Weigh In - Week 3

 

Sorry for the sideway picture, I forgot to rotate it before I uploaded it.  I've lost 4.4 lbs since last week for a total of 19.2 lbs in 4 weeks.  I only hope that this weight loss continues at this pace. 

Weigh In - Week 2

Well this is my second official weigh in and I lost 2 lbs.  So in total I have lost 14.8 lbs in three weeks.  I'm so happy to be moving in the 250's, that's the smallest I have been in awhile.

Week 1 Weigh In

 

My starting weight last Saturday was 268 lbs and now a week later I'm down to 262.2 for a loss of 5.8 lbs. I actually began my diet 2 weeks ago and the first week I lost 7 lbs but I hadn't started back blogging yet.   So for two weeks I have a total loss of 12.8 lbs.  Yay me.

Beginning Weight

This is my starting weight which I'm not proud of but I'm working on changing it. I will post a picture of my weight each week displayed on the scale.

Weigh In- Week 6

Well I had my week 6 weigh in tonight and I was totally surprised to see I had lost 3 lbs in the last two weeks.  I had to skip weigh in last week because I was in New Orleans and I tried to eat good while I was there and I walked alot but I still didn't expect this much of a loss.  I had two milestones tonight, I hit my 5% goal and I hit 15.6 lbs lost.  I'm so happy right now and I hope the weight loss continues.  My next hurdle is to hit my 10% goal which would be 27 lbs total lost.  The journey continues.

Weigh In

I know I haven't been posting much but I've still been trying to lose.  I've been going to the YMCA 2 to 3 times a week and working out with a friend and trying to eat right.  All my hard work seems to be paying off because I have lost 6.6 lbs.  Yay for me.  I'm still struggling to eat right and the bulimia isn't 100% under control but I'm still working on it.  The more I lose the more I want to lose so thats motivating me to keep going.  It feels so good to be doing something positive for my health. 

My personal 2011 goals

My goals for the year 2011:
(updates will be in red)

Well my eating finally caught up with me this week and I gained 3.4 lbs and to be honest I don't feel that bad about it.  I feel like I've been running from a gain for the last 2 weeks and I'm happy to finally get it over with.  Now I can forgive myself and move forward.  I honestly believe my problem is eating to many carbs, thats where the weight is coming from.  I'm going to try to avoid carbs as much as I can this next week and see what happens.  Do I feel like I have my mojo back yet?....NO....Am I ready to give up yet?.....NO....Even though I may have had a gain this week the things I'm doing for my body are making me healthier, maybe not weight wise but physically it is.  Something will kick in one of these days and I will have my momentum back, until then I just keep on keeping on. 

1. Walking Goal:  I figure there are 52 weeks in a year and if I walk 2 miles a day 5 times a week then thats 520 miles a year but just to add in alittle challenge I'm going to say 600 miles. So my new goal for this upcoming year is to walk 600 miles in 2011.  (Only walked 5 miles this last week)



2. Biking Goal:  I haven't really been riding my bike that much but it is something that I want to start doing. I'm not going to set this goal very high since its something new to me and I can always add to it later. I figure 52 weeks in a year and if I ride my bike 3 times a week for at least 2 miles then thats 312 miles but I'm just going to round it off to 300 miles. So my new goal for this upcoming year is to ride my bike 300 miles in 2011.  (Only rode 1 mile this last week)




3. YMCA Goal:  I plan on hitting the gym at least 3 times a week to do strength training.  (Haven't made it to the Y yet)

4. Swimming Goal:  I know the Y has a pool and I would love to add this to my workout. I'm thinking I will try to swim at least 2 times a week.  (Haven't made it to the Y yet)

5. Crunches Goal:  My stomach is a real problem area for me so I'm planning on doing crunches every other day. Right now I'm at a 100 crunches but as I get stronger I will increase that.  (Only did 200 crunches this last week)


I know this seems like alot of working out but this is what I need to do to get my body in shape. We all know that when you lose alot of weight things don't spring back like they should and I can always alter these goals later if they don't seem to be working for me.

