Mon. Jan 30 - S

Okay...so I've had a couple weeks of a rough patch thanks to being sick and the medication I was on. I finally feel well enough to actually work out this week, so I've decided that I will try getting back on track starting today (although I'm not entirely happy with what I've eaten today). Oh well, here goes.

Weigh-in: 162.5 lbs (up 1.5 from my last weigh in on Jan 21).

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. strawberry jam, Activia, water

SNACK: 1 mango, 2 laughing cow cheese, water; tea with milk

LUNCH: 3 oz. ham, 1/2 c. mashed potatoes, 1 clementine, 1 couple sugar snap peas, water

SNACK: 1 Greek yogurt, water; coffee (dd)

DINNER: Big Mac combo with fries, water

Post-exercise: water, tea with milk, 1/2 apple strudel, 6 mini chocolate chip shortbread


Exercise: 20 min. cardio, 10 min. abs (FIRM workout)

Thurs. Jan 19 - S

Two more days of these meds after today. I just want to be off them. I'm not even sure if I should try to work out these days or just wait as I keep getting dizzy spells in the evening. GRRR!!!!


BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water

SNACK: 1 banana, water

LUNCH: 4 oz. salt fish, 1/2 c. potatoes, water

SNACK: Greek yogurt (120 cal.)

DINNER: tbd


Exercise: none :(

Wed. Jan 18 - S

I am REALLY getting sick of this drug. I am honestly feeling nauseous all the time now and my mouth is consistently sour. I am afraid to eat anything!


BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. jam, Activia, water

SNACK: 1 banana, water; 2 cookies

LUNCH: 1 c. homemade pea soup, 2 pieces of toast (lightly buttered), water

SNACK: Greek yogurt (130 cal), water

DINNER: 1 c. fettuccine alfredo with meat, 1/2 c. chips, water; tea


Exercise: None :(

Tues. Jan 17 - S

I swear, this medication freaking sucks and I have no idea why I write my food down this week because it all tastes like crap or makes me feel shitty anyway!

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water; caramel latte

SNACK: 1/2 c. grapes, 2 laughing cow cheese, water; coffee (2 c, 1 sugar)

LUNCH: 3 oz. veal, 6 sprigs of asparagus, 1/4 c. spaghetti squash, 2 clementines, water

SNACK: Greek yogurt (120 cal), 3 cookies, coffee, water

DINNER: 1 large grilled chicken sub (heavy on the veggies, including hot peppers...which threw off my stomach so much I almost threw up on my drive home), water


Exercise: None :(

Mon. Jan 16 - S

Being sick sucks! I honestly hate this medication, it makes water and anything I drink taste like shit! Grr!

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water

SNACK: 1/2 c. grapes, 2 laughing cow cheese, water; peppermint tea

LUNCH: 2 chicken fingers with plum sauce, 1/2 c. lentil soup, 2 pieces toast (lightly buttered), water

SNACK: 2 turtles, Greek yogurt (130 cal), coffee, water

DINNER: 1/2 c. basmati rice, 4 oz. veal, water; 2 cadbury cookies, tea with milk


Exercise: NONE :(

Today marks the start of the 10 week weight lose challenge with work. Unfortunately, I feel like complete and uter crap today. I have the chills, fever and think I am getting sick with what Derwin had :-( Totally not fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not looking forward to working tonight...hopefully they'll send me home early.

Breakfast:Skinny Latte with extra shot of espresso-45 Cal
Liberte Blackberry Yogurt-130
1 Chicken Finger from last night

Lunch: 2 Chicken Fingers from last night with Ketchup

Dinner: Soup of some sort

Sun. Jan 15 - S

I don't know how it's possible, but I feel the WORST today

BREAKFAST: 2 pieces of w.w. toast (lightly buttered), 2 chocolate chip cookies, 2 Italian tortelli (?), water; tea

SNACK: 1 chocolate chip cookie, 2 tortelli

LUNCH: 1-1/2 c. lentil soup, 3 crackers, water

DINNER: 3 tbsp. soup, 1 piece toast (lightly toasted), couple of cookies, water; tea


