The Journey Begins

Here I am, 26 and single. It's not necessarily a bad thing being single, but I know for a fact one of the reasons I am so is due to lack of personal confidence. Now, I know that "looks aren't everything" and "what really matters is on the inside," however, there comes a point when you realize in order for a person to see those things, generally they need to WANT to get to know you. I am overweight, it's a fact, one I've lived with for pretty much my entire "adult" life. There was a time when I was still overweight, not nearly as much now, but I also was in shape and felt much better about myself. The time has come to revisit that form of life I enjoyed so much.

I went looking for new swimming suits on Saturday. It usually isn't a big deal, but when you can't find the size you need in the style you want, it can be rather discouraging. Also trying on a shirt you really like, in the size that SHOULD fit, but finding it to be a "vintage" tight fit, isn't exciting either. Again, I know image isn't everything, but I know it's time to get things figured out.

Last night I was laying in my bed, unable to sleep (mainly due to a 2 hour Sunday nap), and decided today was the day I was going to change things. Change and keep them changed. I thought about all the aspects of my life I need to improve, for MYSELF, and started making a list in my head. Soon it was 4 am, and I finally fell asleep. Of course you can't change things exactly all at once, and I still slept in way passed the time I wanted to. However, I got up and told my Mom exactly what my plans are, and started. Later is better than never. Right?

Goals

1. Lose weight. Now, obviously I know I can't lose all the weight I want in an really small time period, it's impossible. Amidst my 4 hour laying in bed wide awake jaunt, I looked up what a "Safe amount & time period" for losing weight. On WebMD, it stated to make a goal of about 5-10% of your weight, in about a 3-4 month time period. About 8 pounds/month. My goal is two-fold. Be 220 pounds by Christmas 2011, be 250 or less by my Birthday, October 4th, 2011. It stated a 50 pound weight loss is usually a 6 month ordeal, working out, eating right, and staying with it. I don't know if that is an unrealistic goal, but I know for sure I can manage my 3 month goal.

2. Exercise. I know exercising EVERY day is probably not the smartest thing, at least at first. My goals are to start in a 2 on, 1 off, rotation. Hopefully this will change with time as I get better at what I'm doing as well. For now, it is going to have to be things I can do around the house, or for free. Being unemployed doesn't really help paying a gym membership. Running/jogging/walking, biking, lifting weights, swimming at the neighborhood pool, crunches, push ups, playing tennis, etc. All things I can do for free. Plenty to do without getting bored. As I continue progressing, I hope to build my endurance and go for longer bouts, making my goal more achievable and more enjoyable.

3. Eating. Not that I eat fast food hardly ever, but I'm cutting it off completely. By Fast Food, I'm referring to: Wendy's, McDonalds, Taco Bell, etc. Any fast food chain restaurant. If Fast Food is ALL that is available, I will have a salad, or something healthy, and eat as little as healthily possible. For example, at Taco Bell they have the "healthy" menu. A couple tacos off that, would be much healthier than what I normally would order.

a. Soda. None. At all. I did this for quite some time, and honestly, it didn't really matter that much. Sure I like it every once in a while, but it's just unnecessary added sugar and calories. I don't need that if I'm going to make by #1 goal.

b. Timing. It's not good to eat late, that's a fact. Some people may argue this fact, but for myself, I know when I eat late, it makes me tired and I usually just sit around afterwards, thus everything I ate will just chill there, not making my goal realistic. My Goal: Don't eat after 7 when Possible. Absolute cutoff=8 pm. I will make every effort to eat before 7, and if the hour is drawing near to 8, I just won't eat the rest of the night. As long as I'm eating a good breakfast and Lunch, "hunger pains" shouldn't be an issue.

c. Junk Food. Every once in a while, my family goes on a "treats binge" where we'll have some kind of dessert every night for a while. I like junk food/treats too much to realistically cut them out all together. For this category, my plan is to limit the size and portions.

i. Cake: One small piece.

ii. Cookies: 2-3 and be done.

iii. Candy: I won't buy any, and if it's available at a party or something, I will limit it to less than a handful. (M&M's, skittles, etc.)

iv. Anything else, extremely limited and in small amounts/moderations.

d. Eating Right. When I'm out to eat with my family, I will look for a "weight watchers" or "light" menu and order off of that. I will share when possible. Free rolls/chips & Salsa, very limited and in moderation. I will just make good eating decisions. I will also hopefully limit eating out as I won't be eating passed 7.

4. Sleep schedule. "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy and wealthy and wise." It's true. getting up at the crack of noon, just doesn't cut it. Goal: My bedtime will be at the latest 11:30-12 midnight, with arising hour of 8, or earlier (depending on when I went to bed). 8 hours of sleep is plenty, and really more than a person my age really needs.

Right now, being without a job, this is all very realistic. I plan on updating/changing things around a bit when I get a job to fit my schedule. For now, this is the plan. I'm starting this blog to keep myself updated and see my progress. I know by writing things down, and sharing it with others, it makes a goal eve more desirable. I will be updating this at least every other day, if not daily. As I have the time right now, a daily update should be expected.