6. Weight Loss Goal: I'm still aiming for 2 lbs a week so here are my goals:

January 25, 2011- 203 lbs (Current weight 215.2lbs, gain of 3.4 lbs)
February 22, 2011- 195 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 187 lbs
April 19, 2011- 179 lbs
May 17, 2011- 171 lbs
June 14, 2011- 163 lbs
July 12, 2011- 155 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 147 lbs
September 6, 2011- 140 lbs ( this would be the smallest I've ever been)

At the rate of 2 lbs a week I should be at my goal weight in 9 months. That may seem like a long time to some but as you get older time flies and 9 months is nothing.

7. Water Goal: I had a goal in 2010 of drinking at least 128 oz of water a day but of course I never hit that goal so for 2011 I'm just going to work on drinking as much water as possible without setting a goal.  (Still not drinking as much water as I should)

8. Eating Goals: The following are my goals for my food intake daily:

Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on.  (Still eating to much sugar)

Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day.  (Getting in alittle more fruits daily)

Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Something I really need to start focusing on is getting in my vegetables, I truly think that is what was helping me lose weight)


Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs.  (I am eating way to many carbs which is causing me to gain weight so I need to lay off the carbs)

Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas again.  (Doing ok at this goal)
Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food.  (Need to stay away from restaurants completely but not doing to good at this goal)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

I know it seems like alot but it all goes hand in hand with each other and I can always change up my goals later, I love a good challenge though.

Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):
December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (I weigh 211.8 lbs so I maintained this week)
January 25, 2011- 197 lbs
February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 181 lbs
April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:
I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.
(I have walked 157.2 miles so far in this challenge, only 2.8 miles to go)

Hot 100 Challenge:

Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:

#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 157.2 miles so far, only 2.8 miles to go)
#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 23.6 lbs so far, I hit my goal)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through Christmas without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (12/1/10-12/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I've been doing ok on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 11.5 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I had alittle fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 23.6 lbs so far in this challenge)

Sarah at http://lowstressweightloss.com/blog/ is hosting No Gain Holidays challenge and I have decided to take part. The challenge runs from November 22 until January 3 and you can join anytime. My beginning weight was 218.2 lbs.

(I maintained this week)



I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

I'm not giving up!

I'm going to finish this year out strong.  Today is Christmas Day and my eating wasn't the greatest but tomorrow is a new day.  The next week is going to be challenging but hey I don't mind a good challenge.

1.  My family is actually having their Christmas celebration tomorrow but I'm going to win this challenge. 

2.  We only have 6 days left in this year and I still have to finish out my walking challenge by walking 14 more miles to reach my 160 miles walked goal.  I'm not sure how I'm going to meet this goal considering we have like 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground but I'm hoping the rest of the week the weather will be better. 

3.  I did have a gain this week of 1 lb so my next goal is to get that one pound off by the end of the year. 

4.  I would love to hit 40 lbs lost by January 1, 2011 but I don't think thats going to happen because I would need to lose 4.8 lbs at my next weigh in, but you never know if I watched what I ate really close for the next 6 days I just might make it.

5.  I wanted to hit the weight I was alittle over a year ago which was 205 lbs but I would need to lose 6.8 lbs by New Years but hey miracles can happen. 

6.  I've also set goals for my first day back to college which is January 6, 2011 which is 12 days from now.  That gives me 2 weeks which I would love to be at my 205 lb goal weight.  Guess I'll just have to do my best and see what happens. 

7.  Having the kids at home from school over Christmas vacation has really put a damper on my exercise because I use to walk while they were at school.  As soon as they are back in school I'm going to be full force with my walking and I'm going to start hitting the YMCA as many days a week as I can.  I would love to add swimming to my exercise routine and weight training. 

