I have achieved inspirational progress in the past, but I went at it full out. It's hard to go full out on something and keep it up indefinitely. I don't want my weight loss to be temporary. I don't want it to be something that I commit to full out for a few months, then lose steam and stop, gain the weight back and then have to start all over again. That's the definition of a diet for me - something you go on, and something you almost inevitably, eventually fall of.
Calorie counting has been my "diet". I count vigilantly for a while, lose weight, then get tired of counting, stop, gain weight. I'd really LOVE to lose weight without having to dedicate so much time and effort to such a tedious task. This has been one of my obstacles this time around. I simply get tired of the calculating and tracking.
So what to do? Is counting simply a necessary evil for me? Where else can I make changes and perhaps see progress without counting calories?
I can definitely up the exercising. A daily 30-minute walk is definitely better than nothing, but it will not lead to the results I'm looking for. I not only want to lose weight, but I'd like to build muscle - good for the metabolism and the bones. I also need to change things up. Fortunately I have been doing just that this past week - changing things up and adding weight training to my workouts again - I've been working out with Cathe Freidrich on Fit TV. More on that in a later post.
I can watch the snacking and the junk food. Surprisingly, without even consciously trying, I have been much better about mindless snacking and eating junk. It certainly helps that it's been hot and I've not been baking - baking always gets me into trouble. And portion control. I need to remind myself that just because something tastes good, I don't need to eat the whole thing! But this is where counting calories holds me accountable - not sure if I do so well on my own.
I can watch the alcohol. Not that I drink like a fish mind you, but it is pretty easy for that one glass of wine with dinner to turn into 2 or even 3. Not necessary and not good. Easy does it. Just like with food - I need to learn to sip slowly and savor. Again - calorie counting keeps this in check too.
So, we'll just have to see what the next week brings. Maybe there will be calorie counting, maybe there won't. The weekend will be a challenge - we're going out of town and getting together with friends. I can control myself MUCH easier at home than when I'm socializing. Exercising is challenging when we go out of town too.
Up a 1/2 pound this week:
I hear you on the calorie counting. It's such a PITA. I suspect that's where something like Weight Watcher's points system may be easier, but it's still keeping track of something all day long. And then there's those days where you think you're doing really well, and then add up the calories and it turns out you didn't do as well as you thought.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'm afraid I'm not helping with the inspirational post. :-)
Hi Erika. :)
ReplyDeleteI did WW online for a while - that's how I did my big weight loss a while back. It was easier - it was more simplified and not as detailed as calorie counting. However, I'm trying to avoid the $15/month fee, so I downloaded FitDay.
I try to add up the calories as I go so I know how much to allot for the end of the day. That helps me more than trying to do it too retroactively.
You are helping though - just hearing about other points of view and/or struggles helps. :)