I started by keeping a food journal, and I faithfully recorded every bite of food that crossed my lips... for about 3 months. That was long enough to confirm that my biggest food problem (aside from overly large portions) was snacking. Specifically, snacking while watching TV. So, I try to find other things to do with my time. Obviously, I haven't been overly successful with this because my house is still a wreck and I have at least a dozen unfinished projects in my craft room. And the M&M's... they will always be a temptation for me as long as they are in the house. *sigh*
Exercise has become a regular thing for me. Some weeks are more regular than others, but I try to get at least 4 workouts in every week. Sometimes I count weekend yard work as a workout, but I figure that if I'm sweating, it counts. I've built up quite a collection of workout videos, and mix them up to keep it interesting. The last week has been focused completely on yoga, since I rubbed blisters on my heels (new shoes) and needed something I could do barefoot. See... no excuses!!!
I've been recording my weight and measurements every week... okay, most weeks... at least once a month, to see how I'm progressing. Sometimes the numbers have gone up, but mostly they've gone down. I set a goal to lose 69 pounds. Yes, I know, that sounds like a lot of weight, and it is. The fact is that I had gained a lot of weight, and 69 pounds would put me at a healthy weight for my height - not model thin, just healthy. As of this week, I still have about 43 more pounds to lose.
For an entire year, I blogged about my progress every week. Okay, I may have missed one or two weeks. I shared my successes and failures with the world - okay, my five regular readers (LOVE you guys!!) - and I think that knowing that I would have to 'fess up kept me on track better than any paid weight loss program. I plan to continue posting, but on a monthly-ish basis. I am looking forward to one day writing that "I did it!" post.
My numbers:
Pounds (+/-) since last post: -4.6
Total weight loss: 26.4
Total weight loss: 26.4
Inches (+/-) since last post: 3
Total inches lost: 36.5
Motivation: We really can't expect to be successful when we attempt something without the proper motivation. A lot of things have kept me motivated in the last year - my health, my family, being able to climb a flight of stairs without gasping for breath. Vanity played a big part in it, too. (Re-read the first sentence.) This week, I will be attending my 30 year high school reunion. Though I haven't yet reached my goal, I'm healthy, I'm happy, I feel really good about myself, and I look good!
Here's to the Northbrook Raiders Class of '82. Huzzah!
Motivation: We really can't expect to be successful when we attempt something without the proper motivation. A lot of things have kept me motivated in the last year - my health, my family, being able to climb a flight of stairs without gasping for breath. Vanity played a big part in it, too. (Re-read the first sentence.) This week, I will be attending my 30 year high school reunion. Though I haven't yet reached my goal, I'm healthy, I'm happy, I feel really good about myself, and I look good!
Here's to the Northbrook Raiders Class of '82. Huzzah!
