Day 16 - Still Going Strong (WAHOO!)

I've been plugging along eating better and being more active for over two weeks! It has been mostly easy! I don't know what is different this time, a combination of things, I suppose. I know this time I am making a permanent change. I've thought that before, but there was always doubt. I have no doubt this time. None! I've lost about 12 pounds. I feel better, lighter even, and more energetic. There have been times when it has been rough, but I haven't been tempted to just start eating with abandon. I consider that a HUGE victory. I bought a Polar heart rate monitor (FT60F), which I love. I was way underestimating how many calories I was burning while walking. That isn't necessarily a bad thing at this point, since not eating those extra calories probably helped me lose so much weight the first two weeks. However, I don't want to lose weight as fast as possible. I want to be healthy and keep my metabolism roaring. Plus, I don't want to feel like I'm starving either. That might make me say forget it and start eating everything in sight. So, so far so good. This is the longest I've made a change since...I can't actually remember. Awesome!

Day 6 (Take ?)

The day of my vow to look into surgery if I haven't lost weight has long come and gone. I just don't want to have surgery. I know how to lose weight. I don't know what it's like to recover from surgery and to have eating/drinking restrictions for the rest of my life, and I'd rather not find out. I feel ready to give it a go all by myself - no chemical or surgical assistance. I'm tough enough. Absolutely. I added the "MyFitnessPal" app to my phone. It's a very handy way of keeping track of calories, exercise, etc. There is also a website myfitnesspal.com that includes a message board and other extras. I'm super optimistic this time. I have no idea why. Fingers crossed!

90 Day Challenge

I lasted just a week, as always. I've tried several diets over the last 10 years - Weight Watchers, Atkins, e-Diets, Metabolic Research Center, etc. Any one of them would have worked if I would have followed them. The problem is that I am ADDICTED to food. None of these programs gives me what I really need, which is the one-on-one help that I think would make the difference. I don't know where to find that. I suppose I could try to find a psychiatrist, but I don't even know if there is anyone in this area that offers treatment for overeating. Plus, if insurance doesn't cover the visits, I'm not quite at the point where I could justify the cost. I do know that my insurance would cover the Lap Band. That is my last resort for sure. I don't want to have surgery. I want to overcome overeating without drugs or surgery. I'd like to give myself a year before I even consider surgery an option. I'm going to set a reminder to myself to pop up in on year. If I'm still where I am no with no progress, maybe it will be time to consider the Lap Band. We'll see if I can find the answer myself between now and Feb 7, 2011.

My first idea is a 90 day challenge. I've been doing some of the P90X videos, which I love. I'd like to truly follow the P90X exercise plan and stick to between 1200 and 1800 calories per day. I plan to NEVER eat more or less. For this 90 days, it will just be about calories. If I make healthy choices, great. If I make bad choices, I won't consider that failing and throw in the towel like I usually do. As long as I still exercise and stick to my calorie range, I will consider the next 90 days a success.

I can do it. I can do it. I can do it.

Me? Blog?

Maybe a blog will help me lose weight, eat healthier, and exercise more. That's not to much to ask, right?