Exercise: none :(

Well....yesterday was a HORRIBLE CHEAT DAY for me. It started off like it normally does and then after lunch it went all down hill. When I got home from work I ate a full can of chef boyardi, 6 Almond Rocca's, 4 bacon wrapped scallops and 10 thai shrimp apps. REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt absolutely horrible about myself and couldn't believe that I had done that. The one good thing from lastnight was that I slept 10hrs :-) Today was a bit better. Had an awesome time hanging out with you and wish that we could do it more. I really need to get my ass in gear with my nutrition and excerise next week for sure. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Breakfast:
Skinny Latte with extra shot of espresso-45 Cal
Liberte Raspberry Yogurt-90 Cal
4 Thai Shrimp apps-no clue

Lunch:
Ceasar salad with chicken breast
A few Sweet potato fries
3 nan bread with awesome warm goat cheese dip

Afternoon:
Bacci-80 cal
Almond Rocca-70 cal

Dinner:
Cappocabbana's all you can eat meat.

Sat. Jan 14 - S

GRRRR!!!! Yes, I know that the past couple of days hasn't been the best, and I HATE the fact that I haven't been able to work out the way I'd like, but I didn't like the number on the scale today. However, I have to keep reminding myself that this is part of the process. I was also supposed to increase my caloric intake this week (as the first week is a start up with reduced calories...but you should only do that for a week). I will try not to let that get me down. Instead, I will try to take that anger and change it into motivation to stay on track or work harder for the coming week.

Weekly weigh in: 163 lbs (up 2 from last week)

BREAKFAST: 2 pieces of w.w. toast, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water

My mind is a blur...I don't remember all that I ate on Saturday...but I will write down what I remember

SNACK: hot chocolate/coffee combination, water

LUNCH: Sicilian sausage hash with 2 eggs benedict, 6 triangles of naan and dip, water

DINNER: 2 pieces sausage pizza, 5 pieces of buffalo chicken, 1/2 c. chicken alfredo pasta (Pizza Hut), water, tea

Fri. Jan 13 - S

Why is it that when you're feeling sick all you want to do is eat crap? I mean, seriously??? I am ashamed of my record today

BREAKFAST: 1/2 seven layer square, 2 pieces w.w. toast lightly buttered, Activia, water; tea with milk

SNACK: hot chocolate, water

LUNCH: 1-1/2 c. potato and leek soup, 2 cadbury cookies, 1 peanut butter chocolate, 1/2 avocado, water

SNACK: tea with milk, 2 ginger cookies

DINNER: 1-1/2 c. potato and leek soup, small chicken sub (Quiznos), some popcorn, 1-1/2 c. iced tea

Exercise: none :(

Well...I didn't work out again last night SURPRISE SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!! I worked late again last night and I am not feeling well. I was basically hacking up a lung :-( I think I need to get my system back to normal before I can realistically work out. Derwin and I have decided to lose 25-30lbs. He finally realizes he has to lose weight to become healthy. A co-worker and myself signed up for a 10 week wieght lose challenge at work which starts January 16th. My goal is to lose 15-20 lbs within that time frame and become leaner. I am doing better with my nutrition, now I just have to work in the exercise portion.

Breakfast:
Skinny Latte with extra shot of espresso-45 cal
Liberte Raspberry Yogurt-90CalMorning

Snack:
3 Slices of oven roasted turkey deli meat-60 Cal

Lunch:
1 C. Salad with 100g of Kirkland Chicken Meat
t1 tsp. Olive Oil1 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar-171 Cal

Afternoon Snack:1/2 c. egg whites with 2 Light Laughing Cow Cheese-105 Cal

Dinner-TBA

Thurs. Jan 12 - S

I am SO SORE and achy this morning. I have a feeling I'm coming down with something...and the exercise might have added to the soreness.

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water; tea with milk

SNACK: 10 strawberries, 2 laughing cow cheese, water

LUNCH: tuna sandwich on whole grain bread, 12 almonds, 1/2 c. rapini, 2 clementines, water; tea with milk

SNACK: granola bar, 2 digestive cookie, water; coffee

DINNER: some soup, 1 piece dry toast, 1 c. flat ginger ale; tea with milk, small piece hawaiian brownie


Exercise: nothing :(

Well...I didn't get to workout last night as I had to work late and we got home late :-( I am going to attempt this again to workout when we get home if it is a half decent hour. I feel like I am making excuses and it has to stop. The truth is that I am still not feeling 100% from being sick and I feel really slugish. I know that once I start exercising it will be great. Its the part of pushing myself to do it thats the issue.

