March Weigh In: How I Did

Earlier this year, Steven and I decided to get for real about some weight loss. While my ultimate goal is 70 pounds (yikes!), his was a bit less. After struggling to lose two pounds in the first month of exercising, I joined myfitnesspal. Steven and I began to rethink what we were eating- the doctor told him he needed to cut back on his sodium. That's when we both began to see changes. We started logging our calories (ick!) and I began to exercise daily, or at least four times a week. He has already lost 18 pounds, and I'm not very far behind him.

~ I want to clarify, as we went to the doctor we both realized that we want to get more healthy- which of course includes losing weight, but it is not only limited to that. It also involves eating healthier foods and taking care of our bodies. ~

Upon joining MFP, I learned that other members were making "mini goals" so they would not get discouraged during their journey. This was new to me, so I began to read up on it, and finally started my own list of mini goals to help me reach my ultimate goal of 70lbs lost. I broke the goal down into 6 stages, and put a goal date beside each. Below that, I wrote a list of rewards for myself when I reach those goals. I made the numbers small so that they were not daunting. Step 1: lose 10 pounds. Step 2: lose 15 pounds, etc. Each goal is individual and specific only to itself, not contingent on the other goals before and after it. When I reach the 10 pound goal, I will start over on the 15 pound goal. I think this will help me achieve each step.


I've completed the 200 squat challenge, I've started doing the 30 Day Shred again, and I'm doing a Couch to 5k program. All of that is in addition to watching my calories and the types of food I eat, cutting back on red meat and carbs, and eating more lean meats, fruits, veggies, and salads.



This is definitely a lifestyle change. It's hard to get into, but I believe that since I want it to affect my entire life and the way I live, I will be more motivated to do the right things and make the right choices.

So how have I done so far, you ask? Well, since the beginning of March I have lost 11 pounds. 11!! That is ~16% of my total weight-loss goal. I am now able to fit in the jeans I was wearing before I bumped up a size during the winter, and I took my belt down a notch!
I'm not at my first mini goal yet - 2 pounds to go on that one- but that is a huge milestone and I did reward myself!

Another note- the mini rewards are just something I am giving myself to look forward to. Looking at the scale and seeing the numbers drop is reward enough, but I know that for me, a little extra treat is nice. While making my list of rewards, I didnt do many of the standard items. I included experiences, such as taking a trip to Dollywood's Splash Country, treating myself to dance lessons, and only buying things that I need, for example, new jeans when these don't fit any more, or a LBD when I get close to my final goal weight. I also included things like, for every 20 pounds I lose, donate clothes to Habitat for Humanity, and spending an hour or two each month volunteering for a cause I care about. There are only two food rewards for myself on the whole list, because that can be detrimental to my goal.

I also created goals for accomplishments beyond just losing weight to help keep myself going, such as: do Zumba 3 times a week for 6 weeks, or exercise 6 times a week for 6 weeks. That way I'm sticking with my goals and receiving rewards for that as well, even if the scale isn't going down.

I will be measuring as well, hoping to see success in losing inches, too.

Are you working on losing weight? What are you tips or tricks? How are you doing with your goals?

Song of the Day: LaLa - Ashlee Simpson
Current Mood: hyped and happy