This is the end of the first month of “My Reinvention Plan.” Thirty days ago I announced to the world my New Year’s resolution of losing 20 pounds by the end of the year. After several years of lounging in my recliner while eating more than my share of all things chocolate (heck, eating more than my share of ALL things), I knew it would be a difficult challenge–but I also knew I had to do something. I didn’t like the sluggish way I felt, and I sure didn’t like the pudgy way I looked.
I thought that by sharing my intentions, I would be forced to work toward my goal because I wouldn’t want to face the public humiliation of failure (which I have faced many times before and would really like to avoid this time if at all possible). I also promised that, if I failed, I would donate a large sum of money to the campaign coffers of a certain political candidate who grates on my very last nerve; I thought the potential loss of money might be an added incentive to step away from the Ding Dongs and donuts and to drag my lazy butt out of my comfy recliner.
I already had an unhealthy lifestyle, necessitating daily doses of blood pressure and cholesterol medications, so I certainly didn’t want to make matters worse by attempting to lose weight in an unhealthy manner. There would be no diet pills for me and no starvation diets, either. So what if Reese Witherspoon had lost weight on the “baby food diet,” and Sarah Michelle Gellar was slim and trim due to a daily diet of cabbage soup? I’d rather eat cardboard and dirt. And that Martha’s Vineyard Diet that requires weekly colonics and enemas? I’d rather be fat. And even though some have claimed to find weight loss success through HCG injections, not only do I have an intense dislike of all needles, but I also have serious doubts about injecting into my body a hormone derived from the urine of pregnant women. Something just doesn’t seem right about that.
No, any weight loss I might achieve would be done the old-fashioned way–through simple exercising and paying closer attention to the amount and type of food I stuffed into my too-often open mouth.
Once I got past the first two weeks of gut-wrenching pain (I’m pretty sure I discovered muscles that had been dormant since childhood), I actually started enjoying the exercise, looking forward to “feeling the burn,” and even feeling guilty if I didn’t get in enough time. I rode my exercise bike every morning and every night of the past thirty days, I groaned my way through core-strengthening exercises every night, and I did light weight-lifting every other night. I had never realized that sweating could be so satisfying or that pain could feel really, really good.
As for the dieting, I did not suffer, and I discovered that my bottomless pit of stubbornness translated quite nicely into determination and will power. I could do this! I learned to cut my portion sizes, being satisfied with two slices of all-meat pizza instead of my former four. I substituted oatmeal for my morning chocolate chip cookies and brownies and chocolate fudge Poptarts and Ding Dongs, and I traded my lunch-time nachos and cashew chicken and baked potatoes for oranges and bananas and kiwi and carrots. And believe me, I missed my sugars and starches (sometimes desperately), but I was never really hungry, and I actually had more energy than I’ve had in years. Less food but more energy? Hmmm.
So was all that hard work and deprivation worth it? You bet it was! I am happy to report that, as of this morning, I have lost several inches in some very important places, I have gained muscle definition in my legs and arms (you should see my guns!), and I’ve kissed goodbye a whopping 7.5 pounds! [Insert disco dance moves here.] I am already one third of the way toward my year-long weight loss goal, which makes me wonder now if I can possibly reach my goal by swimsuit and shorts season–and if so, should I keep on going and lose a few more?
I know the first pounds lost are the easiest, and I know I still have a tremendous amount of work ahead of me. I know I will also eventually reach a plateau and will have to “step it up” a notch. But right now–on this last day of Month One–I’m feeling the optimism and joy of sweet success–and let me tell you, it feels pretty darn great! A few people have noticed the change in my appearance (and have been kind enough to say so), my clothes are fitting better (some are even getting loose!), and my physical improvements are already making a difference in my mental well-being–funny how that works.
Tomorrow is the start of Month Two, and all I can say is bring it on–I am pumped, and I am ready!
“Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now; I feel good, I knew that I would; So good, so good . . .”
Keep it Up! Well worth it.
It most certainly is!
That is awesome!!! Congrats!!! 7.5lbs!! Great!
Thank you! I feel awesome (7.5 pounds on a 5′ frame–not 4′ 11 1/2″–is a big deal!).
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are an inspiration to everyone!
Thank you, thank you!
Karen,
I can tell that you are losing (pounds). You are looking quite slender…not that you were obese by any stretch of the imagination. Keep us posted! Proud of you…(I have gained 4 pounds since Christmas–Ugh–frustration!)
Thank you for noticing! I’m looking forward to a couple snow days coming up (you think?) so that I can exercise my way into February (it’s so much easier when I’ve got all day to do it).
“I’d rather eat dirt.” I swear we were separated at birth.. and as for poor Reese, boy it must have been stressful losing that water weight. My purse weighs more than she does. Good on you- you inspire me to get up and get going!! 🙂 Cheers!
Maybe we were! We do seem to have some very similar ideas! Thanks and good luck with your “get up and get going”!
Congratulations on the 7.5!! Impressive. And I just know you’re making use of these snow days to exercise like crazy.
On an unrelated note, I’m on my field trip up north. I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would answer your phone even if you don’t recognize the number…….just for the next few days. Please?!? 🙂
Thanks–and yes, I have been! I will TRY to answer the phone, although I’ve got to pass on the 800 and 888 numbers. Good luck and safe travels!
Congrats!!! You are an inspiration! Share your will-power and stick-to-it secrets, PLEASE!
Signed,
Someone who has done Weight Watchers 5x and now weighs more than ever!
Thank you for your kind words! I tried Weight Watchers once a few years ago–for a few weeks. I’m just not in to counting anything. I have continued to exercise every day and have continued to watch what I’m eating–it has gotten easier with time, but I think I had to allow myself to reach a level of total disgust before I was ready.
Hey, icedteawithlemon, I just have to tell you that you look FABULOUS in your new photo. Obviously, you are doing well with your reinvention plan. Congrats! Meanwhile, I’ve packed on another 15 lbs since January. You’ve lost it, I’ve found it! 😉
Thank you–I FEEL fabulous! Maybe you can soon “un-find” it–I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!