Goals

Back on October 15th, I started using the Lose It! app and website to track my calorie intake. I've always been tired of being overweight, but I had a hard time finding the motivation to do anything about it. When on occasion I did actually become proactive, I never had the willpower to stick to it for long. But recently something changed, and suddenly I just couldn't put up with it anymore. So I set a goal to lose 61 pounds at a rate of two pounds per week. Originally, the app said I would reach my goal by May 17th of next year. After tracking my food for one day I realized I was seriously eating too much and making poor choices with what I ate. It didn't take long to get my intake under control.

Now, I'm paying attention to that little thing called a "serving size" that I've always ignored. The weird part? I don't even mind limiting myself. Before, we would dole out the ice cream and just keep eating until it was gone. I thought for sure this would be my biggest weakness, but it turns out that I am actually satisfied with just a half cup of ice cream. And now it lasts longer. Candies and cakes and cookies aren't nearly as enticing as they were, and I think it's because I'm not cutting them out entirely. That has never worked, anyway. I just make room for them in my calorie budget. If I don't have enough calories left, I do a little extra exercise. The last few weeks I've actually been under budget by a couple hundred calories.

What's more: I don't sit and think about food all day. I wouldn't say I was obsessed before, but I was always thinking about what I could snack on next. I thought I would actually be wrapped up in counting calories, but really it just takes a second and I move on to something else. I don't dwell on food all the time, and I feel safe saying I've finally broken my addiction. It's a weird feeling. I love not worrying about food. I love seeing the numbers on the scale getting lower and lower. I love being able to enjoy snacks and candy without feeling guilty.

Yesterday I got to take down the first butterfly from my goal wall. I have lost ten pounds, and it hasn't even been a month yet. Now, the app says I'll reach my goal by May 8th.

I do have the advantage of breastfeeding right now, but I do intend to start introducing more exercise too. I've been shoveling snow and doing more housework, and as much as I hate exercise I've actually enjoyed it because I know it means I can have an extra cookie later, or that I'll lose another half a pound. I've been keeping the house cleaner, which is another mood booster for me. I do love coming home and relaxing in a clean house.

I've also ordered a Jawbone UP wristband, and though it's backordered right now, when I get it I'm sure it'll help with my weight loss. It tracks your activity during the day and can be set to give you a gentle reminder to get up and do something when you've been stationary for too long. I'm really excited and proud of this lifestyle change, and I can't wait to finally be happy with my body again.