Plan to Get Back on Track

So, here I am, practically a year later on my weight loss journey (not a year since this blog was started, but a year, nonetheless), and I am 53 pounds lighter. I think. Why do I say I think? Because my last weigh-in was on August 5th, when I hit that magical place I’ve aspired to reach since first starting out on my trek: Onederland.

Why am I scared to hop back on the scale? Because I binged last week. I fell off the wagon hard, hit a brick wall, tripped up…feel free to insert whatever well-meaning cliche here. And yesterday, I binged again.

So, it’s time to retreat and review. A week off plan is better than a month off plan, so before that bad week becomes a bad month, I’ve created a plan of attack to get back on track.

1. One Soda a Day–I did so well at the beginning, switching from Coke to Diet Coke, then dropping to one Diet Coke a day. And now I’m up to three Diet Dr. Pepper’s a day. The stress of a new job is not helping, but if I don’t practice self-control now, I won’t be successful later on in keeping off the weight.

2. One Piece of Chocolate a Day–Another bad habit that’s crept back into my life is replacing good calories for bad ones. I’ve started eating two candy bars a day again. But no longer. From here on out, it’s one piece of chocolate a day, so I must choose wisely.

3. Exercise According to Trainer’s Plan–I hired a cycling coach, but workouts aren’t effective if not completed, so I will follow his plan starting today.

4. Weigh Myself Every Friday–It takes a big person (no pun intended) to face the scale once a week. I won’t be afraid of criticism, especially when it “comes” from a machine that’s not sentient.

5. No Meat or Milk–When I followed the blood-type diet, I felt amazing. My cycling improved, my sleep improved, my outlook on life improved. Now that I’ve gone back to eating crap, I feel sluggish, and my face is beginning to break out again. So, rather than switch back to the blood-type diet cold turkey, I plan to implement change a little at a time. So that means no meat or daily products, save for mozzarella cheese.

And that’s it. It’s amazing. I know what to do, so why can’t I do it? Because I let the “monster” slip back into the dark, and when I can’t see it, I let it run amuck. But now, my “monster” is back in the light, and I’m attacking head-on.

How’s everyone else doing on your weight loss journey?

Huh? Really?

I still have a couple of people looking at my blog everyday? Cool. 🙂

I’ve been away, but I haven’t been slacking. I’m down 47# since August of last year, and I’m still going strong. I even hired a cycling coach to help me train more efficiently. Now it doesn’t feel like I’m spinning out of control.

I’m thinking of taking this blog in a new direction to help establish a platform. So, not only will it be about my weight loss journey, but also my journey as a writer. Will you still follow along with me? I hope so. I’ve met too many wonderful people to lose you now. 🙂

Have a good night, dear ones.

Backing Off the Soda, or How I Plan to Be Good

As an aspiring screenwriter, I know the importance of outlines. For example, in order to have a scene payoff, that scene first needs to be set-up. The same is true for weight loss: If I want to see 150 pounds on the scale while I’m standing on it, I must plan out the steps to reach that number. In order to make my third try at weight loss a successful one, I plan to incorporate the following five fitness goals in my life, starting today.

1. Exercise at least 45 minutes a day, six days a week.

2. Cycle three days a week (includes Spinning classes).

3. Play tag with my daughter at North Central Park at least once a week.

4. Be able to do 100 consecutive push-ups by December 31, 2011.

5. Rest on Saturdays.

And don’t think I’ve forgotten about food. I’m the first to admit that I’m a foodie. I’ve let my taste buds run my life, but not after today. Today, I pledge to do the following:

1. Eat five fruits and/or vegetables a day.

2. Limit consumption of Coca-Cola to one can a day (so, so hard).

3. Substitute one protein shake for one meal.

4. Instead of chips, snack on yogurt (frozen counts).

5. Count every single calorie, even if I’ve gone over my limit.

I’m not dieting or drastically changing my life. I like Muscle Milk and Herbalife protein shakes, so it’s not a punishment to switch out a meal for one. And the weather in Laredo is perfect for going to the park on a winter’s day. See, I don’t want to be thin. For too long, being thin has served as my motivation to lose weight. I remember thinking, “I want to look good in this dress,” and “What if one day I can fit into a tankini?” I’m through with wanting to be thin, with chanting, “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.” I just want to be healthy, and I need to start somewhere. These ten goals are the foundation for the rest of my life as a healthy girl.