I have a new inspiration in my life for getting in shape, I've started dating again and met a very special man who accepts me just the way I am but that only makes me want to be my very best for him even more.  I know I've been slipping alot and it seems like excuse after excuse for why I'm not eating right or exercising like I should but I'm not giving up on my weight loss.  I can beat this demon inside me that keeps telling me to just eat and not worry about my weight.  I've come to far to give up now and I refuse to gain the weight back I've lost.  I may not be where I need to be mentally right now but I know what I have to do to succeed.  I'm just going to go back to taking my weight loss one day at a time and stop thinking about the long term.  Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas.

Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):

December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (I weigh 211.8 lbs so I gained 1 lb this week)

January 25, 2011- 197 lbs

February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)

March 22, 2011- 181 lbs

April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:
I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.
(I have walked 146 miles so far in this challenge, only 14 miles to go)

Hot 100 Challenge:
Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:

#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 146 miles so far, only 14 miles to go)
#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 23.6 lbs so far, I hit my goal)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through my sons birthday party without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (12/1/10-12/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I haven't been doing to good on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 4 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I have eaten to much fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 23.6 lbs so far in this challenge)

Sarah at http://lowstressweightloss.com/blog/ is hosting No Gain Holidays challenge and I have decided to take part. The challenge runs from November 22 until January 3 and you can join anytime. My beginning weight was 218.2 lbs.
(I gained 1 lb this week, only 1 week to go)

I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

Short Term Goals

Today was my weigh in day and I was shocked to see I had lost 2.4 lbs this week.  I haven't been eating to well and my exercise was almost nonexistant this week.  Maybe eating alittle different then I was is shocking my body I don't know but I'm glad I'm still losing.  I was hoping to be 205 lbs by Christmas but I doubt I will lose 5.8 lbs by next week, I'm going to try my best though.  I posted earlier this week about wanting to lose as much weight as possible by the time I go back to school on January 6, 2011.  I would love to be under 200 lbs but I only have 20 days until I go back.  I can't believe I'm so close to being under 200 lbs though, only 10.8 lbs.  It still amazes me that I've come this far and I'm still doing it.  Here are my goals for the next 3 weeks which is when I go back to school.

1.  I have to walk 18 miles more by New Years to hit my 160 miles walked goal.  Not a problem I will probably do way more than 18 miles.
2.  Hit 205 lbs by Christmas.  I seriously doubt this is going to happen but it doesn't hurt to try.
3.  Hit 40 lbs lost total by New Years.  I should have no problem hitting this.
4.  Make it through my sons birthday party tomorrow and Christmas next weekend without overeating.  I don't see any problem with them, I'm not really worried about overeating.
5.  Drink at least 68 oz of water a day.  Still working on this, some days are better than others.
6.  Avoid fast food for the next 3 weeks.  I've really been doing bad at this goal and its deifinitely something that would help me lose more weight.
7.  Limit sugar, carbs and soda and eat more veggies, fruit and protein.
8.  Take advantage of my YMCA membership to start doing strength training again.  I really need to start working on toning up because we all know what happens when you lose alot of weight.
9.  Get back to reading my fellow bloggers blogs to get motivation and inspiration.

I can't believe we are this close to the end of the year, only 14 days.  I want to make this the best 2 weeks so far.  Thanks again for all of your support and I hope the rest of this year is wonderful to you.

Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):
December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (I weigh 210.8 lbs so I lost 2.4 lbs this week)
January 25, 2011- 197 lbs
February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 181 lbs
April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:
I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.
(I have walked 142 miles so far in this challenge, only 18 miles to go)

Hot 100 Challenge:
Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:

#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 142 miles so far, only 18 miles to go)
#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 24.6 lbs so far, I hit my goal)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through a Thanksgiving without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (11/1/10-11/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I haven't been doing to good on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 6 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I have eaten to much fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 24.6 lbs so far in this challenge)

Sarah at http://lowstressweightloss.com/blog/ is hosting No Gain Holidays challenge and I have decided to take part. The challenge runs from November 22 until January 3 and you can join anytime. My beginning weight was 218.2 lbs.

