I Choo-Choo-Choose You

I've never been so ready to lose weight. While I've been dedicated to making better choices since the fall, I've recently recommitted to counting every calorie, passing on the carbs, avoiding pop and encouraging others to do the same.

I have been committed for over a month now - even making better choices while away on vacation. In the past that was unheard of. Vacation was an excuse to eat more bad stuff and more of it!

We were in Cleveland for a Third Eye Blind concert and went to a sports bar for food before heading over to the show. I ordered an Asian chicken salad wrap with a side of veggies. This is the first time in my life I went to a restaurant and chose grilled mixed veggies over french fries/onion rings/greasy sandwich side!  Every restaurant visit since, I've been picking a healthy alternative over a fried or high carb side dish.

The Good: Went to the Y for the first time in at least a year.
The Bad: Had a Blue Moon after my workout.
The Pounds Lost: 9

Nom Nom Nom

I probably shouldn't have started my weight loss journey during Local Restaurant Week.

Rob (the hubby) and I are like [fat] kids on Christmas during restaurant week.  We study the list of places for weeks, searching for somewhere new to try.  Then we read, and re-read each offering, trying to figure what food sounds the most delicious.

We can't settle for one visit, we must plan multiple outings during this week.  Because with these deals, it's a sin not to take advantage of a $20 gourmet meal or a 2 for $20 burger and beer deal.

Last night we ate ridiculous amounts of sushi at our favorite Japanese place. Tonight we went out with two of our closest friends to try a steak and seafood place.

These are the days that are toughest. I can still go out and enjoy dinner with my husband and our friends, but I need to keep my goal in the back of my head. I should be opting for veggies not a loaded baked potato. I need to start with salad with balsamic vinegar, not chunky blue cheese dressing. I should also pair it with a glass of water, not a bottle of wine.

Might not be a bad idea to start the workout portion of my weight loss plan this week too....

The Good: Healthy breakfast and to make up for dinner calories.
The Bad: Restaurant week makes life difficult.
The Pounds Lost: 0

Growing Up Fat

I've struggled with my weight my entire life.  It is time I've finally decided to do something about. Over the years, I've tired different diets, attempted working out, cut out pop, etc. but I haven't stuck with anything long enough to see the long term results that I need.

This time is different. This time it's going to be a lifestyle change. It's all about better choices, smaller portions, being more active, drinking more water, recording my calories and exercise, and driving by McDonald's without grabbing a $1.00 hot fudge sundae twice a week...

With that being said, I also decided that I can't cut everything out and you can have what you like in moderation and balance.  If I've had two beers at the bar before my volleyball game, I probably don't need a third to drink during the game. It's just empty calories...

So I've set a goal.  It's pretty high, but I think it's achievable and I feel like I'm in the right mindset. I've given myself a year to lose 75 pounds. Ultimately I'd like to lose more, but I feel like this is a realistic first goal and we'll see where I go from there...

The Good: Drank 8 glasses of water.
The Bad: Had tacos for lunch...
The Pounds Lost: 0 lbs