I’ve had a sinking feeling for the last few months that I was going to have to wave the white flag of defeat and by bigger jeans. I’ve always crammed into my jeans as soon as I could on the weekends. Paired with flip-flops and a t-shirt, they are my comfort clothing. But, not surprisingly after having canceled my gym membership about a year ago, they aren’t fitting so comfortably today. I wish I had not cancelled my gym membership. However, cancelling my membership is not the thing I regret the most, failing to continue working out is. I mean, I could have set up a home gym, rented a treadmill and similar gym equipment from firms similar to Hire Fitness (that can help individuals hire a treadmill in Scotland and similar locations), and continued exercising to stay fit. However, I chose not to, and now none of my clothes seems to fit me.
To be honest, my friend Adam tells me regularly that I’m good with accountability and discipline. But my waistline these days says otherwise. I’m by no means fat, or even technically overweight. But I am not happy. I have an entire section of my closet that I’d really like to wear without sucking in, shimmying and having a stomach ache all day from the tightness. I could perhaps get a waist trainer – I have another friend who got one from https://serp.co/best/waist-trainer/ and it helped them – but I think I need another option personally.
I haven’t become sedentary; in fact, I think the extra cush is in part because of being more social. I’ve spent much less time in the last six months cooking for myself, or just being at home. The after-work happy hours, weekends with bowling and bar food and that taco festival? Well. You can do the math.
I weighed myself yesterday for the first time in a few months and I am about the same as I was 10 years ago when I left for the Peace Corps. Granted, prior to leaving, I spent the better part of a couple months curled up in the fetal position on the floor of a Cold Stone Creamery, mainlining mint chocolate chip. I was worried I’d never see anything cold in Africa. I was not worried about my jiggle.
Today is another story. So, I have a plan! Rather than waiting until January with all the other lemmings, I’m taking this pants vs. my waist circumference challenge by the horns today. And because I tackle few projects without waxing poetic, I figured I’d share the details and progress. You know. Just in case anyone else may have a few extra pounds to lose?
- I’ve downloaded a calorie counting app on my phone. Every bit of research I’ve read lately says writing down what you eat makes you more accountable and keeps things in check. You see what you are really doing to yourself with those after work nachos and margaritas. (Oh, those calorie numbers hurt.)
- I joined a gym. As much as I hate the gym rat routine anymore, it is just too dark outside this time of year for the hours I have available to work out alone. Someone recently told me that dressing the part might help us get in the mood to exercise, therefore I’m on the lookout for a good quality men’s or womens tracksuits. Anyway, a gorgeous trainer named Natalie is scheduled to start shaping up my flab tomorrow afternoon.
- I’m cooking. It is a lot harder for me to be disciplined about this than ever before because my work schedule is nuts. Yet the sodium content on a lot of the foods I’ve been eating — both brought back to life from the depths of the frozen food section and “healthy” eating out — is off the charts. My heart needs a break.
- Specifically, I am cooking with more vegetables. I’m also going to try to eat less meat. I know the hype with protein is “eat more! lose weight!” but in my mind, that more often than not translates to “have sausage on your morning bagel! the meat will be good for you!” Wrong.
- And, of course, I’m going to be a lot more selective about what I’m drinking. Far more water, far less wine. I’m unwilling to cut it out entirely. But for the time being, there will be fewer cocktail parties and more Netflix and knitting.
The goal is 30 pounds by April 1. Yes, it is a lot of weight. Yes it is completely possible. Yes, I can do this.
Each week, look for a new recipe, new weight loss tool and weight update. There is nothing as motivating as public shame.
Blog, keep me accountable.
~K