I decided to challenge myself. I want to lose 20 lbs in 90 days. I think it's doable. Very doable. I just need the motivation and the will to succeed. So I think I will track my progress here. I'm not doing P90x or anything. As much as I like those programs I don't think I would want to carry on after the 90 days is over. The goal of this challenge is to incorporate fitness into my everyday lifestyle, regardless of how I feel. I will mentally challenge myself to do things I never thought possible. I will pay closer attention to my eating habits, portion sizes and really focus on what I am putting into my body.
So within the past 2 months, I can easily say I've put on a few pounds. It's mostly from decreasing the amount of exercise I've been getting while not changing the amount of calories I'm consuming. Also enter into the equation a new relationship and you have the perfect mix for a little additional cushioning around the middle. :)
So how am I going to achieve this weight loss goal? Well for one, I WILL NOT be consuming lots of celery - blech. Instead I will exercise at least 6 times a week, maybe reserving that last day of yoga or easy stretching. I will also ensure that I eat smaller portions and not late at night. More veggies, less carbs etc. More tea, less coffee. I will also incorporate a lot of prayer. A LOT of prayer...and support from my family and friends who know about this journey. I will pray before every exercise session - because it's through Him that I am able to exercise at all.
The hard part:
I've always loved food. I'm an emotional eater and there's nothing I love better then to sit on the couch with a tub of ice cream and a spoon. Food makes me feel better. But I cannot let that happen anymore. Even in the Bible, it says that we are not to rely on food in that way.
Deuteronomy 8:3
3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
And again:
Luke 4:4
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.
So my prayer is that I will gain an awareness to the priority I place on food. That I will not rely on it for my emotional comfort. That I will see and value exercise as an alternative means of feeling better.
I love exercise - don't get me wrong. But if my choices are a nap or a run - most times I choose a nap. Yesterday I went for a run and I felt so much better. My prayer is that I will maintain this motivated attitude and that I will continue down this path. I don't want to be unhealthy. But I want to feel good about myself, knowing that I'm not only working on the outside, but also on my character through this goal.
So, day 10: I ran about 3 miles yesterday, about 4.25 miles on Sunday. Maybe 2 miles on Friday night. Today I will run and go to Jiu Jitsu.
Weight: (on my scale) 163 and change. Other scales put me as higher..but I'll see if I can calibrate that number. :)
I won't be posting every day, but I will try to update at least once a week or so. Maybe twice. I will log the exercise I have done and the weight number. As people tell me, it's just a number. I unfortunately have always defined myself by my weight. That ends today. I give it to God because without Him, I really can't do anything about it anyway. Soli Deo Gloria!
