My big fat plan

As children, we are taught to keep track of our things. To be responsible with our possessions and put things away where they should go. Otherwise, the space where we abode becomes unbearably chaotic. These are what we try to instill in our children to make good habits. However, there is something that this Mama needs to lose.

I am not a small woman, not will I ever be. I’m tall and my bone structure isn’t one to lend itself to pettiness. And I’m okay with that. But I’m not okay with how I am now.. I try to ignore it, but really, I’m not happy or even comfortable about my size. The truth is, I haven’t  been since I was about my eldest daughters’ age.

While I’m not content with my size, my motivation isn’t about my looks. It’s about being healthy, for my family and for myself. I don’t have high blood sugar problems (I’m hypoglycemic), I’ve never had a high blood pressure reading, and my cholesterol is perfect. Those are all good things to report, but it doesn’t mean my weight isn’t having a negative effect somewhere. And what about the example I’m setting for my children? My eldest is almost 13 and, just like me, she’s about as tall as she’s going to be. Learning from my own experience, NOW is the time for her to develop good habits towards healthy eating (which we already do) and regular exercise. Of course, it’s the same for the other children, as well. But how can I teach them these good habits if I don’t display them myself? It doesn’t quite work that way.

I know, I know. I should have thought about this 13 years ago. Actually, I did think about it. And I’ve tried over the years to change things, as most people have. But that change never took. So what’s changed now? Realizing that my eldest isn’t going to get any taller and that she’s only going to start going “out” instead of “up”. I realize that sounds quite silly, but it’s the truth.

So here’s my plan:

I have an Amazon wish-list and it’s kind-a long. So I’m using that as my “carrot”. For every 10 pounds that I lose, I can purchase something off of my list. Adam doesn’t think that this will work. But he doesn’t know what’s on my list! Since the start of this plan, I’ve already lost 3 pounds. And that was before daily exercise. Woohoo!!

. I hate exercise, but I do enjoy walking. However, it’s getting cold here and it will stay that way for the next 6 months. I don’t enjoy walking when it;’s cold enough to snow, so I’m doing the next best thing. I have a “walk away the pounds” DVD that I’m using to get that exercise in. Plus, with Samuel nursing full-time, my body is burning about 500 calories a day just making milk. Thanks Samuel!

I don’t diet. I disagree with dieting quite strongly. Sure, I could cut out sugar or grains or fat anything I want. And the weight will come off. But seriously? I don’t want to eat that way for the rest of my life. So I strive to eat a balanced meal and less of it. That way, with exercise and nursing, I’m burning more than I’m eating, but in a healthy way. (If at anytime I see a decline in my milk, I will increase my calorie intake. Samuel is paramount right now>)

Now that Samuel is sleeping a bit better, not quite all the way through the night, but better, I’m able to get up early enough to do my little DVD without an audience. This is only the 2nd day that I’ve done this, but so far it feels so good! Yesterday was a very productive day for me and I’m hopeful that today will be the same, giving me encouragement to keep getting up early and sticking with my plan.

My birthday is at the end of this month and my goal is to have lost that first 10 pounds. It’s probably not realistic, but I’d like to have lost the 2nd 10 pounds my the New Year. My ultimate goal is to have lost all of the unwanted weight ( +/- 60 pounds) by my birthday next year.  

So that’s my plan and (at least on the 2nd day), I’m sticking to it! I’ll post updates here and there, to keep myself accountable.

Want to join me?