Weekly Check-in: I Need to Do Better!

My progress has pretty much sucked this last week. I only managed to reach each of my goals two out of seven days. :(

I could go on and on with excuses. I threw a party for my son who was home from college. I held a baby shower for my sister-in-law. I rushed, rushed, rushed around all week with my college classes and midterms as well as my kids' homework assignments and projects. I had to come up with quick and easy dinners each night so we could all head out to various activities such as band concerts, boy scouts, youth group activities, etc. 

I think what it boils down to is this: Life will ALWAYS be stressful, no matter what. I need to decide that I will accomplish my goals regardless. I'm tired of feeling yucky. We had our family pictures done and I hate that I am overweight. I have been a healthy weight my whole life up until these last few years. (Well, except for those 5 or 10 post-childbirth pounds that I never got rid of.)  The point is that I looked and felt better and I want that back! 

I am re-committing right now. I WILL do better this next week.I'm posting this motivational picture that I stole from my friend Carin (who is in disgustingly great shape, by the way.)

Here's to a better week!

So True!

My First Step

How many times have you set a New Year's Resolution to lose weight? For the last few years, mine has been to lose 40 pounds. Wow--talk about lofty goals! No wonder I am still overweight. My goal was too mind-boggling for me to contemplate in everyday moments of temptation.

I think a better solution is to scrap the New Year’s Resolutions completely and concentrate on setting short-term, achievable goals. By taking things one day at a time and making small changes, I hope to form the healthy habits I need to alter my lifestyle and not only lose the weight, but keep it off.

So let’s get this straight. I am on a journey to lose those 40 pounds, but as Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And my first step is to set two short-term goals. I'll re-evaluate these goals in two weeks. If I've done well, I'll set new ones. If not, I'll try again. I'll also keep a running total of my weight loss (in percentages) and track it every week.

I'm hoping that by setting achievable goals, being held accountable, and taking things slowly I will see lasting results this time. Hard work and patience are the key to weight loss. In the words Benjamin Franklin, “He that can have patience can have what he will.” 

So here goes!

Here are my "before" photos:

My family--October 2012

I'm the one in the red sweater--you know, the one that actually has forty pounds to lose!

Goal #1: Eat 4-5 servings of fruits & veggies every day

10 tips on how to shop smart for fruits & vegetables

Goal #2: Wear a pedometer & take 10,000 steps Mon.-Sat. 

The Walking Site: 10,000 Steps a Day