Drop 40 by 30*

I have a goal to lose 40lbs by my 30th birthday. While my weight has been an issue for a while, I really feel like I can do it this time. I understand that I am in this for the long haul, not just to lose a few pounds (or a lot) right before an event. I know that weight loss is not easy or quick and that it takes consistency and commitment. Right now, I'm using the LoseIt! program to track the calories I take in and burn. The program also takes your current weight and your goal weight and tells you when you should reach your goal weight given the number of pounds you're comfortable losing per week. I started tracking on Friday but didn't enter a starting weight until Saturday. LoseIt! said that I should reach my goal weight on my 30th birthday. Guess who's excited about that. Here are a few things that I plan to do to reach my goal.

• Watch what I eat, at all times. I've looked at the menus of places for which I have groupons or simply plan to go and have chosen reasonable options. I will also make sure I work out on those days that I eat out. When there are no reasonable options, I will control my portions or just not eat. Please, no peer pressure.
• I will work out 5 days per week or more. Please don't be offended if I turn down last minute plans because I need to hit the gym. If plans are made in advance, I will make every effort to workout earlier.
  
• I will not binge.
  
• I will focus on my goal.
• I will listen to my body and adjust my plans as needed.
  
• I will ask for support when I need it (and not just in losing weight).
• I will pay attention to my emotions how they affect my eating and food choices.
  
• I will be committed to myself.
  

Anything else that I should add to the list?

This one step – choosing a goal and sticking to it – changes everything. ~Scott Reed

*This post was brought to you by procrastination. I should be studying for the GRE, which I've already pushed back 3 weeks. Clearly, I'm not invested in this exam. I would cancel it altogether if I hadn't already given ETS too much damn money.