One of the things on my list I’ve decided to tackle this year is losing weight. Number 4 on the 40×40 list is to get down to my “ideal” weight, which basically means a healthy BMI. I’ve got 40 pounds to go—look, another 40×40! But, that’s down 6 already from the last time I actually stepped on a scale.
Last year, I made an effort to eat healthier meals—less frying, (slightly) more veggies—but I still ate a lot of crap. Part of it was/is addiction—those Reese’s eggs are just so dang yummy—but part of it was fear. I’ve always joked that if I gave up my [number redacted] calorie-a-day Sunkist habit, I’d waste away to practically nothing. But, what if it’s not true?
What if it’s even harder than the incredibly difficult journey I already imagine?
This year, I made a tough decision on the soda issue—though I didn’t cut it out completely. I no longer keep it on hand around the house, which means the steady stream is gone. As is the addiction. I do allow myself to order soda when we’re out to dinner, and I occasionally buy myself the coveted Sunkist when I’m out & about. But, it’s no longer a daily habit.
The Sunkist bottle is no longer an accessory I carry around with me from morning to bedtime. (And, that doesn’t even touch the one I keep on my bedside table.) Now, I carry a glass of water everywhere I go. Upstairs, there’s a plastic cup on my nightstand. Downstairs, a drinking glass filled with water. In the car? A water bottle I can barely keep full.
It’s working—last week, I passed up an available Sunkist for water because that sounded more appealing—but I know I have to take it a step further, if I want to reach my goals. The ultimate goal will have me down several sizes—which is another fear. I’m half scared, half excited about this part. Where will I get the money to replace my clothes once I’ve lost even more? And, yet…shopping!! It means I’ll get to officially finish #25 too—an all new wardrobe definitely qualifies as an overhaul.
So, bravery it is—I’m doing this. But, I’ve decided I can’t do it alone if I want to get serious about it. I need the support of my family & friends. And, if I’m going to ask for your help, it means being completely open & honest. The numbers shall be revealed. The daily Sunkist habit? Totaled over 1000 calories. Yes, I meant to type all 3 zeros. And, yes, that was my daily intake.
Now, even when I do allow myself to indulge, it stops around 200 calories. I think. I just haven’t been counting. I so often eat, drink, indulge without a thought to what it means. I don’t exercise—not since my dance classed moved. I don’t run—it’s just never been an interest. And, I don’t reach the weight loss goals I set for myself.
Because I don’t really work for them. This time, it’s official—I’m going to step up, work hard and actually work out. Yes, I said that. I’ve been working out with Fit Mom Training for a week now—it’s amazing what those little bursts of time can do for your body. I’m down around a pound so far and feeling better than ever. But, I’m not spending hours at the gym or a ton of money on fitness equipment.
My workouts so far have consisted of jumping jacks, pushups, crunches, squats and a host of other at home (and free!) exercises. The circuits she has assigned each day work for me because I can throw in 15-20 minutes when I get home from school dropoff, before my shower. I can add in 15-20 minutes in the evening, before my nightly bubble bath. According to my Wii Fit, I’m getting in 45-60 minutes each day, in short bursts when I have the time.
Plus, I’m turning to my friends & family (and Bookie Boo!) to help motivate me & keep me accountable. I’m going to post the numbers (and fatty Mii) each week. I’m hoping we can all watch both of us shrink as we go along. The girls love watching me on the Wii Fit, and I’m so thrilled to provide that example for them.
They’re the how and why I’m going to be successful this time. Because, I can’t tell my girls to eat healthy and go outside & play, when I’m stuffing my face with junk & sitting on my rear all day long. I can’t teach them that the sacrifices we have to make for our gluten free lifestyle will keep us healthy, when I’m not otherwise healthy myself.
What I can do is make real, positive changes in my life.
I can workout. I can run. I can play Just Dance without getting winded! I just can’t do it all alone. Luckily, I won’t have to. The hubby has committed to doing this all with me. Whatever Mamavation throws at me? It’s his assignment too. That’s both parents in this family pushing hard for change. We can show our girls what it means to really work for something.
I can show my online network that the support we provide to one another—through one-liners, emails, Skype chats—has real, powerful meaning. I can show my friends that if I can do this, they can too. Because we’ll be in it together—each tweet, each friend, each family member will be right there with me. I’m applying to be the next Mamavation Mom and joining the Sistahood.
Can I count on your support?
How to nominate me for Mamavation:
Tweet (early & often!): Hey @bookieboo! I want @JustHeather to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y
Facebook: Share why you think I would be a good Mamavation Mom on their Facebook wall.
Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 194 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 1 pound
Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: What time of day works best for you to be active? How do you make sure you stick to those planned workouts?
This post is sponsored by SEARS FitStudio and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Sears.
That is great news. Looking forward to reading about your progress. Losing weight is like the 1000 mile journey, in your mind you want to do it, and you just have to start walking..
Good For You,
Kahuna
BTS I Love What You Do.
OK, I’ve been wanting to tell you this since you tweeted about your soda skip over the weekend. How do you get the money for new clothes? Soda Money!
Just like people who give up smoking and save the money, you save the soda money. If you order water when you go out, note that you get to put $2 (or whatever it is) into an ING or some account like that. How much did you spend on your weekly soda purchase? On sale, maybe $10? That’s $40/month! So you might get to $50/month easy.
With your awesome deal skillz, that $50 would go a long way toward some new clothes. And while $50 doesn’t sound like a lot when it comes to clothes, in 5 months you’ll have $250!!! All b/c you gave up soda. And it doesn’t even really hurt your budget.
I’m with you on this #Mamavation program!
Thanks, Sara! I’ve been putting my soda money towards fresh veggies, trying to improve my diet. I do okay with dinner, since I’m feeding the girls but I tended to skip breakfast and have a meager showing at lunch. I’m using the extra cash for better choices all day long.
And, yes – it was a lot of money!
I am SO PROUD of you!!! I’ve been on a journey for a year now to become a Healthier Me and I love when I see others getting serious about their journey, too!! From what I know of you, you are a seriously determined mama… when you put your mind to something, there is no stopping you. And this will be the same!!
Giving up soda was one of the hardest things to give up! And I am with you on Reese’s eggs! I found some small ones that are about half the size of the regular ones – not great, but a little better
Have a great week and best wishes on your goals this week. You can do it.
Yes, cutting out soda can make a huge difference. I don’t think bookieboo has said anything yet, but last campaign we weren’t allowed to drink soda or have alcohol. Just a heads up!
Good luck with the campaign. It is a great way to motivate yourself forward to great weight loss and the ranks are filled with woman equally motivated and supportive. Take advantage of all the great tips and advice from the experts on the twitter stream. Welcome to the Sistahood and so glad to see you posting. I look forward to many posts from you to come.
Have a great week and keep up the healthy eating habits and water intake!
I think it’s awesome that you’re committed to this! Can’t wait to see the results (and read about it hear too)! And I’m hoping your posts will encourage me to get off my fat butt too!
Welcome Welcome Welcome! I totally get ya on the Sunkist habit – I was the same way with Coke and Coke Zero… which doesn’t have the calories but is STILL horrible for you. I know you can do this! Good luck with your campaign and PLEASE feel free to reach out. I’m here to help 🙂
Nice job on the loss this week.
wohoooo you are kicking the soda habit and hubby is helping you since you dont have it in the house that is a plus! my hubby has his crack (soda) in the bottom of the fridge so its hard for me to resist it and from time to time i drink one but he wont give up his habit booooo. anyway you are very honest on here i tweeted for you! wohoooooo bye bad soda!