Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Weight Loss Challenge!

I'm feeling a little better today, but still taking things pretty easy. It's been a while since a cold or any kind of sickness has left me feeling so wiped out! Anyway, I've been thinking about doing a bloggy weight loss challenge, and finally decided to jump in and post about it. First of all, this challenge is for myself--I gained about 5-6 lbs. back over the holidays, so I have some catching up to do to get back to where I was, plus some more weight to lose to get to my goal. My grand total of poundage to lose as of right now is 13 lbs. I decided to set myself a deadline of my birthday (April 5), which gives me about 9 weeks to lose the weight. Jim and I talked it over, and decided that if I accomplish my goal, then I get a reward (at this point, I'm planning to buy a new denim skirt), but if I don't make my goal, then he gets to buy something for himself! So that gives me a little incentive. :) I will also admit that I will often set goals and then lose heart somewhere in the middle of my challenge, and never accomplish what I set out to do. This has happened to me more than once in trying to lose weight. So, I thought that by tracking my progress here on the blog, maybe that will give me some extra accountability and incentive to meet my goal.

Second, if any of you ladies would like to join me on the challenge, go for it!! You're welcome to set your own goals and deadlines, or you can use the same deadline as me if you'd like. From now till April 5, I plan to post my progress once a week . . . either every Monday or every Tuesday. I'd love to have you join me! Maybe if a few of you join in, I'll even think about doing a prize of some kind for the "biggest loser." :) I'd love to hear feedback if you think this would be fun and helpful.

I started off this week with a big plan to exercise every day, then getting sick changed my plan. However, being sick does have one advantage: I'm not very hungry. :) So maybe this will help jumpstart my weight loss. And I do plan to jump on the exercising wagon again next week, or sooner if I feel more energetic. My plan also involves keeping a food journal, which I've been doing since Sunday. Having to write down everything I put in my mouth does help me keep the munchies under control! The third big part of my plan is drinking plenty of water. I'm aiming for 66 oz. per day, which is pretty doable for me.

So, there you have it. Whether I fall flat on my face or emerge victorious remains to be seen! :) I hope some of you may jump in and join me! If you do, feel free to chime in on the comments with what your goals are. Even if you don't have weight to lose, seeking better health and fitness is important for everyone, so if you have goals related to healthy eating/working out, please share those, too!

6 comments:

Joanne said...

I'll join you in the weight loss attempt. I don't really have any set goals yet.

Mrs.T said...

I'll join you too... I don't have any set goals either. My main goal is just to get back to healthy eating, daily exercise, and drinking more water. Whatever weight loss or redistribution results from that will be great! I would like to think I could get back on track by April 5, so that timing sounds fine to me.

Mary Ann said...

I need to do this, too. Right now I feel totally derailed from my surgery. I had done really well with exercise in January. I guess this enforced time of rest should cause me to focus on my eating habits, right? :-) If I get my head around a set plan, I'll officially join your crew & the challenge will be on!

Mindee said...

I will join you all! I was doing really well with the Wii Fit until a couple weeks ago. My back and neck pain was greatly diminished when I was regularly exercising. Now it's back! :( I need to use the Wii Fit 3-4 times a week, so that will be my goal.

Anonymous said...

Hi Carrie... it's Christen. I can't remember my google password! just a thought- it'll only be a big factor if you are exercising a lot. Well, ok, here's my plan. I've started working out more in an attempt to 1- get heart healthy and 2- feel more confident in my body. I haven't set a weight goal, but more of a size goal. I run several afternoons a week and see a trainer 2x/wk. So my chances of losing much weight are slim b/c of the muscle build-up, but my pants size will go down. I'm squeezing into my size 6, and I want them to fit comfortably. I'm toning up the flab and that'll make the difference. Drinking lots (but not TOO much) water will defnitely help. I wish you the best of "luck" and hope you meet your goal by April 5!

Kathleen said...

Carrie ~ I'm thankful for you doing this...seems like we have the same struggles a lot of the time, and when you share this it encourages me to feel not so alone! :) Thank You! :) I need to think about what my goal will be...I know what I need to lose, to get back to my normal pre-pregnancy weight.(After 3...I've got a way to go.) I may not reach it before having another little one, but I would like to get a good share off. My goal for doing that is also to keep a journal,to eat healthier, and have a steady excercise routine. I already drink a fair amount of water, but probably could use moreof that also! :) I will set my goal,and will jump on board and be encouraged knowing others are trying also! :)