Weigh-in #10

It's been too cold here in Southern Illinois to walk, but I have worked out on the Ab Lounge. By looking at the results of my weight-in, though, I guess I need to add some additional exercises to my routine when it's too cold to walk. I realize -- and am thankful -- that I still lost weight, but it wasn't a great weight loss. Even though the numbers aren't huge, a little is better than gaining, right?

The process may be slow, but I'm getting there. Yes, I know if I were able to be more active, I could probably report bigger numbers for my bi-weekly weigh-ins, but at least the numbers on the scale are going down and not up. Who knows, maybe I'll have a bigger loss to report at my next weigh-in, since I have plans to increase my fiber intake and try some new exercises. I'll let you know how that goes, of course.

Until the next weigh-in, keep reading as I share my adventure as well as weight loss advice, and pray for me as I continue my journey to weight loss.

Previous weight (1-3-09): 282.8 pounds
Current weight: 282.0 pounds
Total lost since last weigh-in: 0.8 pounds

Craving a Healthy Snack for Your Sweet Tooth?

I'm not too big on sweets as some folks are, but there are occasions when I get a hankering for something sweet. In the past, I would bake some cookies, eat a piece of chocolate cake or reach for a doughnut when that rare moment of wanting something sweet hit me. Today, however, I'm determined to reach my goal weight, and in order to do that, I can't have that cookie, chocolate cake or doughnut... no matter how good it sounds. So how do I satisfy my sweet tooth now? Simple, I have a honey graham cracker, which seems to satisfy my need for something sweet. Yes, I realize graham crackers contain sugar --7 grams to be exact -- but they're also high in fiber and protein, and the best part is they don't have near as many calories as the cookies, chocolate cake and donuts. Therefore, I consider my honey graham crackers to be a healthy snack when I'm wanting something to satisfy my sweet tooth.

What do you consider a healthy snack for someone with a hankering for a sweet treat?

Photo credit: Oskay

6 Reasons Why I Should Lose Weight... and Will

I'm determined to reach my goal weight this year, so to motivate myself I'm going to state six reasons why I should lose weight and share it with you. When I find myself feeling down, low on energy or unmotivated, I'll refer back to this list for inspiration to carry on and not give up.

Except for number one, the list is in no particular order.

1. To stick around longer for my family; they need me. (Yep, the family in the picture to your right, which by the way, is our first family photo. I must say, by looking at this picture you'd think the kids are out-growing the adults. Hmm... they just may be.)

2. So I can be happier with myself and my body.

3. So I can wear something sexy for hubby and not feel so icky when I do.

4. To live long enough so I can inspire several more people with my writing.

5. So I can go swimming without feeling embarrassed.

6. So I can share my weight loss success story and inspire others.

Wow! I'm already motivated after that. I may think of more reasons why I should lose weight later, and if I do, I'll update this list. In the meantime, feel free to comment, and by all means, if you're on your own journey to weight loss, I invite you to share the reasons why you should lose weight below or in a post on your own weight loss blog.

I'm so motivated now that I believe I'm going to publish this post and head to the Ab Lounge to exercise. I may even do some additional exercises that don't involve the Ab Lounge and that's not on my exercise plan. Writing a list such as this one really does work!

Sharing My Exercise Plan for 2009

I recently announced my weight loss goals for 2009, and one of my goals was to create an exercise plan. Today, I'd like to share that plan with you. If you're on your own journey to weight loss, feel free to use my plan to help you burn off the calories.

1. Walk for at least 15 minutes.
2. Workout on the Ab Lounge.
3. Perform household duties such as vacuuming and dusting furniture.

I plan to do my best to commit the above-mentioned exercises at least three times each week. They may not seem like a lot, but with my Asthma, I don't want to over-do it. I can always add more later, and if I do, I'll update this post with the newly added exercises. I honestly believe that once I start shedding a lot of this weight, my asthma will improve and I'll be able to add to my exercise plan. I feel a little is a whole lot better than nothing, and at least I'll be burning a few calories. We'll just have to see how this works out, so keep watching for updates.

In the meantime, if you know of any exercises that would be easy on someone with a severe case of Asthma, please share the exercises in the comments area. I'm open to all suggestions and tips.

Weigh-in #9

I'm happy to report that I'm starting 2009 out 2.2 pounds lighter! All that Green Tea, attempts to stay as active as I possibly can and watching my calorie intake must be paying off. I wish I could achieve a much bigger loss, but I'm satisfied with the small ones; at least I'm losing and not gaining.

By my next weigh-in, I hope to report a bigger loss as I begin to work on my weight loss goals for 2009. I believe once I create an exercise plan and start following that plan at least three days a week, I should see a bigger loss.

Previous weight (12-8-08): 284.4 pounds
Current weight: 282.8 pounds
Total lost since last weigh-in: 2.2 pounds

Weight Loss Goals for 2009

Happy New Year!

What better way to begin 2009 than with a list of my weight loss goals. Although my goals may not seem like a lot, they're only a minimum; so if I exceed the minimums I set for myself and my journey to weight loss, then I'll be overly joyed come this time next year.

Weight Loss Goals for 2009

1. Take the time to sit down and create an exercise schedule.

2. Follow the exercise schedule at least three times per week.

3. Lose 10 pounds per month. If I'm able to do this, by the end of 2009 I should meet my goal weight or at least come close to it. The goal weight I set for myself when I started this journey to weight loss was 144 pounds.

That's it, three weight loss goals for 2009. Yes, I know the list isn't long, but it's three things that I've been slacking on, and I know if I accomplish these goals, I'll be a whole lot happier with myself and my (hopefully) new body come this time next year.

What goals have you set for yourself for the upcoming year?

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and blessed 2009!

Photo credit: Harris Graber