Today’s resolution is one I’m sure everyone can relate to. I’ve struggled with my weight for the past few years. I gained a significant amount while unhappy in a relationship in college, lost almost 30 pounds working at Walt Disney World, and then gained back that weight and then some since having Maisy.
I’ve tried running, Weight Watchers, but nothing seems to stick. So this year, I’m really throwing myself into the game.
Let’s talk about it.
Resolution #3: This year, I will lose weight.
This year, I’d like to shed some pounds. But I’d also like to start a life that is more active and one where I’m making more healthy living choices. I realize Rome wasn’t built in a day, but I want to break the cycle of sitting at a desk all day for work, only to return home and sit all night on the couch.
As I mentioned before, there are several roadblocks to me losing weight, and they are issues I have dealt with for a few years now. Let’s lay them all out on the table. Admitting my problems is my first step to a healthier life.
What’s my problem?
- I’m a bored eater. I’ll be sitting on the couch doing nothing and I’ll feel the need to snack. I’ll be waiting for water to boil while making dinner and I’ll start nosing around the fridge. I need to cut this eating habit as well as…
- Eating off of Maisy’s plate. This is a real bad habit of mine. Maisy doesn’t always eat everything we give her for meals or snacks. I almost always finish her plate for her. I have a hard time throwing away her little scraps or, sometimes, perfectly complete meals because she’s being picky–that’s money I’m putting in the trash! While it seems like a little bit each time, when you count the calories of those scraps for three meals and two snacks a day, it’s really no secret why I’ve packed on the pounds.
- No self-control. Guys, I really really really love food. I love it so much. I have a sweet and salty tooth and sometimes that means it’s just about the hardest thing there is to say no to a snack. There’s cake offered in my office for a birthday, my boss brings in chocolate to our team meeting, Justin swings by Chick-fil-a on his way home. I have a hard time saying no. This is probably the hardest thing I will have to overcome this year. Learning a little self-control.
What are my goals?
- Define hunger and boredom so I better know the difference.
- Have more incidents of self-control than self-indulgence.
- Accurately record calories and meals so I am accountable for everything I’m eating.
What am I trying?
This year, I’m getting back to running. I felt such a rush competing in the Tower of Terror 10-Miler in October, and this year, we have other races ahead of us. Justin and I are both participating in the Royal Family 5k this February, and the Expedition Everest Challenge in May. To train, we’re using the Couch to 5K program, an interval training program that helps you, well, go from the couch to a 5K with confidence.
Speaking of apps, I’m also using the My Fitness Pal app. This free app allows you to record calories, exercise and recipes. It also sets goals for daily doses of sugar, fat, and protein so I can be sure the calories I’m taking in are doing good things for me.
Recording my calories online isn’t enough for me, however. I also am using a custom May Designs notebook to record all my calories, exercise, personal thoughts and water intake. The act of physically writing down my food intake and exercise allows me to feel pride at the end of a successful day and reiterates my shame on bad ones.
I’ve been pinning recipes and fitness tips on Pinterest on a board aptly named “Momma needs a pair of pants without elastic” – send me your favorite pins. I’d love to include them.
So that’s where I’m starting on my weight loss journey.
Do you have fitness goals for 2015? What are you trying?
Ally Jean Blog 