. It seems I’m a bit out of practice. Who knew a few cocktails could hit harder than a linebacker?

The Darn Right Ugly 👣

And then, we hit the ugly. Sore feet and lack of sleep. My dogs are barking louder than KOBI on a rainy day. Between all the walking, dancing, and the late-night munchies, my feet are ready to go on strike. Add to that a serious lack of shut-eye, and you’ve got a recipe for a cranky Elaine. Anyone else relate to this sleep-deprived, foot-sore struggle?

The Fun 🎶

But let’s not forget the fun! I went to see a Toby Keith tribute concert, and let me tell you, it was fan-frickentastic! Not a dry eye in the house, including mine. Thank goodness for the lovely lady next to me who came prepared with tissues. I was a blubbering mess. Turns out, I’m more country than I thought. Who knew my heartstrings had a twang?

So, there you have it—the good, the bad, and the darn right ugly of my week in Nashville. Here's to more dancing, fewer hotdogs, and maybe, just maybe, getting a bit more sleep. Until next time, keep your tissues handy and your feet happy!

Cheers,
Elaine

Ah, temptation—the bane of our existence, especially when it comes wrapped in the neon glow and honky-tonk charm of Nashville! Picture this: I’m gearing up for Fiber Connect, ready to dazzle customers with my expertise, but just outside the conference center, Music City will be calling my name.

I start the week with the best intentions. I've packed my schedule with meetings, booth visits, and networking events. Determined to avoid the temptations of the city, I've even packed my gym clothes and my cowboy boots—because nothing says discipline like being prepared for both a workout and a night out, right?

The first day will go smoothly. I'll hit the gym, feel the burn, and mentally high-five myself for resisting the allure of hot chicken and live music. But then, on the second day, I might hear the distant strum of a guitar and the soulful croon of a country singer. My resolve could waver. "Just one night," I might tell myself. "I deserve it after all this hard work."

Fast forward to me potentially sitting in a cozy bar, savoring hot chicken so spicy it’s practically a dare, washing it down with a bourbon that tastes like liquid temptation. My phone could buzz—an email reminder about the next day’s big presentation. "No problem," I might think, "I'll be fine." But then, the band might strike up another tune, and before I know it, I could be on the dance floor, boot-scootin' my way into the wee hours.

The next morning, I might be standing at the booth, eyes a bit glassy, smile a bit wobbly, trying to remember the key points of my presentation. I might silently vow to avoid the nightlife for the remaining two days. But as the sun sets and the city lights up, I could hear it again: the sweet, irresistible sound of temptation, luring me back for just one more song.

And that, dear friends, is the challenge of a work week in Nashville—a constant battle between professional dedication and the siren call of a good time. May my willpower be strong, my meetings productive, and my nights filled with just the right amount of Music City magic.

Keep you posted!

Elaine

Day 16: Kobi's Start-Stop Shenanigans

Oh boy, what a morning! It was a classic start-and-stop scenario with Kobi. First, he wanted to go for a walk. Then he didn’t. Then he did. So, off we went, but about a quarter of a kilometer in, he decided, "Nah, let's head back home." So, back to the house I took him, and then I headed out solo for my 5km.

Some days, it’s hard to stay motivated, especially when your dog is giving you the "let's go home and back to bed" eyes. But I persevered and made it through the 5km. It took me 45 minutes, so not my best time, but hey, I'm still only 16 days in and, let's face it, way overweight.

As I sit here writing my blog and chugging down a nice glass of water, I was thinking to myself, "Why didn’t I start this earlier?" I mean, I know what to do; I've done it before. But the act of getting fit is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one.

Here’s a detailed rundown of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with getting started and those first few weeks:

Excitement: "This is it! I’m finally doing it!"

That initial rush of enthusiasm when you decide to make a change. Everything feels possible, and you're filled with optimism.
Determination: "I’m going to crush this!"

You set your goals and plan your workouts, feeling unstoppable. You're ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
Doubt: "Can I actually do this?"

Reality sets in. The workouts are tough, your muscles ache, and you start questioning if you can really stick with it.
Frustration: "Why is this so hard?"

The progress seems slow, the scale isn't budging, and you find yourself getting annoyed at how challenging it all feels.
Resignation: "Maybe I’ll just skip today..."

The temptation to give up sneaks in. Skipping a workout or indulging in junk food seems much easier than sticking to the plan.
Renewed Determination: "No, I can’t quit now."

You dig deep, reminding yourself why you started. That inner voice of perseverance kicks in, urging you to keep going.
Pride: "Hey, I did it! I survived another day!"

Completing a workout or sticking to your diet gives you a sense of accomplishment. You realize you're stronger than you thought.
Reflection: "Why didn’t I start this earlier?"

Looking back, you wonder why you waited so long to take this step. The benefits are clear, and you start to feel grateful for the progress you've made.
Hope: "I can see the changes. I’m getting there!"

Small victories add up. You notice changes in your body, energy levels, and mood. Hope becomes a powerful motivator.
Humor: "At least I’m not alone in this craziness!"

You find the humor in your struggles, sharing laughs with friends or family who are on similar journeys. It lightens the load and keeps you moving forward.
So, there you have it, folks. The emotional states of getting fit, summed up in ten points. Stay tuned for Day 17 – who knows what kind of shenanigans Kobi and I will get into next!

Till tomorrow

Elaine

Day 15: Oops, I Forgot to Post!

Well, folks, it seems the day ran away from me yesterday, and I forgot to submit my post! Honestly, I only managed to do 2km and then came home for a full-body workout. And then, I did a full head workout because, oh my goodness, what a crazy workday it was! It felt like the universe decided to play a game of "How Much Can Elaine Handle Before She Implodes?"

I had 11 or maybe 15 things I was trying to complete, and by mid-afternoon, I thought, "Is this what juggling flaming swords feels like?" I had to step away to gain some clarity and look at it from a different angle, which truly helped! Who knew a quick walk around the block could transform into a mini mental vacation?

As for my food intake, well, I think I ate more fruit yesterday than I ever have in my lifetime. No, really! I know fruit has a lot of sugar, but for some reason, I turned into a human fruit salad. I had a peach, some mango, raspberries, and half an apple. It was like a fruit parade in my kitchen, and I was the grand marshal! I’m glad the scale thing only happens once a week because who knows what it would say after my fruity escapades.

Stay tuned for Day 16 – maybe I'll turn into a vegetable this time!