One thing I've learned is that I must do things slowly and consistently in order for things to change. It might not work for everyone mind you, but it works best for me. If I take on too much too soon, I burn out faster than a Fourth-of-July sparkler. For instance:
Messing with the diet plan first. Once I got this to a healthier level, I went to the next step. Please note I said healthier, not completely healthy. I'll explain why in a minute.
Getting into physical shape. I started walking first. I didn't buy weights, join a gym, or do anything extreme as I started, because I knew I would poop out too soon. Remember the old Aesop tale of the tortoise and the hare- slow and steady wins the race!
When those two things became habits, I stepped it up. I started going to a gym and doing toning exercises- I wasn't trying to build muscle- just make the muscle I did have a bit more firm. I worked out until I was slightly sore, and took a day off in between. In fact, I'm still doing it! When it gets to a point where I'm not sore, I usually do one of two things- add weights (usually 5 pounds at a time) or add repetitions- never both.
In the kitchen I stepped it up by cutting down on seconds. Even if I was truly hungry for more, I would only give myself a spoonful or two as a 'second helping' and that usually was enough. I stepped it up again when that became a habit, and tested my theories on flours- then I started making my own breads. Even if I wasn't eating bread, my family was, and homemade bread is not only cheaper, but better for you!
The idea is not to change the kitchen around in a day, but to gradually introduce new recipes to the menu and see what tastes better to the entire family. I'm working towards getting rid of 80-90 percent of the prepared foods we have now and have a collection of foods that I can either make myself, or have them made as close to it's natural state as possible. That's why it's 80-90 and not 100 percent- I don't think I can do a complete turn-around without having my own farm!
I am happy to report that I behaved myself last week and not only didn't eat anymore cake, I walked 15.5 miles! And the scaled showed the results- not only did I lose that 1.5 pounds I gained last Monday, but I am now a svelte 291.5!
That's right folks- that's a total loss of 28.5 pounds! 1.5 pounds away from the big 3-0!
And that means I'm closer to my next goal weight-275. That also means I have a better chance of fitting into my wedding dress from 15 years ago! I was 265 then (not thin, but thinner than I am now!), and with any luck, I might be able to wear it for our 15th anniversary in mid-May. It's a stretch, but I think I can do it! This isn't my main goal though- just a step in the right direction. The main goal is to get somewhere in the 160-170 range in the next 2-2.5 years!
That, and living a healthier lifestyle- being able to go on long hikes with the kids, eating better foods, and just enjoying life without getting out of breath!
Keep those chins up and your weight down- God bless!
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