(So far I've had no gains, only 2 weeks to go)

I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

Time to get serious

Over the last month I've really lost sight of what I'm trying to accomplish by losing weight and exercising.  I just haven't been very focused on anything lately and that definitely needs to change.  I'm still losing weight but I'm not doing it in a healthy way and eventually its going to catch up with me.  I'm so proud of myself for what I've accomplished so far and I don't want to start going backwards.  Its time for me to get serious about my weight loss again. 

This past Monday was my last day of school for the semester and I don't go back until January 6, 2011.  When I return to school I really want people to notice a difference in me.  That might sound selfish but its nice to have your hardwork be recognized.  That means I have 22 days to work as hard as I can before I have to return to school.  I think it helps me to break my goals down into smaller challenges like this.  It gives me something to work towards.
I'm still working on my New Years goals right now.  I have 22 miles to walk before January 1, 2011 to hit my 160 miles walked goal.  I'm also working on weighing what I did a year ago by hitting 205 lbs, right now I have about 7 lbs to go to hit that goal.  I would love to hit 40 lbs lost by New Years so thats what I'm aiming for.  One of my Hot 100 challenge goals is to make it through the holidays without overeating and I'm not really concerned about that.  I have my sons birthday party this weekend and then Christmas but I think I will be fine at both of these events.  I'm still working on drinking all my water which is something I really need to focus on, also I need to get away from the fast food which I've been eating alot of lately.  I also need to lay off the sugar and carbs and get back to more fruits and veggies.  So I know what I need to do to succeed I just need to put my mind to it.  I know I can do this, I have no doubts in myself its just a matter of doing it. 
I am going to the YMCA today and getting my free membership because I'm tired of using the cold weather as an excuse for not exercising.  I was working to hard and seeing my work pay off to stop exercising now.  We only have 16 days left in this year and when January 1, 2011 gets here I want to know that I did everything possible to be at the lowest weight I could be by that date.  I want to start this New Years off right.  I've set alot of goals for myself I know but I know I can do it.  Goals are what keep me on track and give me something to strive for. 
I hope all of you are going to make these last 16 days in this year the best so far.  Your support has kept me going and I will always appreciate that.  I have gotten off track with my blogging and weight loss but I think I'm back in the right frame of mind to do what I need to do now.  I'm going to spend today visiting blogs and getting motivation from each and everyone of you.  Thanks for all your comments and support.

Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):
December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (I weigh 213.2 lbs so I lost 2.4 lbs this week)
January 25, 2011- 197 lbs
February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 181 lbs
April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:

I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.

(I have walked 136 miles so far in this challenge.)

Hot 100 Challenge:
Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:
#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 136 miles so far.)#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 22.2 lbs so far, I hit my goal)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through a Thanksgiving without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (11/1/10-11/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I haven't been doing to good on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 8.4 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I have eaten to much fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 22.2 lbs so far in this challenge)

Sarah at http://lowstressweightloss.com/blog/  is hosting No Gain Holidays challenge and I have decided to take part. The challenge runs from November 22 until January 3 and you can join anytime. My beginning weight was 218.2 lbs.

(So far I've had no gains, only 3 weeks to go)

I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):
December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (I 215.6 weigh lbs)
January 25, 2011- 197 lbs
February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 181 lbs
April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs (it would be nice to celebrate our 5 year anniversary with me at this weight)
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:
I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.

(I have walked 128 miles so far in this challenge.)

Hot 100 Challenge:

Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:

#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 128 miles so far.)
#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 19.8 lbs so far, I only need .2 lbs to hit my goal)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through a Thanksgiving without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (11/1/10-11/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I haven't been doing to good on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 9 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I have eaten to much fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 19.8 lbs so far in this challenge.)

