2026 Mission Lean

Why Goals Matter

A girl must have goals to stay in shape. Periodt!

A good way to focus on achieving them is to use a special event. Maybe the motivation is the island getaway, upcoming wedding or graduation. Or, look amazing for your husband for your 20th wedding anniversary (yep...that's me!).

Goals give discipline a destination. Without one, motivation disappears quickly.

The Why, The Journey, and The Strategy

I use a biometric scale that reads about 2% lower than a DEXA scan (Dual-Energy Xray Absorptiometry). Both measure body composition and my current body fat percentage lands somewhere between 28-30%.

For a 50+ year old woman, this is healthy and acceptable.

But what's my real goal?

To be FIT.

To have longevity.

To reduce body fat lowers the risk for all chronic diseases because that's where true wealth lives.

HEALTH IS WEALTH!

Through previous DEXA scans, I know my bone density and muscle mass are on point. Weight bearing exercises like walking and lifting weights have been key players for me...thank you hubby and 75 Hard!

Since 2020 (we all know what happened then 🙃), I've been building my body back to where I was before life (career, family, responsibilities) became a roadblock.

Where It All Began

My gym life started back in the 90s with my girl Nikki at Powerhouse Gym. We learned weight training together, often the only women surrounded by men. That foundation shaped everything.

The Stalls (Because Life Happens)

My fitness journey stalled twice.

First stall:

A move from the suburbs to the city. Longer commute. Energy depleted. Motivation? ZERO.

Then, my best friend set her wedding date six months after my oldest son was born. Game on.

I joined the gym in my office building, hired a personal trainer, and ordered Seattle Sutton meals. Consistency and portion control helped me snap back after both pregnancies.

Second stall:

A perfect storm—job changes, young kids, and one very interesting manager (details omitted 😌).

During this phase, I leaned into intermittent fasting (long before it was trendy) eating two meals a day. It wasn’t just about weight management. It required an unwavering mindset shift to just say NO and stick with the program.

I pushed my eating window as close to 2 PM as possible. The result?

✅No afternoon slump

✅Sharper focus at work

✅Flexibility to enjoy family dinners

The Comeback

A couple of years ago, I formally returned to the gym—this time committing to 5:30 AM workouts with my hubby. Early workouts guarantee completion before the day gets chaotic.

Here’s how we stay on track:

• Plan workouts in advance (Aaron usually programs them the night before)

• Accountability partners (friend, trainer, or spouse—bonus points if your husband is a former certified personal trainer 😉)

• Protein-forward breakfast or a defined food plan post-workout

• Mindset management—especially while working through knee pain and limited range of motion

  
  

I’ve also tracked my food for nearly two years. Post-menopause changed everything about what my body tolerates.

Mission Lean is my personal strategy to dial my nutrition in consistently.

Lessons Learned (And Carried Into 2026)

Here’s what I’ve learned and what I’m taking with me into 2026:

1. Limit Eating Out

If you see me splurging, chances are that’s my only meal of the day. You can’t control how restaurant food is prepared, and it’s usually loaded with calories that don’t serve you.

I’ve used Fitbit and now Cronometer. Planning my meals keeps my head in the game.

2. Drink Your Water

Enhance hydration with lime, lemon, Himalayan sea salt, ginger, fruit, or cucumber. Teas, smoothies, and protein shakes count if water is the base. (75 Hard may disagree, but do what works for you.)

3. Processed Foods & Sugar = Hard NO

This one hurts...especially my beloved chai lattes ☕💔. Processed foods are addictive, inflammatory, and brutal on joints and nerves. Reducing sugar has been a game changer for inflammation.

How to Break the Cycle?

For me:

➡️ 72-hour water fast

➡️ Followed by 14 days with no sugar or white flour

This resets cravings and retrains the brain.

The Data (Because Numbers Matter)

Since last year, I’ve gained weight—some of it muscle, which is a win.

• Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR): 0.78 (improved from last year)

• Body fat is still concentrated around the waist

• WHO guidelines:

  • Women: WHR above 0.85 = increased health risk

I’m currently around 31.9% body fat (visceral + subcutaneous), and yes—I still want that number lower.

😉

The Game Plan: Mission Lean

Keeping it simple and sustainable:

• Protein & veggies as core meals

• No pork

• Low sugar, low carbs

• No eating after dark (evening snacks derail everything)

  
  

📅 Next DEXA scan: March 11, 2026🎯 Goal: Mid-20% body fat range

Yes, part of this is aesthetic. I want to feel confident in my clothes, and there are wardrobe pieces I refuse to replace.

But the deeper mission is wellness with better circulation, reduced inflammation, optimal lymphatic drainage, and fewer doctor visits by addressing root causes early.

Summary: Your Turn

Mission Lean isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention and consistency.

Are you ready to move closer to ideal health? What goals are you anchoring your journey to?Let me know. I’m cheering you on!

Hugs and much love

💛