I have never blogged before. But I thought I'd try it since it is supposed to help with accountability. I am tired of starting and stopping and starting and stopping on this weight loss journey. I would like to think (each time) that this is the last time I will have to make this journey and that I will be successful and reach my goal. Once I reach my goal, I will feel better and won't have the aches and pains associated with the weight, which should in turn make it easier to work out and maintain the weight loss.
Well, that is the plan. but frankly, I've gone this route so many times and haven't met my goal that I'm starting to get a little pessimistic with myself. this is the 2nd time I've tried social dieting. It does work for me - as long as I participate. So as soon as this game is over, I will need to find another game. The last time I participated on a site called healthy wage. I successfully dropped 17 lbs. Then everyone on my team jumped ship and I was on my own, eventually gaining back every single pound plus more.
So what is going to be different this time? I'm pulling out all my artillery. I'm participating in the DietBet plus I am a part of a challenge on FaceBook which focuses on healthy eating. I'm also participating in challenges using FitBit with my oldest daughter in the hopes that all of these competitions will fuel my competitive edge.
All I know is that I can't fail. I just can't. Not only do I have a Valentine's Day rendez-vous with a high school classmate at stake, but my health is and always has been at stake. As I approach mid-50's and have lost several classmates to stroke, cancer, and heart disease, I'm more concerned about taking better care of my body not only for my sake, but for my children's sake. Blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep apnea, painful arthritis in my left knee, belly fat, cellulite - all of these things can be controlled through my lifestyle; and if I successfully change my habits, I will be able to drive each of these factors into healthy ranges.
I've also had hormone testing done and based on my results, I've added supplements that should optimize my body's ability to burn fat.
I have seen about 3 lb weight loss in 4 days. More encouraging is that my scale tells me that my % body fat is decreasing. On Jan 2nd, I was 39.9% body fat and now I am at 37.3%. I'm glad I have the scale I have so even when the numbers for lbs don't move drastically, I can monitor my decrease in body fat.
My challenge will be on the weekend when I tend to not have the discipline that I do during the week. I think as long as I make time for physical activity, I will be inspired to feed my body properly for the activities. Time will tell whether or not I will be able to stay inspired and focused on the weekend.