Sarah at http://lowstressweightloss.com/blog/ is hosting No Gain Holidays challenge and I have decided to take part.  The challenge runs from November 22 until January 3 and you can join anytime.  My beginning weight was 218.2 lbs.
(So far I've had no gains only a month to go)

I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

Countdown

I just realized there are only 30 days left until New Years.  This last month has been really stressful and even though I've continued to lose weight I still don't feel like I'm doing my best.  I know I should be happy with what I've accomplished so far but its hard not to see where I've messed up and wished I could have done better.  I want to end this year on a positive note so I need to really dig deep and get back on track.  I was hoping to be under 200 lbs by New Years but I see now thats not going to happen but thats ok because in 30 days I can get alot closer to that goal then I am right now.  I have my sons birthday party coming up in the middle of the month and then Christmas dinner but I'm really not that concerned about these events.  I do need to get back to the basics and start watching my carbs, sugar and sodium intake and increase my fiber, fruits, vegetables and water intake.  Its going to get harder for me to exercise outside as it gets colder so I'm thinking of joining the YMCA so I always have a place to workout.  I don't want to give myself any reason to be lazy.  I was thinking earlier how long I've been on my weight loss journey and how I haven't had one week where I have gained.  I just checked and thats 15 weeks of straight losses but yet I beat myself up for not doing better.  This is the first time in my life that I'm eating right and exercising and losing weight in a healthy way so why am I always complaining?  Does anyone else feel like what they are doing isn't good enough?  Why do we do this to ourselves?  Its no wonder we keep losing and gaining the weight back our self esteem is shot.  I'm starting back to counseling soon and this is going to be one of the issues I work on is my self esteem and confidence.  Until I have these qualities I don't think I'm going to be successful at anything in life because if I don't believe in myself who else is going to.  So I'm challenging everyone else including myself to make these last 30 days of the year the best so far.  Lets start the New Years off with a bang.

Update Pics

Last time I posted my weight loss pics was when I had lost 20 lbs.  As of this morning I'm down 32.4 lbs so I thought it was time to post some new pics.  First pic is when I started my weight loss journey at 247 lbs and second pic was just taken just a few minutes ago and I weigh 214.6 lbs now.

I know there are some differences but I'm still disappointed in my progress, I'm just ready to not be fat anymore.



Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):
November 30, 2010- 213 lbs (I weigh 216 lbs)
December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (42 lb loss for Christmas would make it a very merry Christmas)
January 25, 2011- 197 lbs
February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 181 lbs
April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs (it would be nice to celebrate our 5 year anniversary with me at this weight)
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:
I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.
(I have walked 119 miles so far in this challenge.)

Hot 100 Challenge:
Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:
#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 119 miles so far.)
#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 19.4 lbs so far.)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through a Thanksgiving without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (11/1/10-11/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I haven't been doing to good on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 13 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I have eaten to much fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.

(I have lost 19.4 lbs so far in this challenge.)

I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

Goals, Challenges and Weigh In Updates

I decided to keep all my challenges and goals together in one post to make it easier to track everything. I know it seems like I have taken on alot but its keeps me motivated and keeps me busy so I don't think about food so much. Updates are in red.


Weight loss goals (2 lbs a week):
November 30, 2010- 213 lbs (I weigh 218.2 lbs)
December 28, 2010- 205 lbs (42 lb loss for Christmas would make it a very merry Christmas)
January 25, 2011- 197 lbs
February 22, 2011- 189 lbs (under 200 for valentines how sweet that would be)
March 22, 2011- 181 lbs
April 19, 2011- 173 lbs
May 17, 2011- 165 lbs (it would be nice to celebrate our 5 year anniversary with me at this weight)
June 14, 2011- 157 lbs
July 12, 2011- 149 lbs ( 2 days before my birthday what a wonderful birthday present to myself)
August 9, 2011- 141 lbs (this would be the smallest I have ever been)

Recommended Daily Allowances:
(not really a challenge but something I need to keep an eye on)
Calories: 1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
Fat: 64 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar: 40 grams
Protein: 50 grams
Sodium: 2400 milligrams

Exercise:
I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years. I am using the ticker on the right side of my blog to keep track of how far I have walked.
(I have walked 106 miles so far in this challenge.)

