The Plan

Okay, here is my plan. 

First, I am counting calories.  I know some people really hate doing this but it works.  I downloaded an app. on my phone and I'm keeping track of everything I eat and I'm going to post it here.  Yes, that's right, everything.  I know that may seem like too much but I just think that if I saw someone who was losing weight, knowing what they are eating is something I would want to see.  If Jillian Michaels had a blog where she wrote down her diet I would look at it everyday. (I'm in no way saying that I am a fitness professional or look like Jillian Michaels...yet) My aim is to eat between 1400 and 1500 calories a day. I've calculated this number based on my age, current weight, pounds I wish to lose and how much time I want to lose them in.  Don't worry, this is a very healthy amount of calories for someone my size who wishes to lose weight.

Second, I'm counting my protein.  Now, I'm taking a little from a lot of different programs out there and I'm choosing to focus on lean protein instead of fat or sugar or sodium levels.  I can get too overwhelmed by all the healthy habits I'm supposed to have or all the percentages I'm supposed to keep track of so I've chosen calories and protein.  Why protein? It's worked for me in the past and protein (lean protein) helps you feel fuller longer and makes your muscles stronger.  The more muscle you have the more calories you burn.  It just makes sense to me and steers me personally into the direction of better food. My goal is to eat 90g of protein a day.

Third, I'm going to drink water like there is no tomorrow.  This is such an important part of any health regimen and I really feel is the key to feeling great.  Sure, you'll have to pee every hour but each time you do you can think "I'm losing weight and one pee closer to my goal" I want to drink 120oz of water a day.

Fourth, I'm exercising six times a week. I alternate between cardio and strength every other day.  I use videos, the outdoors, treadmill, anything I can find but I don't have a membership at a gym.  I don't like them. I also exercise at least 30 mins and no more than 60 mins.  I've had a problem with over exercising in the past and this whole thing is about finding balance. Besides, it's all about what you eat anyway and if anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying.

Fifth, I'm measuring myself once a month and weighing myself once a week.  The measurements are due to the fact that a scale can lie to you from time to time and drive you crazy, numbers are numbers. Only weighing once a week will also prevent craziness.  I have some friends who weigh everyday and I think that can just mess with your mind.  Once a week is an accurate indication of where you are and where you need to go.

Sixth, I'm not counting the calories in fruit and I'm cheating once a week for a whole day.  This may slow down my overall progress and add a month or two but I need this to stay sane and feel good about myself.  One day won't ruin everything and I need to not feel bad about myself when I want to slip. I can also choose my day based on what is going on in my life to help me stress less.  You'll see as I go through my journey what I mean.

Well, there it is, my master plan.  I feel really good about this and am so excited! I'll post each day what I ate and did the day before and give helpful tips and recipes I find along the way.  I'll make sure each workout is logged and if it's a workout I do myself, I'll be really detailed if you want to follow along too.

So, here are my starting stats and my goals:

Weight: 173
Goal weight: 140 to 145
That is 33 lbs to 28 lbs to lose.

Date to lose weight by: June 1, 2013 (We'll see, but I feel like it's very realistic)
That's a little over 1.5 pounds a week.

Calories a day: 1400-1500
Water: 120 oz
Lean Protein: 90g

Measurements:
waist (bottom of ribcage): 32.5
chest: 39
bellybutton: 36
butt: 40.5
left thigh: 25
right thigh: 25
left calf: 16.5
right calf: 17
hips: 39.5
right arm: 14
left arm: 14

Starting tomorrow I'll post what I'm eating, exercising, doing and feeling. Thank you for sharing this with me, knowing someone out there is reading this is keeping me motivated! See you tomorrow!