I am so proud of myself. I actually got up and worked out this morning. There was a split second decision in my head - should I go back to sleep? - but I hauled my butt downstairs and did it.
It was easier today. I was able to go faster than I’ve been able to previously. And I wasn’t ready to die when I was finished - I probably could have gone longer if I hadn’t needed to get ready for work.
Also, I promise I’ll post something soon that doesn’t have to do with the new me. 
You go girl!
Beware, it’s very easy to get out of the routine (I should know, I’m “out” at the moment). Now would be a good time to make plans for how you’re going to stop that happening. For example, get a friend or family member to check in every few days and make sure you’re sticking with it.
Yay!! We’re on a trek together! Today was my fourth day of taking the dog for a long, brisk walk, and then jogging around the block once (I’m slowly building my tolerance back up so that I can jog again without feeling like I’m going to throw up!). Before I leave, I do 50 sit-ups.
Good for you amanda!
I recently found out that I weigh more than I ever have. In fact I have gone over the divirce limit that my wife set for me three years ago!
I’ll just drop some nuggets here that have been useful to me in the past. If they are not helpful, p[retend I never said them and do as you are!
First off, I don’t know your timeline, but it took me 3 years to get to the weight I am at (204 - I am 6 feet tall). I feel good when I am in my 180s. so truly if I lose a single pound a month, I am cool with that. think of it, can you work on a timeline that extends for years? Is a pound a month OK for you? In 3 years, you will certainly be here around, enjoying yourself and will be 36 pounds lighter (I have no idea how much you intend on losing, forgive me if I am assuming a number too high).
Second the rule is simple. If you burn more calories than you ingest, you will lose weight. Lots of people will tell you otherwise “I have a low metabolism” “I am big boned” sort of stuff. None of that changes the laws of physics. Strict calorie counting is not required, plus you will never know exactly how many you burned, but getting a general idea of the inputs and outputs may be helpful. There are tons of resources on the net to get this information. There is an exception to this rule: water retention. But this to can be acocunted for by drinking 3water regularly and if it seems to actually be a problem perhaps get checked out by a doctor.
Eat small meals 6 times a day. Those protien shakes and bars makes this task easier.
Walking a mile burns the same amount of calories as running a mile. It just takes longer. If you have the time, walking is far more enjoyable.
Well, that is all I can offer. I am about to embark on a 3 year weight losing journey. The reason I like the long term weight loss plan is that its harder to get out of the habit. If you do a program like Body For Life (which worked really well for me a few years back), it really easy to fall out of the ‘habit’ (that sort of thing is never really a habit). A slower, more accomodating weight loss plan becomes part of your life far easier.
Just my opinions…. Hope some of it is helpful!
Oops music guy made me remember a couple of more things.
Muscle mass is about 5 times more dense than fat. So a 204 pound fat guy like me looks far far worse than a 204 pound muscular guy (which I will never be without creatine drinks). So even if there is a month where you excersized without losing weight its likely there was just conversion into muscle.
Muscle mass is a good energy drain, even when you are sleeping. They require more energy all the time through the day. Which is why building muscle is important along with aerobic exercises.
OK now I’m done schpieling.
You should check out SparkPeople.com…it’s an amazing, completely free website that has tons of resources for weightloss/healthy living. (teams, buddies to keep you accountable, challenges, information, fitness and diet trackers, planners, etc, etc etc…and it’s all free).
Good for you, Amanda! I’m trying to work out more as well… I realize that the only thing keeping my healthy right now is my age and good metabolism, and those things aren’t going to last forever, so I need to start proper work-out habits. Plus, I kinda want to be buff!
All the best,
Jay