Hot 100 Challenge:
Steve from http://logmyloss.com/ is hosting the Hot 100 Challenge. The Hot 100 is a challenge focused on the last 100 days of 2010 beginning September 23, 2010. Here are my goals:

#1....This was my own personal challenge anyway so I'm adding it as my first goal here.....walk 160 miles by New Years.
(I have walked 106 miles so far.)
#2....Continue to eat healthy and exercise so I can lose 20 lbs by New Years. Beginning weight 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 17.2 lbs so far.)
#3....Make it through the holiday season without falling back into old eating patterns.
(I made it through a Halloween without overeating so I'm doing pretty good so far.)

Monthly Goals (11/1/10-11/31/10):
(my own personal goals)
1. Water- My goal has been to drink 128 oz of water a day but I still have not managed to accomplish this so that is my first goal I'm going to work on this month. (I have still yet to hit this goal)
2. Sugar- I have greatly reduced my sugar intake already but its still something I need to continue to work on. (The last week I ate way to much sugar, definitely got to work on this goal)
3. Fruits- I love fruits especially sweet fruits like bananas, apples and grapes but I have learned that fruits have alot of natural sugar in them so you do need to watch how much you eat so my goal this month is to continue to keep my fruit intake to a maximum of 1-2 servings per day. (I haven't been doing to good on this goal)
4. Vegetables- I have always been a vegetable eater but I have had to learn to replace some of my carbs like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with vegetables instead. I am learning to try new vegetables that I've never had before to add some variety into my eating and vegetables really are good for you and help to fill you up. So I plan on continuing to try at least one new vegetable and make sure I get my daily servings of veggies in. (Lately I haven't been eating as many veggies so I need to work on this)
5. Carbohydrates- This is probably one of my favorite types of foods, I mean who doesn't love macaroni and cheese and pasta dishes and breads but if you aren't careful these types of food can put alot of weight on you. So I plan on continuing to really watch my intake of carbs. (This last week I ate way to many carbs, time to get back on track)
6. Exercise- I have been doing really good at exercise but I am adding that as one of my goals so that I make sure I continue to get all of my exercise in. I am challenging myself to walk/jog 5-6 days a week and at least 15 miles a week. (This last week I only got in 10 miles)
7. Soda- I have mainly been drinking water but I have been sneaking in a couple diet sodas a week and I want to completely give up sodas this month. (I drank a couple diet sodas this last week)
8. Fast Food- I try to pick the healthiest thing when I get fast food but like a friend pointed out to me no fast food is healthy. I'm only picking out the least unhealthy thing on the menu so this is definitely something I need to give up. So my last goal is to completely avoid fast food this next month. (I have eaten to much fast food this last week)

I Refuse to Blow it Over the Holidays Challenge:
This challenge is being hosted by Erika at http://wwwfatlikeme.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html . Its just a personal challenge not to overeat during the holidays. You just keep track of how much weight you have lost from the first day of fall until after New Years. My beginning weight was 235.4 lbs.
(I have lost 17.2 lbs so far in this challenge.)

I know this seems like alot of goals and challenges but they all kind of fit together I just want to be able to update all of them on the same day to make it easier for me to remember.

It's Time

As most of you know last weekend my husband and myself decided it was best to seperate and life has been up in the air alittle bit since then.  I'm trying to continue with my exercise and eating right but I have noticed that I've eaten out alot this last week and thats just not going to do.  Now I do have to give myself credit for making the best choices I could under the circumstances but its time get back to normal around here.

