weight loss

Ok. So there is a blog that I read everyday. It’s Ragamuffin Soul and Carlos is hosting a weight loss blog carnival. Since it is obvious to everyone who knows me that I need to lose weight I figured I’d join along.

I’m all for accountability and I think I must be a little crazy because I will be revealing my weight and progress for all to see. Maybe I’m stupid. No, not stupid. I just want to lose the weight.

Today on the way home from Best Friend’s house I called Hubby and asked him if he wanted to go running tomorrow. So I had already been planning on losing weight and when I came home and checked my blogs the challenge was there. So here is goes…the rules…

1. You must have a measurable goal.

2. You must place a photo or video on your blog each weekend and give us the scoop on how you did.

3. You must link back here so that the readers of your blog get to see how the rest of us are failing or succeeding.

4. You fill out the linky thing below and then people can get to your blog from my front page and we can cheer each other on.

My goal: To exercise 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes. This may not seem like much but considering I’m exercising 0 times a week for 0 minutes I figured this would be good start.

Now, as you can see this is not a scale. It’s me standing on my yoga mat with my weight added to the picture. I would have taken a picture of me standing on my scale but that would also require me to know where the scale is. Since I just moved a week ago, I’m not entirely sure where it is. I think it is in the garage with everything else that hasn’t been unpacked but I can’t say for sure. I did however find my yoga mat so I used it instead. It added color to my horrible looking feet that need a pedicure. Soon.

I happened to somewhat know my weight because I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago and that’s what his scale said. I went home and checked it against my scale and unfortunately it said the same thing. Drat. I really don’t like that number so I’m going to do something about it.

So to recap…I just put my weight on the internet for all to see and will be adding this post the Mr. Linky at Carlos’s blog. I have set a measurable goal of exercising 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes. Once this goal has been met and established I will make another measurable goal. I will also be giving myself a pedicure soon so hopefully the next time I stand on the scale my feet will look somewhat more attractive. Because we all know that my feet are the most attractive part of my body. (that’s sarcasm for those of you that don’t know me.)
Oh yeah, I will be showing my progress on Saturday evenings so check back to see how I’m doing. Better yet, join me.

Yesterday I started a new weight loss program. This program isn’t like most weight loss programs because it is focused more on accountability through exercise. I have waiting for years to try this program. I was pregnant when I first heard about it and have prayed about doing it off and on since then.

The program is called BABES (Beautiful Accountable Babes Exercising Sensibility). It is a 12 week course that was started by Barb Swanson several years ago. I go to weekly meetings for weigh-in, exercise, and a short teaching on how live healthier.

I love how a group of women can get together and share secrets (weight) and then sweat together. I mean really this is a program at church and most of the time when you are at church you want to look cute. (At least I do).

So I’m excited to start BABES. I’m committed and I’m ready…until I read I only get 1200 calories to eat a day. (Three meals at 300 calories and three snacks at 100 calories). Hmmmm…let’s see…didn’t make it…I came in at 1740 calories. That’s 540 more calories than I was supposed to have. (Although, way less than I normally do).

Breakfast - egg, oj, milk = 312

snack - yogurt with grapenuts = 295

Lunch - albacore tuna, lettuce, romano cheese, almonds, bacon bits, orange pepper = 265

snack - 2 slices Amish Friendship Bread = 200 (guessing based on results of other sweet breads at calorieking.com)

Dinner - spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans = 290

snack - wine, apple, cheese = 378 WOW!

Can you believe 1 oz. cheese is 110 calories!!! I was amazed! I have blood sugar problems and have been told to eat cheese (protein) to help stabilize blood sugar. I have been racking up on the calories through cheese alone! I mean I knew my wine would probably put my snack in the higher range but I didn’t know my BEFORE BED snack was almost 400 calories. WOW! What an eye opener.

I have known to keep a food journal but haven’t really ever figured up the calories…do I have a lot to learn. I am thankful I will be learning how to get my food under control. For the most part my family eats healthy and I keep my portions under control…calories are definitely a different story…I couldn’t believe my container of yogurt and grapenuts was so high in calories.

Another thing I will have to do is get back in the habit of exercising. Last year I was walking and started running. I want to run again and actually stick with it. I loved knowing I could run…it was exhilarating. Anyone can walk but to take the courage to run is completely different especially if you are overweight.

My prayer is that my journey to lose weight will continue in a positive way…I keep my eyes on the prize…don’t lose focus…but most of all…to enjoy myself.