Breakfast:Skinny Latte with extra shot of espresso-45 cal

Liberte Blueberry Yogurt-130 Cal

Morning Snack:Gold Fish Crackers-110 Cal

Lunch: 1 C. Salad with 4 slices of oven roasted turkey deli meat
1 tsp. Olive Oil
1 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar-141 Cal

Afternoon Snack:1/2 c. egg whites with 2 Light Laughing Cow Cheese-105 Cal

Dinner-TBA

Exercise:30 Day Shred or 30 min of the 10 minute trainer(tonight)

Wed. Jan 11 - S

I am tired...but it's my fault being out late last night. Still, I'm pleased I got to work out. Let's see what happens tonight.

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water; hot chocolate (watered down...hoping for energy)

SNACK: 10 strawberries, 2 laughing cow cheese, water; 1 oreo, 1 lindt chocolate

LUNCH: 3 oz. skit (don't know if I will be able to ingest it anymore), 3/4 c. potatoes, 3/4 c. broccoli, water; 1 oreo (last one in the classroom)

SNACK: Greek yogurt (120 cal), water; tea, coffee, 3 turtles (didn't plan on being at school so late and was VERY hungry...all I could find to eat)

DINNER: 4 pieces of thin-crust pizza (oven made from home), 1 piece of cheese, 9 almonds, 1 hawaiian square, water; tea with milk


Exercise: 20 min cardio, 10 min strength training, 10 min. abs (FIRM workout) thanks for motivating me, Moki, with your comment (it also didn't hurt that I ate a lot of junk today so I felt I had to try and burn it off...even if I do feel like shit - maybe getting bronchitis)

Well today was supposed to be the first day of bootcamp but decided to hold off til February :-(
With that being said, I have to get my ass in gear and get into a steady routine before I start. I truly do miss working out everyday like I used too before I got married :-(

Breakfast:
Skinny Latte with extra shot of espresso-45cal Liberte Strawberry Yogurt-130 Cal

Morning Snack:
1/2 c. egg whites with 2 Light Laughing Cow Cheese-105 Cal

Lunch:
1/2 Maple Leaf Roast-220 Cal
Kashi Dark Mocha Granola Bar-140 Cal

Afternoon Snack:
1 C. 1% Cottage Cheese-200 Cal

Exercise:
30 Day Shred or 30 min of the 10 minute trainer(tonight)

Tues. Jan 10 - S

Now that there's the two of us on here, I'm going to start putting my initial to distinguish between your posts and mine.

I was unable to work out yesterday, and I am a bit concerned about today. I have plans to hang out afterwork with Carolin for tea, and then have a night at the pub with Andrew and his friends. My goal is to make my Carolin meeting short, make it to Curves, then hang out with Andrew...fingers crossed this will work. To help keep me honest, I've also brought in my gym bag to the classroom where I will change into my workout clothes before going for tea. I really need to make this time for me because I'm worth it (and to burn off all those damn oreo cookies!). Oh, on the note of oreos, I had a whole new package in my cupboard still, so to make sure I don't go through that one as well, I put them in the staffroom for all to enjoy (and get it off my hands)...YAY!!! That said, I've already had one this morning (boo!).

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 1 tbsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia, water; tea, 1 oreo, 1/2 hawaiian square

SNACK: 10 strawberries, 2 laughing cow cheese, water; 1 oreo cookie

LUNCH: 4 oz. fish (can't remember what white fish it is), 1/2 c. rice, 1/2 c. rapini, 1 clementine, water; 2 oreos

SNACK: Greek yogurt (120 cal), water

DINNER: butter chicken pot pie, 1-1/2 c. mixed veggies, 1/3 c. mashed potatoes, water; hot chocolate


Exercise: 30 min. circuit training

Monday January 9th

This is officially the first day that I have joined a blog. Hopefully, this will motivate me to lose the 15-20 lbs that I would like to and keep me on track. I really need to get motivated to exercise. I really don't know what's holding me back. It could be the fact that I am always exhausted, rarely have a sound sleep, am always working, worrying about finances and Derwin's seizures stress me out. I really do miss exercising and need to incorporate that into my everyday life. With all the chocolate and junk around, I have to really be strong not to eat it. So far so good :-)

Breakfast:
Skinny Latte with extra shot of espresso-45cal
Liberte Blueberry Yogurt-130 Cal

Morning Snack:
Kashi Dark Mocha Granola Bar-140 Cal

Lunch:
1/2 Cup egg whites with 2 Light Laughing Cow cheese-105cal

Afternoon Snack/Early Supper:
1 C. 1% Cottage Cheese-200 Cal

*If I don't come back and update, that means that I didn't eat anything that isn't on this list* Last night I ended up eating 1/2 can of chef boyardi, 1/2 alvocado and 1 tiny rice krispie square. I guess I didn't stick to my diet but today is a new day.