Earlier my oldest son who I don't get much time to spend just one on one time with wanted to go eat chinese food which also happens to be an all you can eat buffet.  I absolutely love this particular restaurant and have avoided it like the plague because I just didn't think I had enough control to not overeat.  I tried to talk my son into picking somewheres else but thats really what he wanted so I went with a plan in my head.  I was going to stick to as many veggies as I could, avoid anything fried and skip the dessert.  Overall I did pretty good considering what choices I had but I did leave the restaurant feeling regret for going there.  For the first time in along time the thought of purging entered my head but I pushed it away.  I tried to tell myself the same old rationalization I use to use that it would only be this one time and then I would do better after this but I know better.  One time leads to a million and if I had done it then thats outright giving myself permission to overeat anytime I want because I have that as a backup plan and I refuse to fall back on old bad habits. 

I have spent this last week getting my house in order, schools going great, the kids well they are as mean as ever but that will take time and now its time to put my focus back on me and make sure I'm doing all I can to maximize my weight loss.  This morning I decided to issue myself a new challenge.  I want to be under 200 lbs by New Years.  That means I have 7 weeks to lose 19.1 lbs.  I know that goal seems alittle daunting but hey I like to push myself and if I fall short then I know I have done all I could to try to hit that goal. 

My other goal I am working on is to walk 160 miles between September 10, 2010 and January 1, 2011.  So far I've walked 100 miles so I only have 60 to go which should be no problem at all and I may even raise the closer I get to New Years.  Its such an amazing feeling to set goals and accomplish them even if its just small ones.  The confidence it builds in you really does help with your weight loss.

Now all I have to do is make it through the holidays without overeating.  I'm very confident I can do this.  I'm just going to take it one holiday at a time.  Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and then my oldest sons birthday is right before Christmas and then Christmas.  I don't plan on cooking any meals this year because we will be celebrating at my moms so that means no leftovers to worry about.  I just have to have the willpower to make it through those family meals without overdoing it. 

When I started on this journey I thought it would take forever to lose weight and it was coming off so slowly that I didn't really see any differences.  I'm noticing differences now, I have dropped from a size 20 to a size 16 and I actually got into a pair of bluejeans today that I haven't worn since over a year ago.  Just to see and feel my clothes getting looser is motivation in itself to keep going.  In only 3 months I have lost 28 lbs, thats amazing.  I'm sure I could have lost more if I was doing some extreme diet but I'm trying to learn a way of eating I can maintain for the rest of my life, one where I don't feel like I'm having to sacrifice everything.  No I don't eat perfect but what I'm doing is working.  Perfection has always been my downfall and I refuse to follow that path again. 

I still have things I need to work on such as my water intake.  I have been struggling with this for the last 3 months but today while I was eating I was drinking water out of a straw and it really did help.  I think I'm going to start using a straw and just drinking as much as I can at a time.  I can tell a difference in how my body functions and how I feel when I drink more water and I know it helps with weight loss so I really need to focus on this.  Second thing I need to work on is avoiding fast food again.  I was doing so good with this and then our seperation happened and I started slipping again.  I promised myself that I wasn't going to let anyone or anything stand in my way and I plan on keeping that promise.  Third thing is staying away from soda, even diet soda.  The other day I had a really bad eating day and I ate alot of sugar and drank quite a few glasses of diet soda with caffeine in it and the whole day my heart was doing flip flops in my chest.  This is a condition that I got from my mom and its nothing to worry about but just seeing what effect sugar and caffeine had on me was an eye opener.

I just need to stay focused, keep on plan and take it one day at a time.  Tomorrow things are returning to normal around here.  I will be cooking my meals so that I can eat as healthy as possible and I think I will challenge myself to walk as far as I can just to start this week off on a good note.  I think I need one really good day just to get back on track.  Who else is with me, lets make this the best week so far.