Week 1: Goals and motivation

Beginning weight: 229#
Last weigh-in weight: 229#
Current weight: 224.6#
Amount lost week 1: 4.4#
Goal weight 1: 205# (because it's one pound less than what my fiance weighs)
Ultimate goal weight: 140# (weight going into college)

Total # lost to date: 4.4#
Total # to goal weight 1: 19.4#
Total # to ultimate goal weight:  84.6#

Yes, I'm posting my weight.  I think it's important not to feel ashamed and I think it's good to create this kind of accountability with a blog.  I want to be able to see my accomplishments and I want you to see them as well, even if that means sharing my weight with you.



I had a blog all written out and ready to go but I changed my mind about the topic.  I was going to talk about keeping a journal and calorie counting, but I was inspired by an article I read today in the October issue of Health Magazine (which I couldn't find on their website) about setting goals in a lifestyle aspect (there are similar articles on their website).  The main idea of the article was to pinpoint the reason you are dieting (other than to fit into your skinny jeans) and let that reason motivate not only your diet, but the way you live your life.


Why do we diet? The women in the article outline what motivates them to loose weight and most of them find this motivation organically, or accidentally.  One woman quit smoking so that she could have a healthier pregnancy and to distract herself from cigarette cravings, she worked out.  She loved the results so she proceeded with other changes including her diet. 

Another woman's motivation was simply about her dog.  Her dog had way too much energy so she started walking him everyday and without realizing it, she lost 10 pounds.  The weight loss made her take on more behaviors that promoted healthy living and weight loss.

My main reason for loosing weight, I think, is to be healthier for pregnancy.  I expect to start trying in about two years (I know, the thought of it weirds me out a little too) and I want to be at a healthier weight and I want to already have a healthier diet established by the time I am pregnant.  Not only that, but I want to get down a couple dress sizes in time for my wedding. 
I also want to appreciate nature more; being outdoors is spiritual to me.  I want to go on walks more to feel this connectedness with nature AND to exercise. 


One good habit leads to another.  All of the women in the article start with one good habit, one thing that motivates them.  Eventually that leads to developing another good habit and from there they can't slow their momentum; they feel energetic, they feel positive, they want to try new things, and they have more confidence to do so. 

I am anxious to see what kind of habits I might pick up from changing my life style.  I already notice I have more energy to do household chores like cleaning up and doing laundry (weird right?)  I also have an interest in cooking and in vegetarian cooking, so we will see where that leads me.  I also kick my butt into identifying excuses I make up for not eating healthy and not exercising...so far I think it's working okay...I lost almost 4 and 1/2 pounds this week, and that's even with a little McDonald's slip up!  Imagine what I can do if I make more changes and keep motivated.  Before I even read the article in Health, I made a list of 100 reasons I wanted to loose weight (I know, 100 seems like a lot, but it can be any reason and once you get on a roll, you keep going.  I probably could have gone over 100).  Maybe I will post them eventually. 


That's all for now,
Kristen