Mon. Jan 9

Now it truly begins. I go back to work today and I have to see if I can balance food, life, and exercise. I think regarding food, although I will be tempted and will probably give in more than I'd like, my real concern right now is staying on track for exercise. Today I will be going to dinner and hanging with a friend. The question on whether or not I will be able to exercise has already crossed my mind. Fingers crossed I won't talk myself out of it!

BREAKFAST: 1 w.w. English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. jam, Activia yogurt drink, water; med. caramel latte (tims), 1 oreo cookie

SNACK: Greek yogurt (130 cal), 1 oreo cookie, water

LUNCH: 3 oz. veal, 1/2 c. rice, 1/2 c. rapini, 1 clementine, water

SNACK: 12 almonds, 2 oreo cookies, water, coffee (1 sugar, 1 cream) ***note to self, get rid of oreo cookies from cupboard at school

DINNER: 2 chicken fajitas, 10 tortilla chips, water; coffee (1/1)


Exercise: None :( I wanted to but a mixture of getting home later than expected and being sore from workout yesterday has rendered me unable to work out. I will, however, try again tomorrow!

Sun. Jan 8

Okay, so I know yesterday wasn't the best. Life does get in the way, but I'd like to think that I kept some of my food intake in control


BREAKFAST: 1 slice rye toast (lightly buttered), 1 Activia yogurt, water

LUNCH: 3 eggs (over medium), 1-1/2 slices rye toast (slightly buttered), 4 pieces bacon, 2/3 c. home potatoes, tea with milk

SNACK: 1 milk chocolate, 1 small piece rocky road...damn Christmas treats have found their way out of the freezer again...is it bad to want to throw out all the junk (even when I know that my family worked hard on making it?????)

DINNER: I have no freaking clue what's going on with me...I can't seem to stay on track. HELP!!!
3 oz. steak, 1/2 c. basmati rice, 1/2 c. rapini, 1 c. salad (v&o dressing), water; tea, coffee, small hawaiian square, small caramel square, 1/4 piece apple strudel, small rice crispie square...see...it started off well then crash and burn!!!!

Exercise: 40 min. FIRM workout (20 min. cardio, 10 min. sculpt, 10 min. abs)...crazy sweaty afterwards

Sat. Jan 7

Okay, so today was my weigh in for the week. According to the scale I will be using consistently (and being weighing myself on every Saturday morning after I wake it) it says I am 161 lbs...down one pound from Monday...yay, right? I am happy that the number is down from last week (especially since a week today it actually read 172 lbs...still don't know what happened there), but I am also aware that I've been plus or minus one pound from that mark for the past few months. I know I shouldn't be too discouraged...after all that is why I've decided to do this anyway, right? I am also aware that I haven't done my best to stay on track on the food department, but I am quite pleased with my exercise so far. Bah!!!!

Food:

BREAKFAST: 1/2 w.w. English muffin, 1 tsp. peanut butter, 1/2 tsp. jam, 1 Activia yogurt drink, water

SNACK: 1 Greek yogurt (130 cal), water; coffee (1 cream, 1 sugar)

LUNCH: 3 oz. veal, 1/2 c. basmati rice, 1/2 c. mixed veggies, water

DINNER: 2 oz. roast beef, 1 c. salad with french dressing, 2 tbsp. potato salad, 4 baby carrots, 1/3 c. coleslaw, water; coffee with 1 cream, 1 sugar

DESSERT: (aunt's birthday party) small piece of birthday cake, 1 chocolate truffle, 2 chocolates, water

Skinny latte, 1/2 chocolate chip cookie, water

Exercise: 30 min. circuit training

Fri. Jan 6

BREAKFAST: 1/2 w.w. English muffin, 1 tsp. peanut butter, 1/2 tsp. jam, 1 Activia yogurt, water

SNACK: 1 Greek yogurt (120 cal.), 2 chocolate chip shortbread (40 cal), tea, water

LUNCH: chicken and shrimp thai steamer (270 cal), 1 piece chocolate (lunch was icky...needed taste out of my mouth; 80 cal), water

SNACK: coffee (1 sugar, 1 cream), 1/3 c. rice, 2 oz. meat, water

DINNER: 3 oz. stuffed, boneless, pork roast; 1/3 c. peas, water; tea with milk


Exercise: 40 min. FIRM workout

Thurs. Jan 5

Still debating on whether or not I enjoy my hair enough NOT to work out...but if that's the case, I will make sure to work out the rest of the week (fingers crossed).

