[shananigans]

OK, so I supposedly "recommitted" to losing weight at the beginning of April. I have had good days, bad days, good weeks, bad weeks, and here I am at the end of 3 bad weeks and just about back where I started. I've been up and down the same five pounds a few times over these last few months. I don't like this ride, I'd like to get off now please!

Then I had a sort of rude awakening in the form of a bridesmaid dress for a friend's wedding that got delivered yesterday. I can get into it and it looks ok, but it definitely feels snug and I know I'd be more comfortable in it, especially sitting down, if I could manage to make myself just a little smaller.

So, I have never in my life been one to lose weight just for a special occasion, or say "I will lose x pounds by y date". But hey, maybe I shouldn't knock it till I've tried it? Why not, I seem to be at a standstill here, and maybe an all out, short term, super vigilant stretch of discipline and effort are what's needed to get me back on the right path.

I present to you, the intention:
Lose 9 pounds by Sept. 2 (about 1.5 lbs per week)

The method:

Record weight every morning, take weekly averages and measure against intended progress. (I made a spreadsheet, look at me all organized )

Re-start food journal, reduce dietary "clutter", refocus on whole foods plant-based diet

Exercise every day: Mandatory – 3 runs per week, 2 UBWO per week

I realize that I may not reach the specific weight goal, that's somewhat out of my control, but it is really more important to me that I follow through with the plan and show myself a little tough love here. Gotta do something! If I make any progress at all I will call the experiment a success. At least I have a target and maybe it'll bring back a little of that "obsession", the good kind that I've been missing for a long time.

Just wanted to get that all out there so it's a "really real" plan. Wish me luck.

[JayEll]

Hey shananigans! Good luck on your new plan! Do you follow any kind of formal calorie counting? That's what worked for me. That and getting to the gym 5 or 6 days a week.

Keep on going! Don't let those "bad days" creep in! Stay with the "good days"!

Jay

[shananigans]

Thanks for the well-wishing Jay-Ell.

I don't do formal calorie counting. I used to, but it was just too much of a hassle for me. I just scribble whatever I eat in a little notebook and make occasional calorie notes as I think I need to and try to keep it at 1500 - 1700cals/day, I tracked everything in fitday long enough to know how many calories many of the foods I eat daily have. And I measure portions for things like pastas, rice, anything starchy really.

The weekend wasn't 100% on plan food-wise, but I did go for a run on Saturday and lots of walking as I was out and about and active all weekend. Scale is down 1 lb so far, usually Monday morning weigh-ins are not so happy.

I tend to be much better about weekdays, so I'm excited to see how much progress I can make by Friday. It's my fiancé’s birthday, so I'm going to be baking up a storm, cooking for 2 out-of-town guests for the weekend, and going to 2 baseball games. I'll really have to watch myself!

[rockinrobin]

I'm sorry to hear you've had a tough go of it as of late.

I like your plan though. I think sometimes we need to get back where we started from - "dieting 101" so to speak. Ya know, get back to basics. I hope this works for you.

As far as the calorie counting goes, which has been the only thing that works for me, that's my version of portion control, I pretty much know the calorie counts for every thing that I'm eating. For me, it also helps to keep to one of a couple of breakfasts, one of a few different lunches, one of a bunch of dinners and the same snacks more or less. I know these calorie counts and don't need to figure them out anymore. Once it's done the one time, I know it and can figure out my days calories right in my little ol' head. No hassle at whatsoever. Sounds like you do something like that as well.

I couldn't agree with you more - "obsession" is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Or maybe we should just call it dedication. Whatever you want to call it, I hope you recapture it.

Good luck to you and I just know that come September, that bridesmaid gown is gonna be all comfy and fitting just beautifully whether your sitting, dancing or doing cartwheels.

[TxBrittany]

It sounds like you have a good plan going! Good luck!

[gailr42]

Shananigans, sounds like a great plan! I have been reading Thin for Lifeand they say that when you set goals, they should be very specific which yours are. Good job and be sure to post pics of you looking great in the bride's maid dress!

[lumifan4ever]

Sounds like you have a good plan and a goal!!! Good luck. I also tend to be one of those people who do better during the week than on the weekend. I usually end up not eating enough on the weekends though (unless it's one of my drinking binge weekends) . But it's okay. I think it all evens out in the week stretch. Just keep thinking about the bridesmaids dress and i'm sure you'll have no trouble staying on course to drop a few pounds!!!

[phantastica]

Shenanigans, even though you've been "struggling" with the same 5 pounds for a while, consider yourself a success in learning to maintain!

reduce dietary "clutter" ... what does that mean, just trying to eat more clean foods? I have to do that, too.

Keep us posted!

[shananigans]

Thanks for all your kind words! It really is about back to basics diet 101. I’ve done it before, so I must be able to do it again.

I consider food and drinks that add calories but little or no nutritional value "dietary clutter". Alcoholic beverages are my biggest struggle in that department.

I think I’ll take a "before" picture in the dress so I can compare it with an "after".

[Mdae]

i wish i were as organized! sounds like a good plan, good luck!