FIRST GOAL ATTAINED!!!!!!

Today I am very happy to say I met my first 3 month goal.  I am currently 276 pounds. Down a total of 18 pounds from when I started.  Let's review the goal:

July 21-Oct. 21, 2010 starting weight: 294 check
Goal: 15-20 pound loss for weight of 274-279 check
I follow a 1500-1800 cal. per day diet plan. that has changed since I added some exercise and am following spark people's suggestion. It is usually  1700-2100 or so depending on amount of exercise.
I keep a food journal and I map out my meals before the day begins and stick to the plan. mostly check. Have missed some days, usually when I am busy.  I must watch it very closely or else I slip into old habits very easily. Sticking to plan is harder without writing it down.
I keep a written log of every single thing that goes in my mouth (in case I am human and mess up) see above.
I drink 1/2 my bodyweight in ounces per day. (and baby that is alot right now) have probably only done this 1/3 of the time.  I try, but that is alot of water.  I start everyday with that goal though, and I really think it is a very important part of the plan. 
I do not eat any more after the last meal of my day. 90% of the time. Still striving for 100%
I walk 3 times a week for 30 minutes. No check. Started out good first month, but have fallen off the wagon in this area.  Exercise seems to be a very hard challenge for me. A goal to continue to strive for.
I concentrate on eating slower. Needs improvement still. Takes a very concious effort for me.
I read stories that inspire of those who have conquered their weight. Have not done daily but have done alot. It is helpful.
I hang visible reminders in my view to remind me continually of my pledges and goals. This I have not done. I think it would help though.  Since I have had success I haven't been as motivated to do this, but I know a time will come that I may NEED this.
I share this plan with family and accept their support. I make a contract with them. check. Will you guys review as well and add or change or not?

My family and a few close friends have been so supportive of me and I am most grateful.  The journey is a long one and far from over, but I know you will all be there for me. Thank you so much.  I like the way the goals are divided into 3 month increments. I feel excited and motivated like a new beginning to stay on track and fix what needs fixed.  18 more pounds and I will surely be noticing a big difference. I am ready now to invite some of my other friends and family to join me in my journey now.  This feels great now, I can't even imagine what it will be like when I lose all the weight I want. I look so forward to that day. 

New Goals Review:
Oct. 21 - Jan. 21, 2011 current weight: 274-279 (now 276)

Goal: 15-20 pound loss for weight of 254-264 (256-261)
I continue all the above and review the contract, visible reminders and check in with support. Make any changes needed. work on
I keep a food journal and I map out my meals before the day begins and stick to the plan
I keep a written log of every single thing that goes in my mouth (in case I am human and mess up)
I drink 1/2 my bodyweight in ounces per day
I do not eat any more after the last meal of my day
I increase 30 minute walk to 6 days per week. Need to meet this goal first: I walk 3 times a week for 30  minutes

I work on possible emotional reasons for weight being out of control. I lose 20# by my 47th birthday.

Small Success

I lost another 2 pounds. Again. I am smiling. I am back to the lowest I have been in a long time. 3 more pounds and I will have reached the high end of my 15-20 pound weight loss goal.  And I have 8 more days to do it.  I am going to try. If I only lose 1 or 2 though I am still in the goal and will have succeeded.  I am so happy that I have stuck to the plan for the most part.  Some bad times, but mostly good.  I will have to improve some things if I want it to keep coming off I know.  But for now it is good.
The whole family was here last weekend. Loved it so much!!

No Wonder

Well I have been avoiding this post.  Not doing so hot on the diet.  Been here before.  I just don't understand myself sometimes.  I have lost 25 pounds in the last year.  Could I just keep it up? I am going to try not to be hard on myself but I am a little unhappy with me today.  I gained 2 pounds since last weigh in.  I wanted to lose 3 more before my family came to visit this weekend. Not going to happen even if I starve myself. Literally. Anyway I fell off the wagon, ate peanuts and candy corn, ice cream cake, pizza, cookies, lots of snack crackers, some dips, some chips. Failed to write stuff down.  Why did I even buy some of that stuff? A Halloween tradition, a birthday, a trip out of town and unorganization.  Oh my how easy it is (even after nearly 3 months) to slip right back into terrible habits.  The difference this time is that I will reorganize myself and get back to it.  I can do this. I have been doing this.  Goal this week: Do NOT overeat or eat badly because family is here. This is no excuse.  Remember that I NEVER want to go back to previous weight.  No matter how many times I fall, I will pick myself up and keep going.