SO I was kind of bummed this morning about my not so good weigh in this morning. and then i got to thinking EFF it all i want bread and cheese. but I didnt have any. and then i stumbled across a link on the daily plate of tons and tons of people of all ages before and after pictures, showing people who started out MUCH bigger than me turn into people MUCH smaller than me. and then I went to the gym and did spinning and weights and abs.  And the great thing about spinning, is I really get to clear my head and just think.  And I decided that I DONT WANT to give up, even though I easily could.  2 summers ago, I read reached the low 180s and I loved that I was losing weight and feeling good about myself, and I want to get back to that.  While it is true that my living situation is different know, so it is hard to weigh/measure out my food, I can certainly WATCH what I put in my mouth AND be careful about my choices and portion sizes. And I can blog and keep good and accurate records of what I eat, to hold myself accountable.  And then I came up with a plan!! The 8×8 plan.  I want to lose 8 lbs a month for 8 months, i.e. to December.  If I succeed, I will have lost 64 lbs which will firmly put me over half of my whole weight loss goal.

I have also decided to change my official weigh ins from Monday to FRIDAY. Reason for this being that it’s really not wise for my self esteem to make my OFFICIAL weigh in be after the weekend. It makes much more sense to work really hard and stay really focused during the week, when it is much easier for me.  And then it gives me a goal and motivation to really stay on track during the week and pick my food wisely.

So my goal is to lose 2lbs per week, which would lead to 8 lbs per month, for 8 months.

Main guidelines to stick by:

Still no bread and cheese until at least Onederland, then I’ll re-evaluate.

Also aim for complex carbs like brown rice or whole wheat pasta, and always have that be the smallest percentage/portion of a meal.

Try to have small meals/snacks 5-6 times a day so I never get super hungry, and make sure they are healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt, raisins, turkey, fruit, etc.

Go to Spinning/Weights and abs at least 5 times a week.

When travelling–I have at least 3 weeks of travel in the coming 2 months, completely stick to food choices and try to walk places as much as possible, including taking the stairs etc.

This month is going to be a real challenge because I’m going to be travelling for at least 2 weeks of it and maybe the first week in June too, but ideally I’ll be 201 lbs or less by the first weigh in in june/last weigh in of May.  I can do this! must not give up!!!!

Plan 8×8!! here we come!