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. 

Never giving up

I love some of these quotes I get from SparkPeople. They are not only good for my dieting mind but also for life in general sometimes. I hope you are inspired as well.

Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.


- Chinese Proverb


Do you ever get frustrated because things are moving too slowly in your life? Many people don't realize that building a foundation for success does not happen overnight. It is a slow process in which you are constantly working and learning. After all, that foundation must remain strong, even in times of failure or crisis. This takes time! You may have to remind yourself that "failing" is only failure if you quit; otherwise it's a learning opportunity. So don't worry if your life seems to be moving in slow motion. Concentrate on building a solid foundation and learning from your back steps.

What do you stand for?

"Stand for something or fall for anything.

                                       - Anonymous

Have you ever thought about the power of having a purpose? Everyone needs something that gets them moving in the morning, keeps them going through the day, and makes them continue to work toward a goal. Take some time to think about the activities you are involved in and how they relate to your personal purpose. For the activities that don't serve your purpose, ask yourself why you continue with them. Perhaps you need to reevaluate your commitments and renew your conviction toward your purpose. "

This comes from my spark people website. Quote of the day. I liked it alot.

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. -unknown

Taking the more difficult road to success

Cheating to get ahead might get you the grade or promotion, but in the long run it really sets you back. Intelligence, creativity, hard work, and solid character--the things that propel you forward--are not fostered by taking the easy way out. You don't earn anything by short-cutting your work. You're only cutting your potential short. Sure you might feel relieved that a stressful task has passed, but an undeserving sense of relief doesn't compare to the gratification of knowing that you completed your own work. If something in your life is difficult, meet it head on and earn the satisfaction of earning a job well done--with honesty and integrity.

This was the quote of the day over at Spark People where I keep track of my weigh loss and food intake.

Keeping My Hands Busy