A fresh Start

Ok, I think that it is time for me to revisit my weight loss plan, tweak it a little and update you guys on my progress, pitfalls and all that stuff. I began this blog as a way for me to chronicle my journey to a healthier lifestyle and also encourage others and kind of develop a community for those that are under-taking this journey as well.

There are a lot of things that I have learned about myself since I have been on this journey. I am the type of person that needs constant encouragement and motivation. My workouts have to keep me engaged and I need to constantly switch up my routines and workouts so that I can stay interested. I also know that I am not capable of following a “diet” in the classic sense of the word. For me, I need to set my own rules and follow my own path. This means that I have to read, research and constantly revise my plan of action in order to achieve the goals that I have set out.

It has been a journey this past year and I have a renewed sense of determination to lose the weight I have gained since my move to Tennessee. Now don’t get me wrong, the food here is great and while I was eating it I was not complaining. One of the great things about being in the south is that “down-home” cooking, but there is a dark evil side to that as well. My job had an outing and we were asked to take a group picture for the office newsletter, that’s when my eyes were opened to what was happening to me and the cause? My new “southern” lifestyle.

After doing tons of research I think that I have come up with a plan that will help me to stay on track and lose the weight so that I can be healthy again. For a constant source of inspiration I read two articles almost daily. These are articles are stories about women just like me that have lost the weight with a little hard work and determination and are keeping it off.

Sherri Shepherd’s Weight-Loss Secrets

Tamara’s Amazing Weight-loss

My new plan is a hodge-podge of things that I have picked up along the way that made complete sense to me and seemed to be do-able. So taking my personal “body specifications” into account (I like the way that sounds), I drafted a plan, below is the questionnaire I developed for myself. When I need to I will just refer back to it, update it and revise if necessary.

Current Weight: 285.9 lbs

BMI: 45.3 (My scale tells me all this cool stuff, check it out here)

What do I want to accomplish by losing weight?

I want to be able to look in the mirror and appreciate myself. It is important to me to feel healthy and have the ability to run and play and enjoy my time with my son. About ten years ago, just before my 20^th birthday I was diagnosed with chronic hypertension (High blood pressure). I want to control my blood pressure and ensure that I will not have to deal with diabetes and other weight related illnesses that run rampant in my family.

The Beginning (Getting Started is easy, check back with me in October)

What is my short term goal (2 months)?20 lbs

What am I doing to achieve this goal?Walking 30 minutes a day, seven days a week, eating smaller portions and choosing healthier foods. I am also working on changing the way that I eat. Instead of waiting until I am starved and gorge on food, I have taken a page from Dr. Ian’s Fat Smash Diet; 4-5 small meals a day to eliminate the hunger and the unnecessary gorging.

I am also taking the time to continue to read research and share my story with my readers. Understanding that I will cheat and not beat myself up about it is also important for me. I want to be able to keep my journey fun and interesting.

When do I want to reach my short term goal?I would like to reach my short term goal by mid-October.

The Middle (Hey, am I going to be the same weight forever?)

What is my mid-range goal (6 months)?

50-60 lbs

What am I doing to achieve this goal?

I will be sure to update you once I reach this point. However in preparation I will continue to do what I am doing now and add a few key things.

When would I like to reach my mid-term goal?

March of 2010 would be great.

The Long Term (Also known as The Scary Part)

What is my long term goal (12 months)?

100 lbs

What am I doing to achieve this goal?

More on that later (I know, I know sorry to keep you waiting).

When do I want to reach my long-term goal?

I would like to reach by graduation in 2010 (MAY)

Are my goals realistic and attainable? Yes

Who will benefit from me losing weight? Me and my family, especially my son...

How will I reward myself when I reach my goal? SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!

I think that for me this plan will be fairly east to follow. What do you think? I would love to hear from you!