Mini-GoalsEven if you're not at goal yet, this is the place to share your successes and achievements along the way! Success can be measured in many ways besides the scales. Tell us about your triumphs, including Non Scale Victories
When I decided to resume things, right after Thanksgiving, I realized that I needed to replace my old belt. Men only have one of course (heh) and the old one was fraying up at the "usual" hook hole.
So I figured, if there are more holes, I would sense more accomplishments over time, since each step would be easier to reach. Lo an behold, WalMart had just the thing, this ugly plastic belt with LOTS of holes!
Semi-seriously, it takes many weeks to advance one belt hole on a normal one, even when really cutting back. I moved from the 8th to the 9th hole on this belt, in about a week. It sure helps to create a sense that the next goal is being just around the corner!
Reached the 10th belt hole today. I definately like that it does not take 4 or 5 weeks to move one notch, like on a normal belt. Two weeks is not such a frustrating wait.
Next mini goal is to make it through the holidays, and get to the 11th notch by Jan 3rd.
darway - That's a really interesting idea. Another benefit is that it would solve the problem I discovered that changing holes on a regular belt exposes the previously used hole which had become distorted and not so attractive. With less use, each hole on your belt won't take on that distortion.
Looks like I will need a little more time on the next belt hole. However I updated my tracker today, and I did chuck 3 pounds - even over the holidays - so I'm satisfied with that.
With 10 pounds lost since I began in earnest, I can say that I'm beginning to sense some change. Men's fat always starts at the navel, and grows out from there. Well, that spare tire had spread around my sides, "into my back" ... and up my chest to cover my breastbone.
I can't feel the "fat in my back" anymore, (I especially hated that sensation! Putting my hands in the small of my back to stretch my spine, and feeling fat back there. Ugh!) And there is now a "hollow spot" under my breastbone that I can indent with my fingers.
So I think the next belt hole will come. Just gotta keep chugging.
I like the belt idea...it must give you a great sense of progress. And congrats on losing weight over the holidays! I know that it was a struggle for me to watch my portions and sugar intake when seemingly everyone else was eating "buffet style."
This is one of those mini-goals that can be tempting to call before it is time... I could sense myself hunting for the proper belt hole last week, an indication that I was getting close. But, I didn't want to make a claim, until I could comfortably wear the new hole all day. Which I did today!
3 holes on this belt is an "inch-and-an-eighth". I should be able to move down to 38 pants pretty soon. I've been wearing 40s, and those are getting loose.
I decided to hunt for this thread in order to time my belt reduction progress... It's been landing on the 12th hole lately, and feeling "wearable".
My last post was almost exactly a month ago. So, if I keep this progress rate, by mid-March I should be at "Lucky 13!"
I'm beginning to see the difference now, too. If I spot my reflection in the glass of storefronts, I remember how I used to look with the "side bags" on me. I sense that I'm halfway to where I want to be, and the scale is telling me the same thing.
Small Victory Belt
Lo an behold, WalMart had just the thing, this ugly plastic belt with LOTS of holes!
I definately like that it does not take 4 or 5 weeks to move one notch, like on a normal belt. Two weeks is not such a frustrating wait. 
Ugh!) And there is now a "hollow spot" under my breastbone that I can indent with my fingers.
