Goals

I've read that it's important to make a clear outline of your goal when you are trying to lose weight. So today I'm going to outline it in detail.


My Weight Goal:

First and foremost, I want to lose a total of 60 pounds. I started this journey on June 4, 2012. To date, I've already lost 20 pounds (see chart above, provided by Lose It!). Meaning that I need to lose an additional 40 pounds to reach my goal weight. I want to have this 40 pounds gone by December of this year. That gives me 5 entire months to lose it. That equals to a total loss of 8 pounds per month.

My Exercise Goal:

Exercise is essential. I can't lose at the rate I want to lose at if I don't put forth some real effort. That being said, right now I'm walking (briskly) 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes. I have also been jumping rope for 5-10 minutes. I TRY to do that everyday, but sometimes I do need rest. I'd like to work up to 1 hour and 30 minutes of brisk walking 4-5 times a week, and 20 minutes every day of jumping rope. I'd like to add in a few new exercises to the mix as well, but I haven't decided on anything. Any ideas??

My Food Goal:

Oh food, how I love you! Food and I have a long history, and I believe I've loved food a little too much over the years. So here's what I want to do. Lose It! uses ChooseMyPlate.gov to show you the food groups you're eating and the food groups that you're lacking. (See above plate from June 29, 2012.) Yesterday, I did well on fruit, protien, and dairy. However, even though I ate some of all of the food groups, I didn't eat enough veggies or grains. My goal is to have the right amount of every group, every day while also staying under my calorie allowance.

I CAN, I WILL, I AM!

Jade

Overcoming!

There is nothing more frustrating than eating right, drinking tons of water, and exercising your butt off only to see no weight loss on that scale. I was on a plateau, but I finally over came it. I refuse to let that scale beat me. One thing that we have to remember is that we didn't gain this weight over night, and we're definitely not going to lose it over night. It takes time. Sometimes we hit bumps in the road but it's important to keep your eye on the goal and keep moving forward.

If there is one thing I've learned, its that if I keep eating right and moving, I'm going to lose. I may not see it right away, but eventually I will weigh in and see a loss. Impatience is something you can't afford if you want to be successful in this. At least not for me...

I've been trying to add more fruits and veggies to my diet. My husband made fish and fries last night for dinner. I ate the fish but steamed some broccoli to go with it instead of eating the potatoes. I also added an apple to the dish. Made it a healthy dinner-- for me at least. If you have a husband who is standing in the way of your goal, don't be afraid to step on his toes a little to get what you need out of dinner time. My husband isn't happy when I don't eat what he cooks, but he'll be okay. ;)

Until next time!

Jade

The Plan So Far

Hello World!

This is my first blog regarding my health and weight loss goals. To start, I am using Lose It! to record my progress. For those of you who are curious as to what Lose It! is... here's the dish: It's a mobile application and website that is used for recording everything you eat and all of the exercise you do. You've probably heard a million times: "Write down everything you eat so that you know exactly what is going into your body." Well, I'm here to tell you that Lose It! makes it easy to do, and it even gives you nice little charts and offers a social media experience to go with it. You will find thousands (millions?) of people on Lose It! who are on a similar journey. They are supportive, and offer you different opinions and experiences as you go along your journey.

Now, aside from Lose It!, I've stopped eating the things I know are pretty much off limits. After all, you can't eat pizza, chips, cake, and cookies if you plan to achieve any progress. Right?? Wrong, I don't eat those unless it's a reduced calorie/fat version. However, if I absolutely have to have one of these high fat foods, I control the portions. Meaning that you really have to watch the serving sizes, and just try to stay under your calorie budgets.

Exercise... I hate exercise. I mean, sweating sucks, and I'd prefer not to do it. Nevertheless, it is a necessary evil for my personal goals. I have a neighbor who loves to walk, so I usually go with her in the afternoons. I try to squeeze in 10-15 minute walks during my work day. Still trying to figure out what I'm going to do about being at a desk 40+ hours a week, but that's another story. I bought a weighted jump rope from Golds Gym, and I try to get in 5-10 minutes a day on that. If you're thinking that sounds short, just imagine, I'm a fat girl, and 10 minutes of jumping rope is HARD for me. :)

Anyway, I started all of this 4 weeks ago. I've lost 19 pounds so far!! Sooo, it's working. But this is just the beginning. Stay tuned!


Jade