Determination

I have to be honest. I haven’t blogged about this before because I didn’t want to be held accountable. So here it is: I’m on a diet. You’re probably thinking “what’s the big deal”? But for me, it is. I’ve been on some form of “diet” since my early 40’s and have probably lost (and gained) the same 10-15 pounds at least a dozen times. I’ll start a plan, go gung-ho for a month (sometimes two!), then go right back to eating like I always have. Two years ago I did the 21 Day Standard Process Cleanse and lost 11 pounds. I made all kinds of “I’m changing the way I eat – for good!” promises, but I gained all that weight back within about 6 months.

On January 2^nd I started the 21 Day Cleanse again. I even added light exercise this time, and at the end of the 21 days I’d lost a whopping 4 pounds. Not discouraged, I immediately increased my exercise and started a calorie counting program. As of today (1/30/12) I’ve lost 7.5 pounds! I finally figured out something that works for me – and calorie counting seems to do the trick. I’ve never been one to stick to a prescribed “diet” plan – where I have to eat certain things at every meal. I don’t like a lot of the suggested foods, and with my schedule (and trying to keep my awesome hubby happy) it’s difficult to maintain. I found that if I focus on eating healthy foods (fresh fruits and vegetables – organic when possible), lean meats and LOTS of water, I am not only losing weight (albeit s-l-o-w-l-y), I feel better!

I know – we’ve all heard this stuff before at least a thousand times. Everywhere you look there’s somebody touting the latest diet that guarantees you will lose 20 pounds in 20 days. But until I discovered the best way for me, it was all just noise. I had to be determined, dedicated and yes, stubborn about wanting to lose weight. No excuses. Going to the gym 4 times a week. Every week. I’ve never done that before in my life, but I have to say after missing one day last week I actually felt deprived! Weird.

So here’s my commitment. I’m going to lose 20 pounds and keep it off. I’m going to exercise regularly and tone up the wobbly bits that have gotten out of control (bye-bye muffin top!). And I’m going to continue to eat healthy, balanced meals after the weight is gone. I want to be fit and sassy when I’m 80 years old!

Here are the two tools I’m using to help me win the battle of my bulges: www.myfitnesspal.com and www.beyonddiet.com  My Fitness Pal has an iPhone and iPad app that makes counting calories and tracking exercise easy. It keeps me honest and helps when I’m eating out. I’ve even made a list of my favorite restaurants with the calorie counts of things I can eat so I don’t even have to look at menus. It really boils down to choices – I know now there are things I just can’t eat any more and I’m ok with that.

This is going to be a process, but I’m determined!

Taking joy in the journey,

Lori

P.S. If you like this post, would you please take a moment to comment or rate it? I love feedback!!

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