Oh, the holidays. Cookies. Candy. Comfort food.
I knew that starting a weight loss plan in early December might have been a mistake. My husband had papers to finish for finals week. We packed to go home for a couple of weeks, then went home for a couple of weeks. And ate and ate and ate.
The few weeks I dared step on the scale after restarting my personal weight loss challenge, I had no good news to report. Small gains, in weight that is, each week. This must be what it’s like to get older and just watch the pounds pack on. I feel like a llama trudging up a mountain with supplies strapped to my sides. Or a pack mule. I’m packing on extra pounds, and I almost feel helpless and powerless to stop it.
But I’m not.
And thanks to a few tools at my disposal, I have a 3-step plan for the new year.
One of my Christmas gifts was a Wii with a Zumba Fitness game. A couple of months ago, I attended a Zumba party at a friend’s house and loved it! Now, I can have my own Zumba workout in my living room at 5 a.m., hopefully before anyone else in the house is awake. This is a huge boost to my intention to lose weight.
I also plan to read this book. It’s been on my Kindle for months. Exercise, and lack of it, is only part of my battle. Another part is food. I love food. Cooking it, baking it, serving it, eating it. Food, itself, is not bad. But my relationship with it is not right. So, I look forward to any insights this author has to offer. I’m also going to use a 21-day devotional that goes along with a book called “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkhurst. To put food in its proper place in my life, I have to put God in His proper place. I’m hoping to do that through this devotional. And maybe the full book later on.
Thirdly, I’m finding strength in numbers. My husband is on board and is helping me make healthier eating choices. He is my in-house accountability. My mom is also on a weight-loss journey and we’re planning to check in with each other about our weight, our eating habits and exercise choices. Support is essential to success when attempting something difficult.
So, there it is, for all to see. My 3-step plan for weight loss this year. I’m hopeful, and a little desperate.
I know I’m not alone in these struggles, and I hope to maintain balance. I don’t want to focus on food so much that it controls me in the opposite direction.
Health. Fitting into my clothes. Feeling good about myself when I look in the mirror. These are my goals.
I’ll never be a size 6 or 8 or whatever the “ideal” is. But I know that where I am now is not where I want to be.
Want to join the journey? E-mail me or comment on this post. I’ll pray for you and support you in good times and bad.
Let’s do this, together, shall we?
Good morning, Lisa!
Welcome back and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Love the attitude. You go girl! Trying to come up with my own game plan. Wanting desperately for Phil to help, but he’s usually a hindrance. I don’t mean that in an unkind way, but whenever I’m struggling to be good, he surprises me with chocolate or cake or something equally yummy.
I’ll be providing prayer support for you. Wish I had a Wii. I’ve talked about it, but money seems to be needed elsewhere right now. Maybe one of these days. Until then, my quest for daily photos keeps taking me out and walking.
Anyway, wanted to let you know that i feel your pain and I’m supporting you in your battle.
Thanks so much, Cindy! Keep up the walking. I love your photos! Your husband’s love language must be giving. 🙂 My Phil occasionally does the same thing, but he’s realized that he’s part of the solution, too. Don’t give up! And thanks for the prayers!
Zach and I are both on the train too. We’ve been on a quest to be healthier people but have been struggling oh so much. I think that the real motivator will be the hope to be mommy and daddy to a full term little one…we’ve changed some so far and are definitely on the ‘weight loss’ train right along with you. I’m a little terrified of being one of those women that just looks extra obese when she’s pregnant…uhhhh.
So here’s to 2012 bringing weight loss, health, hope and so much more!
It’s great that you’re motivated together, but it IS hard, especially with grad school, I think. Whenever Phil is facing paper deadlines and such, I’m stressed out too, which makes me want chocolate. And it’s so hard to dedicate the time sometimes. You can do it! I WAS one of those women when I was pregnant with Corban. I envy women (Cassie) who look so beautiful pregnant. I just felt like a house. Love you guys.