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.

April Challenge

When I posted my update on the list, I didn't mention anything about my weight loss goal. That's because I had actually gained weight. So I decided to get a grip on things starting April 1...

The Challenge: Eat vegan and workout 4 out of every 5 days for the month of April.

The Prize: A $500 shopping spree to buy clothes that fit my body (whatever it looks like/weighs).

15 days in: I've met the challenge by going vegan and working out 12 out of the last 15 days. Go me!

The problem: I haven't lost any weight.

There are a number of factors that play into my lack of weight loss. In an attempt to be all natural, I stopped taking my daily multivitamin with a metabolism booster. Also, while I've cut out dairy and meat, nuts, soy and coconut milk have a lot of fat and calories. Plus, I wasn't actually watching what I ate. (I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate peanut butter coconut milk ice cream.) I've also not passed up the alcohol.

Next Steps: Resume taking my multivitamin. Try to follow the 4-day diet as closely as possible, watch portions, and cut down on high fat/calorie foods. I'll limit my alcohol intake over the next 15 days and increase my daily workout time.

Look for an update in 15 days.

Wish me luck!

The Whole Body Action Plan

I'm trying this Whole Body Action Plan at the start of the new year. The Whole Body Action Plan is a 4-week guide to achieving total mind-body wellness. Check it out if you are looking to start the new year off by taking care of your mind and body. It includes daily emails with recipes and updates and an online community.

Updates

It's been a while. I've been a little crazy with starting work, studying for my exam, and then trying to return to life as usual.

• I started my job. - I love it. I love what I do. I love the schedule. I love the flexibility and all the holidays we get. I love that going on the cruise within my probationary period won't be a problem.
• I passed the National Counselor Exam! - All of that studying (and money) paid off. I'm just waiting on the state to issue my license.
• My birthday is approaching. - Yes. I'm making another list. I'm asking for your help on this one too so get your ideas ready. I get health and dental coverage on my birthday! You know I'm getting old when I get excited about being able to go to the doctor.
  
• The cruise is approaching. - It's a little more than 30 days away. I'm excited but I need to get back in the gym. The blog isn't the only thing that's been neglected over the last few weeks. Plus, my trainer bounced and now I have to find a new one that fits my schedule and will make me go hard. I tried this new guy on Saturday and he was trying to go easy on me. I'm giving him another shot on Saturday though. I'm gonna try to keep up with spiderlgs and make it to the gym 4-5 times per week.

Now that my life is back to normal, I'll try to get back to my daily randomness.

A New Challenge

I want to challenge myself to workout everyday. I'm working out regularly and consistently 3-4 times per week. However, I'm not seeing the kind of results that I want. I've noticed that I have more stamina and endurance and I am definitely stronger. However, my weight has stayed in the same 10lb range since last winter. (I could be more consistent with my diet and that is coming soon.) My current workout routine consists of a cycling class, weight training with my trainer, and some ab work, squats, weights, and brief cardio on my own. I want to incorporate more exercises into my routine. So, what are some of your favorite exercises? Has anyone tried working out everyday? How long has it lasted? How did you keep from getting bored? injured? I don't do so well working out at home. How do you stay motivated at home? All suggestions are welcomed.