Wednesday, September 16, 2009

On Having a Plan

Yes, yes, I have a plan!

But before I get to that, I must interrupt this post with a little confession (and if you can't be totally honest in your own blog than what's the point). I just finished polishing off a medium half Oreo / half Reese's Dairy Queen Blizzard. It was heaven and I felt entitled to it. It was a long day. Just had to get that off my chest.

Anyway, so about this plan...

The big fat question: How am I going to get healthier, stronger and lose all this weight?

There are so many options out there, it does feel a bit overwhelming. I've never been much of a dieter - honestly I've never believed in them. However, recently my belief system is starting to crumble. I have seen a few friends experience amazing success on Weight Watchers. I have another friend who counts calories and runs like a madwoman; she's lost 66 pounds so far. I know another woman who has embraced the low-glycemic thing and has seriously BANGED IT OUT. She went from a size 12 (I know because I got all her hand-me-downs) to a size 2. She looks fabulous. They all do!

Baby Girl went for her 1 year doctor's appointment yesterday and while we were there, I mentioned to our family doctor that I was ready to lose some weight. I asked for her doctorly recommendations. She said, "There's only one thing that really works and that's counting calories - calories in and calories out." I also asked her about Weight Watchers and she said it also works very well but pointed out that in essence, it's just modified calorie counting.

So, based on her recommendation, I think I'm going to start counting calories. I've already downloaded several calorie counting apps for my iPhone, including this one that I'm really excited about.

I've decided on a plan start date of October 1st. I don't really have a great reason for not wanting to get going on this right away, except to say that I would like a couple of weeks to prepare (mentally), and enough time to get some meals planned and the kitchen stocked with everything I need. I also want to buy an iPhone arm case that I can exercise with.

Speaking of exercising, I've chosen running for my cardio and lifting Baby Girl for my strength training. Running just feels right, and I used to really enjoy it so I hope I can get that groove back again in time. And I figure I lift my daughter about a million times a day anyway, may as well tweak it a bit and make it an official exercise. She is 22 pounds right now, and loves it when I toss her in the air and swing her around when we play. Crazy?

I plan to purchase a nice new water bottle (I like those BPA-free Nalgene bottles) as a commencement gift to myself and will drink at least 64 ounces of H2O a day. I know the whole 8-glasses-a-day thing has recently come under debate but I just know that when I'm hydrated I really do feel better.

I am also going to give myself one weekly "Cheat Day". I've never done this before in all my attempts to lose weight. It's always been all or nothing for me. And I can't help but wonder if perhaps a "Cheat Day" is just what I need to keep me right on track. I mean really, everyone needs a break, right? It's exhausting feeling deprived all the time. I am old enough to know that weight loss success isn't borne of perfection, it comes from consistency.

So here's my plan in a nutshell:
  • I will count calories (number and expenditure to be determined by my iPhone app).
  • I will run 6 days per week, ideally working up to about 45 minutes per session.
  • I will do at least 15 minutes of purposeful resistance training daily (lifting and playing with my daughter).
  • I will drink 64 ounces of water per day.
  • I will allow myself one Cheat Day per week where I can eat and do anything I want. The only thing that will not be allowed on Cheat Day is guilt.
There you have it. My grand plan. Henceforth known as "The Plan". I am really happy with it. It feels great just writing it down and clarifying it in my own head. The first step is done, only about 40 more to go...

2 comments:

health savvy shopaholic said...

go girl :) it ALWAYS helps to have a plan! everyone's body is different and you just have to figure your out- like maybe ww works for your friend but might not work for you, and so on. you get my point ;) you can def do it!

Anonymous said...

Great plan, and I agree, calorie counting is the way to go. Although I did use WW to lose my 70 pounds, I still counted my calories.

I use www.calorieking.com - its free and since I weigh all my food because of my diabetes, I know exactly what % of fat my calories come from - that matters too!

I suggest you start today! :D

I'll come back to check on you - and happy bday to your little girl - the time goes by so fast! :D