Plodding along.

That is just what it is right now. Plodding. Not excited, not down. Just plodding. I have managed to excercise 2 times so far this week. Have also managed to write down my foods again.  My weight however is still the same. But that will come, I know if I stick to the plan.  It is snowy, there is no school and it is tempting to sit in a warm chair with my jammies on and not move all day.  Move I must though, and move I shall.  What DOES excite me and motivate me is the fact that my daughter is pregnant and I want to be in much better shape to be able to have fun and play and keep up with a grandbaby. That is going to be so much fun. I can hardly wait and that excites me and motivates me.

New Year and a New Me (new body anyway)

Well we just got back from a wonderful week in Colorado with my family. We stayed in a condo and had a late but great Christmas.  It snowed, we had a fire place, hot chocolate. It was perfect. I love spending time with my family so much.  I did ok with the diet plan.  Didn't write things down and didn't say no to everything, but didn't over do either.  I am within 2 pounds of my lowest so far. I am behind schedule but I am back on track. My NYR is to get to the gym 3 times a week.  No excuses. I will have to adjust my goals times a bit but that is ok.  Happy New Year everyone!

Slow starting but starting.

Ok. So I have written in my food journal for 3 days. I have stayed (barely) in my calorie range but gone over on fat. Still have loads of improvement, but at least getting going again. Shared my blog address on facebook so now all will know.  Yikes. Much pressure now to put my money where my mouth is.  I have good support. I wish like crazy I would just get myself to the gym.  No more excuses. Just do it right? I got a couple of different job opps today and hope that they pan out and then my life will be much easier without the job I dont like right now.  What a sweet day that will be to say good bye to that.  I love mornings as I get older and I would love to be able to excercise in the am. Just not at 5 or 6 am. 8 would be good. Anyway. I'm starting again. So that is good.

EXCUSES

Disorganization. That is my middle name I think. When I get too much activity going I don't stay on track very well. My activity has been working 40-50 hours a week for the last 3 months. And that doesn't count the 45 minute commute or the weekends or evenings on call. Or the massages done in between. And throw in a little traveling, company, a couple of school concerts, a play, some football games, craft club, etc etc etc. You get the picture and that is my excuse. And that is just that. AN EXCUSE. You know the saying don't you? Excuses are like, (can I say Rectums), everybody's got 'em and they stink. So I am through with excuses and ready to get back at it. I knew this would be hard and I am not going to quit. I won't let my family and me down. I have regained 5 pounds and don't want anymore. So today I logged my food and exercise and posted to my blog.

Staying on Track

Staying on track is hard for me. I don't know why. Disorganized? Something in my childhood creeping up? Just don't really want to? Too hard? I don't know but it certainly is.  The last 3 weeks have found me back at work full time and because I am just pooped at the end of the day I just don't get it done.  I certainly don't have time during the day. And by the time the evening comes I am tired and don't want to. All excuses I know. And I also know I MUST change that about myself.  I have stuck to this long enough that I am still very aware of my food choices, but I will soon be back in old habits and gain back my lost weight if I don't MAKE time to do it.  I haven't lost anymore weight and I will not make goal if I don't get it together. Pray for me please. I do NOT want to return to former weight and I don't want to be 5 years at it either.

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!!