So last night I broke things off with the long-term, long-distance boyfriend. No, it's no big deal I had actually checked out of the relationship some time ago so the break-up was more of a relief than anything, although I feel bad that he seemed to have been blind-sided. Not sure how he didn't see it coming, but that's totally off topic.

Anyway, this relationship had been taking up so much time and energy the last month to keep it going that I wasn't losing like I wanted to. I wasn't getting enough sleep due to being on the phone ALL the time and wasn't exercising because of the same reason. Eating habits were falling apart, I actually only lost 3 pounds the last two months.

Since it's a new month, new week, new day, I am starting something to help me stay on plan. I found a whole package of blank printable business cards in my desk (I used to use them to make little coupons for the BF) and got the idea to make some little "On Plan Cards" that would help me visualize my progress. I just used a computer template to print them up with lines for meals and snacks, numbers to cross off for water and space to check off my one allowed diet soda per day.

On days that I totally stick to the plan, I am going to write the number on the back and throw it in a jar so I can see how many days I've been following my plan. If I slip, I am going to force myself to throw them all away and start over at 1 with an empty jar. I think it will be helpful to me to see the little cards accumulating in the jar and it's an every day reminder to stay on plan and that cards piling up in the jar means pounds falling off.

Here's to March and getting into the 220's by April 1!

Well congratulations on making life changes.

Love the idea of the jar, I'm a visual person as well. Hopefully you won't have too many times you have to empty the jar. What plan are you using to loose the weight?

All the best in this journey. Let's have some fun!!

I like that idea! I think I may still that idea except I don't think I can empty the entire bucket. Maybe take half or something out.

That actually sounds like an awesome idea. Maybe you could even reward yourself if you get the jar half way full or all the way full? It sounds like a great motivator.

Market the idea, and get rich! Hey if Richard Simmons got rich off deal-a-meal, you can do it too! Neat plan.

You did the right thing. New start, new beginnings. I wish you the best!

I love your idea! Very creative!

I like your idea!

Great idea!!

that is a great idea. i am pretty lazy though. i bet pennies in a jar would do the trick for me though. i really like this!!!

i love love love this idea!! definitely doing it!!

and sorry to hear that your relationship had to end, but i'm happy that you're happy!

That's a really, really awesome idea!

Maybe if you fill the jar you can give yourself a (non-edible) reward to make it even more tempting to succeed!

I love it. I also love the idea of adding a reward for getting the jar full to certain levels. I think I may steal this idea too. I'm going to put lines on my jar and write what reward I get for filling it to each line.

Love the jar idea... I am going to think of a way to make this work for me too! Awesome! Thanks...

Well day one is almost over! I was perfectly on plan today, which was no small feat considering that within an hour of showing up for work, my boss plunked a plate of pancakes, bacon and syrup and a glass of orange juice on my desk. I promptly called a co-worker who's always starving and he removed it from my desk immediatly so I wouldn't even be tempted. Woo hoo! I get to put my first card in the jar!