Resolutions for 2012

Here we are again. The day of "last suppers", "this is the last time I'll eat ___________", and "I'm going to start going to the gym five times every week."

If you are saying these things to yourself (again), you'll likely be saying the same thing to yourself again this time next year. I did it for so many years before I finally realized these resolutions were not realistic or actionable. If you truly want to lose weight and get healthy for 2012, ditch all of these resolutions and cancel your order for the commercial diet plan. There is a better way!

Make one resolution - to make a lifestyle change
The year I finally started making progress toward my weight loss goals, I resolved to make small changes slowly with mini-goals. If I messed up, I started over. When I achieved a goal, I gave myself a non-food reward and started on another small goal. Soon, these became habits and I managed to lose 40 pounds.

Pick one small goal today
Today, pick a small goal like reducing soda intake or walking for 30 minutes three times per week. When you conquer this goal, move on to the next. And, don't forget to take your "good-bye" photos. They will be fun to look at this time next year when you are celebrating your accomplishments instead of having your "last supper".

Weigh-in day!

It's been a few weeks since I weighed in, but it had to be done today. After having a long vacation filled with food freedom, I was beyond worried getting on the scale today. If you are picturing me getting on the scale sans clothes with a huge exhale...well, you are correct.

To my surprise, I actually maintained my weight over the last few weeks! I thought it would be about four or five pounds higher than it actually was, so I was thrilled. I have been struggling for quite some time to get back to my goal of 140 pounds, but now I'm only seven pounds away.

I am back into the swing of things with my healthy habits and I feel confident that I will reach my goal again soon - and stay there!

Every Day Is A New Day

I spent the past 10 days away from work enjoying the last bits of summer in the Midwest. Unfortunately, that also meant 10 days away from watching my diet, 10 days away from regular exercise and 10 days further out from meeting my current health and wellness goals.

I can’t lie – the freedom of being spontaneous schedule-wise has been amazing. I ate famous deep dish pizza in Chicago, had macaroni & cheese on a stick at the State Fair and I even indulged in a real Coca-Cola. However, it was so sweet, I could only drink half of it. Ahhh….my healthy changes are working!

It has been wonderful the last 10 days: No planning meals, no feeling guilty and no getting up at 5:30 a.m. to run three plus miles. It would be quite easy for me to continue down this path. But, where would that get me?

Luckily, today is a new day and I have chosen to focus on my health and wellness goals again. And, just as lucky, the State Fair has ended for the year, so I have no choice but to avoid deep fried pickles until next August. Given this choice several years ago, I would have given up on the “diet” completely and kept on with the free-for-all right through the holidays.

I believe I have truly changed many habits over the past few years since I was actually looking forward to my turkey burger and salad for lunch. I’m looking forward to waking up early to get my adrenaline going for the day with a great workout. Mostly, I’m looking forward to seeing results of my hard work. I know they will come in time!

Here they are – my health and wellness goals for the remainder of 2011:

Reach my goal weight of 140 (again) by Christmas. I was about five pounds away from this before my vacation. I have not verified this, but I would guess this is no longer the case! I’m guessing I have more like 10 pounds to go…oops…

I will do this by…
--Journaling daily (food, workouts, etc.)
--Lifting weights twice per week, cardio 3-5 times per week and Pilates class once per week
--Keeping accountable with weekly weigh-ins
--Connecting with friends for support

Weigh In 12 of 12

My last vlog! Weigh-in, wrap-up and bloopers!

Week 11 of 12 - Weigh In Results

Setting goals, childhood dreams and Russell Brand. What more could you ask for? Check out my Week 11 Vlog!

Mind Over Mayo - Weekly Weigh-In Vlogs

Do you like COFFEE? Do you like MULLETS? If so, you will like my Week 10 Weigh-In Video Blog!

Today is my 5-year anniversary as a WW Lifetime Member

Five years ago today I reached my weight loss goal of 140 pounds and became a Lifetime Member at Weight Watchers. It was a very long journey of ups and downs (literally), but I ultimately lost 40 pounds and went from a size 14 to a size four.

Currently, I'm about 10 pounds above my goal, which is the highest weight I've been in five years. However, I'm working diligently by journaling food and training for a 10K race to lose the last 10 pounds (again). Even though I'm not at my goal right now, I have kept up my healthy habits for five years. I know I'll never return to the days of fast food and drinking 2-liters of soda per day!

Thanks for your support over the years! I couldn't have done this without all of you!