Becoming Health-E: Month One

I might regret this later - talking about my weight loss on my blog that is.  But, the truth is, I've found a lot of encouragement and inspiration in following other people's journeys towards a healthier lifestyle and seeing their successes (and failures) along the way.  Plus, I function well on words of affirmation and accountability (#peoplepleaser), so putting this out there can only help my progress. Right? Let's hope.

Anyway, I'm keeping this short and sweet...

Here's a bullet point for each pound I lost in January:

1. My last Diet Coke was on December 31st.  I do not crave them like I used to, and I can fairly easily resist their allure now.  BUT, I still think about them and have to convince myself not to "cheat" almost every day. #addicted I AM still drinking about two cups of coffee every day, and guzzling LOTS of water.

2. I got a FitBit Flex on New Year's Day and have been wearing it to keep track of my steps/ calories burned ever since.  I am also using the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone which automatically connects to the FitBit.  My goal each day is to have a 1,000 calorie difference between the number of calories burned and the number of calories eaten.  (To be fair, most days I am usually closer to the 700 - 800 calorie range.)  So far, I am REALLY liking this method.  It has gotten to be a habit for me, and it is kind-of like a game every day.

3. At the beginning of the month, I was exercising four - five days a week pretty regularly.  After we got sick mid month, I have been a little less consistent with my workouts - probably getting them in more like two or three times each week. My workout of choice is a Zumba class (SO fun), but I also enjoy walking/jogging on the treadmill with my Kindle or a magazine.  So far, I haven't done anything really with weights, but I'm hoping to up my workouts a little this month with more interval training etc.  (Maybe Jillian Michael's Shred again.  Thoughts?)

4. Other than d-coke, I really haven't "cut out" anything entirely.  I have still let myself enjoy favorites like cookies, pizza, and Chickfila, BUT I am MUCH more aware of how much and how often I am eating these things.

5. For the first two weeks, I felt sluggish and maybe even more tired than usual.  (Also, grumpy.)  I can't say that I feel a huge difference in my energy levels now; but, I do think there is some subtle improvement.  For example, I'm not napping nearly as often (almost never), and I'm feeling a lot more motivated to get things done around the house etc. after work in the afternoons.

6. The biggest difference between this time and other times I have tried to lose weight, is that this feels A LOT more permanent.  I am trying to lose weight slowly and by making healthy decisions that will become a part of my LIFE - not just a phase.  Unlike times before, when I've had a bad day (and, trust me, there have been plenty), I don't feel like a total failure.  I tell myself: "This isn't about ten days in a row of being healthy, it's about ten years.  What's one day?" and get back on track.

7. A few people have said they can tell a small change in my face and - in general - I feel less bloated and like my clothes are a little less tight; but, for the most part, I can't really tell a big difference outwardly yet.  I'll admit, that is frustrating to me at times; but, I'm sticking with it.  I am trying to remind myself that this is about MY HEALTH and NOT my appearance.

8. While I am genuinely happy with my progress so far and proud of myself for my work this month, I still think it's been at about 75%... I could work harder and make better decisions in this process.  I am choosing to look at this past month as the BEGINNING and to up my efforts from this point forward.

9. I "weighed in" on Friday and then spent the weekend with my sister.  I didn't totally blow it, but between that and the Superbowl, I should probably just cross this last point off. ;)

So... There you have it.  An update on my progress so far.