Food:

BREAKFAST: 1/2 w.w. English muffin, 1 tsp. peanut butter, 1/2 tsp. jam, Activia yogurt drink, water; tea

SNACK: 9 almonds, 1 med. coffee (1 cream, 1 sugar - McDs)...not the healthiest I realize. I need to try harder

LUNCH: 1 c. w.w. pasta in tomato sauce, 2 sausages, water

SNACK: 1 Greek yogurt (120 cal)

DINNER: 1 c. lentil soup, 1/2 pkg. baked cheddar chips (60 cal), water; tea, hot chocolate


Exercise: none

Wed. Jan 4

So, here I am already faced with a dilemma. I have a hair appointment today and because of it, I'm not sure if I will be able to work out today, but I definitely cannot work out tomorrow. Let me explain (as you roll your eyes). My appointment is at 11 o'clock and I have to get my hair dyed and trimmed. I would like to also get it styled (as I never really do this but it doesn't cost extra). But when I go, it's encouraged NOT to wash my hair...which I can do but because when I work out I sweat like there's no tomorrow (including my scalp) my hair appears to be washed or is at least wet (that, and I have to take a shower after working out...and that needs NO explanation). However, I figure if I work out early enough (like by 9AM) I should be okay. As for why this means I can't work out tomorrow...well, that has to do with the type of hair I have. I have CURLY hair...such that if I get it straightened (which I would like to do today) then any form of precipitation or moisture (including that excreted from sweat) causes it to curl. I want to keep the hair styling for at least 2 days (today and tomorrow) so I wouldn't be able to work out....GRRR!!!! So, it may only be a problem for me, but it is still one I have to figure out. I'm sure I'll work out today so that I stay on track, but this means that although I would normally take Sunday as my "day off" from exercising, I can't this week. My rest day will have to be tomorrow. Yay! I think that's a viable solution. (Right???)


Food:

BREAKFAST: 1/2 w.w. English muffin, 1 tsp. peanut butter, 1/2 tsp. jam, 1 Activia yogurt, water

SNACK: 12 almonds, water

LUNCH: 1/2 c. rice, 4 oz. beef, miso soup x 2, rice soup, salad, 2 tempura, green tea...okay, so not on track but not too unhealthy I don't think

SNACK: med. London fog latte (1/2 sweet, skim milk), water; tea

DINNER: chicken caesar wrap, 5 nachos, couple fries, water; tea

Exercise: 40 min. FIRM workout video...see! I did it!!!! (Although I can't say the same for tomorrow. We will have to see how badly I want to keep this hair style, LOL)

Tues. Jan 3

Can I just say that I hate going for a physical, but the bonus this time was that my doctor did a double take when she saw the number on the scale? I have to rewind a bit...last December, I went to see my doctor for my yearly poke and prod, when she turned to me and said I needed to lose weight. I was a little put off by that comment as I had lost about 15 pounds at that point (since the end of October) and was frustrated that she didn't pat me on the back for my efforts. Still, I told myself that she didn't know where I had started...but I hoped that I'd be able to "show her" next time (wow...that reminds me of Dr. Claw...but I digress).

This time, I was prepared. I got on the scale, after she made a comment about it not being fair being weighed in just after the holidays, and she took note of the number on the scale. At first, there was no reaction...until she was going to type the number into my records and she hesitated. She turned to me and said, "Can that be right? You're down about 40 pounds from the last time I weighed you?" I had to smile as I said, "Yep. Actually, it's been about 60 since I started." She then went on to ask me how I did it. It seems strange to me to turn to my doctor and simply said I just watched what I ate and exercised regularly - which also seemed to surprise her. Oh well, it's a nice feeling to be able to shock my doctor and I hope to maintain or stay on track for next year's physical as well.

