Under 600 Pounds!

I'm under 600 pounds for the first time in years and I'm thrilled.

Actually I was under 600 for a very short time last year when I was sick and not eating at all. But this is the first time I did it "on purpose."

I have to say that weighing in daily has really turned the corner for me on weight loss. I no longer have the excuse of "well, I don't have to weigh in for a couple days" that gave me the reason to procrastinate about eating better. Now there is an immediate consequence. Therefore, I am able to keep my focus.

The website, SparkPeople, has also been a huge help. Mostly because I journal my food daily. I'm averaging about 2,600 calories a day. But also, the Team 300 lbs. Plus has been inspirational with various challenges and support.

As time goes on and weight loss slows, I'll need to reduce calories and start exercising. I'm trying to keep to small steps at this time though and it's really working. If I try to change too much, I can't keep it up.

My two "secrets" to success so far - daily weigh-ins and daily food journaling.

Daily Weigh In

I've started weighing in on a daily basis and it is helping so much. Instead of putting off eating healthy since I "have a couple days" until a weigh in, I keep my focus. Since I know what I eat will have an immediate affect on what is on the scale the next day, I am staying within my calorie range. Also, I'm being very firm with myself on counting calories every day. I've got SparkPeople set up well enough that it takes me only about 5 minutes to journal my food for the day.

I've also been as active as I am able to be. Yesterday I did three loads of dishes, five minutes of chair dancing, one minute of walking in place and two sets of arm exercises with a three pound dumbbell.

To save money, I don't have a daily Lean Pocket anymore. Instead I have half a sandwich with my mid-morning orange juice + Metamucil.

I've been getting Meals on Wheels twice a week now and it's working out pretty well. It's a well balanced and portioned meal. Yesterday was mystery meat (turkey, I think) with gravy over mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables, a tiny biscuit (circumference of a silver dollar), a pat of Promise spread and peaches for dessert. Filling, and while not delicious, it was rather tasty.

Independence Day 2010

I declare my independence from unhealthy eating and a sedentary life. I will journal my food today, with a calorie range goal of 2500 - 2600 calories. I will do 5 minutes of chair dancing, 1 minute of walking in place and a set of arm exercises with dumbbells. I will drink at least 8 glasses of water.

My very aggressive goal is to weigh 578 by September 1st. If I don't do this, I will have to look into weight loss surgery as my very last hope. I really don't want to go there. I think it causes more problems than it solves, but I don't think I'll have much choice unless I lose a serious amount of weight - and soon.