Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Graduation Challenge

Ok folks, here it is.... I'm about to join the millions of other people who are attempting to lose weight. 

I have always struggled with my weight.  There are actually very few times in my life I don't remember it being an issue.  There have been times that I've hated my body, times I loved it, and times that I just lived with it.  Well, I decided I'm tired of living with it and am going to do something about it!  You see, I've never really put in a whole lot of effort into trying to lose weight.  It's one of those things I accepted as part of me and didn't really think I had a choice. I learned to live with being overweight and to accept my body as is. I've gotten used to shopping for larger sizes or standing to the side while my friends shopped in stores I couldn't shop at.  I've gotten used to disguising my size with clothing (thank you Spanx and layering!) and only shopping with people I trust to not judge me.  It's been an uphill battle with myself and quite frankly, I'm tired of fighting it.  So I've decided I'm going to do something about it.

I've tried diets before and failed because they forced me to give up all of my favorite foods.  This time instead of eliminating all of my favorite items (like macaroni and cheese and chocolate), I am going to limit them.  I think my biggest issues come from portion control and lack of exercise, so that's where I plan to start.  I know what I eat is important, and I am trying to eat better (like more fruits and vegetables and less junk food snacking) but getting rid of my favorite items is simply asking for failure.  I mean come on, anyone who knows me knows I can't live with out macaroni and cheese!  I can however limit my intake of it.  It may be baby steps at first, but I have to start somewhere.  I'm not really sure what motivated me this time, but I plan to stick to it.  I've done really well working out for an hour every day this week (I give myself Mondays off). I've been doing weights, running on the elliptical, and swimming laps.  I'm actually really enjoying it!  I've never really liked exercising before but it has helped relieve stress and I feel better already.

So here goes, my graduation challenge:   My goal is to lose at least 20 pounds by graduation (May 5, 2012).  There are 12 weeks until graduation, so that would average about 2 pounds a week.  I've heard that's a healthy rate to lose weight so that's my goal.  It would be incredible if I lost more than that, but 20 is my goal. I know there will come days that I want to give up and lose my motivation, and  I know there will be days where I cave and give into my food temptations.  However, I'm really hoping I can stay motivated. Plus, I heard once that it takes 12 weeks to break or start a new habit, so I'm hoping exercising and eating right will become habit by the end of this! Your accountability and encouragement however would be greatly appreciated (especially come like week 5)!  So here goes.. my graduation challenge has begun!

6 comments:

  1. You're amazing Allyson. I love reading your blog. You're such an inspiration :)

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  2. Good luck Allyson! I lost about 40 pounds after college, but it was over the span of two years!!! Slow and steady wins the race :-)

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  3. Good for you, Baby Girl!  I; however, can only encourage you, as I struggle with the same thing and haven't done anything about it, so not so sure I can "help" you. . . BUT . . . maybe I can do it along with you!  We can be accountable to each other and encourage each other!  I would LOVE to be able to swim somewhere - it's GREAT exercise!! - - So, we can discuss more this weekend!  I LOVE YOU!!  xoxoxoxoxoo  Mom!

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  4. I will be your accountablility partner if you will be mine.  I have been trying to lose 20 pounds for 5 years.  I love fruits and vegetables but also love chocolate especially as Callie says "Little Debbie SWIFT rolls".  I have always struggled with exercising.  If you are exercising everyday then I am going to as well.  It is the first thing that we ask patients about but I am not doing it myself.  Starting today.. I am going to exercise.  I will contact you once or twice a week to check in and see how you are doing.  I want you to check in with me as well. 
    Love you,
    Diane

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  5. Thanks everyone!  I love knowing I've got people behind me on this!   Mom we'll chat this weekend, and Diane I would love to have you as an accountability partner!  I'm all for chocolate as well, it's going to be hard to limit my intake.  I've heard a piece of dark chocolate a day is good for you though, so maybe that could be our cheat!  Enjoy your exercise today!  I'll be heading to the gym before I come home this weekend! Love you all!

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  6. Way to Go Allyson! That sounds like a great realistic goal...and you seem to have a great plan set out! Can't wait to see your progress these next few weeks! And if I can add, I always found it super motivating to keep track of my measurements in addition to the lbs. Alot of times I wouldn't lost weight but would lose inches and that is what matters! 

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