Food:

BREAKFAST: 1 pkg. instant oatmeal (maple & brown sugar - 170 cal), 1 Activia yogurt drink, 1 shortbread (it was the last one...I swear), water; tea

SNACK: 1 Greek yogurt (120 cal), water

LUNCH: Orange chicken steamer (300 cal), 2 oz. lobster, water

SNACK: 1 med. coffee (double, double...from McDs), water

DINNER: 1/2 c. basmati rice, 3 oz. baked sole, 1 c. brussel sprouts, water; tea with small piece of cake



Exercise: 30 min. circuit training

Mon. Jan 2

Okay, so it has begun... Damn it's hard to get back on track after being tempted by all those things you've been avoiding for over a year (chocolates, cookies, lattes...the list goes on). I'd like to say I stayed focused and never wavered...but I'd be lying. That said, I don't think it was too bad.

Before getting into my "food journal", I also indicated that I would weigh myself in the morning and use that as my baseline to compare myself to on this journey. Much to my surprise, the weight that appeared to be present (sending me on a minor depression cycle) wasn't there after all...weird. That said, my starting weight is 162 pounds. This means that with my goal of 155, for all you math enthusiasts out there, I would have to lose 7 pounds to reach my goal weight. Now, you may be wondering, "Is that even worth it? I mean, that's 7 pounds in 6 months...just over a pound per month". But if you are like me, you know those last 10 pounds are the HARDEST to come off. And, as I said in my first post, my major goal is to maintain the weight loss I've achieved to date (approximately 60 pounds) and to get back into an exercise routine. Trying to balance life and exercise has been a struggle for me this past few months, so that's what I strive to achieve most of all. I am also a bit curious to see if I can get into the 150s...as I don't remember ever being in that weight range for a VERY long time (i.e. in elementary or high school...I'm not even sure which). Breaking below 160 has always been difficult...and hence, the challenge for this new year.


Food journal:

BREAKFAST: 1 slice whole wheat toast, 1/2 c. egg creations (cheese and chives), 1 Activia yogurt drink, water; 1 shortbread cookie

SNACK: 1 Greek yogurt (120 cal), water

LUNCH: healthy choices General Tao chicken and rice (300 cal), 2 oz. lobster, water

SNACK: 9 almonds, water

DINNER: small grilled chicken sub from Mr. Sub (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, olives, jalapenos, banana peppers, mushrooms, pickles, sub sauce and southwestern sauce), water; tea

Exercise: 40 min. FIRM workout video

And So It Begins...

Okay, so a little over a year ago, I made a promise to myself...I decided I was going to lose 50 pounds in 10 months. It was a hard process, but one I was proud to say that I lost the amount I wanted and a bit more (about 60 pounds total) and within the time I had given myself.

Since the holidays, I've put on some weight, and I already know that the past few months I've been off track for whatever reason. You know, we've all said it: "I'm too busy", "I'm too stressed", "I can't find the time", or (let's face it): "I just want to take a break".

Well, going on the scale and finding myself above where I was but a week or few days ago thanks to slacking and over indulgence, I am now motivated again to get on track. But getting back down the last few pounds to what I want isn't enough...nor is simply staying where I was. The reality is, I need to have a goal to work towards and something to keep me in check. It is for this reason, I am choosing to use a blog to keep me on track. It is also important to note that if my goal is something I truly feel I cannot achieve, then I won't put my all into it...so, my goal has to feel attainable

Here's the goal.

By June, I want to be down to 155 lbs (give or take 3 lbs). More importantly, I want to get back on track with eating and with my exercise routine. I found that when I was doing regular exercise, I felt better about myself, I didn't get sick as often (which is important in my profession - teaching - being exposed to so many germs by my students), and I was less stressed.

How do I plan to achieve this:

1) I plan on putting myself back on the Curves Weight Management program starting Monday, January 2.

2) I will work out at least 2 times per week at Curves, and 2 times per week at home. The ultimate goal is working out 3 times per week both at home and at the gym, with one day off...but as I'm trying to also balance things in my life, I want to aim for something that is achievable. I may also supplement my workouts with additional cardio/strength training found outside the gym, but the goal will be to work out between 4 and 6 times per week.

I will measure my weight tomorrow morning as my baseline with which to compare myself, and will continue to track my progress on a weekly basis using the medical scale at home (weighing myself on Saturday mornings henceforth).

I will use this blog to record my meals, along with posting thoughts and feelings along this process.

Okay, so I think I have a plan...It all begins tomorrow. Wish me luck!