Resolution Makeover

Maybe my resolution should be to blog more. My last post was December 11. I'm so sorry it's been so long everyone, but I've been so busy working out and eating right, I just haven't had the time. Oh wait. No. That's a big fat (like my butt after the past few weeks) LIE. Really, I haven't written because of I had some time off from work and therefore did not sit at the computer all day thinking of blog posts instead of doing work things and because of a few little things called Christmas and New Year's.

Anywaaaay, it's that time of year again. The time of year where all of the previously lazy people who over-ate and sat around in November and December decide they want to be fit and healthy and start going to the gym. It's resolution time people. Now, I'm all for everyone out there getting healthy and all of that good stuff. But, what I'm not all for is annoying people crowding me at my gyms. This past week alone, I've had to tack on an extra 15 minutes to my gym time to guarantee a spot in my classes. I have to arrive earlier for spin to make sure I get a bike. I have to wait in line for treadmills. And, I have to get to kickboxing class extra early to make sure I get to stand in my spot (I always stand in the same one and I like it that way). But enough complaining...

Chances are, you've made a resolution or two. Even if you haven't officially resolved to do something, it's hard not to let the new year, new you/goals mentality creep into your mind. The new year is like a birthday. Every year, people think of things they want to get done at their respective ages, think about where they are in life, where they want to be in life and where they thought they would be by now. For example, in 2010, I turn 26. A few years ago, did I think I would be living home with my parents? No. Did I think I'd be engaged? Secretly yes. (To who, not quite sure but whatevs. Details can be filled in later). Did I think I would be further in my career and bringing in the big bucks. Yes and yes. Anyway, you get the point. Whether or not you make a resolution formally or not, over the past few weeks you likely have thought about goals in life and things you want to accomplish/change.

Because I know from experience (my own failures at resolutions combined with the decreased crazed lazies at the gym by Feb. 1) and there are tons of real actual statistics out there about this (google it if you don't believe me), lots and lots of people FAIL at their resolutions and give up by the end of the month, if not sooner. So, how do you make a resolution and keep it? Since this blog is called healthygirltips and is focused on things like diet and exercise rather than things like quitting smoking (though you should if you smoke because that is related to health too!), I am going to gear my advice on success to resolutions involving weight loss/healthy eating/exercise etc. I've decided to give your generic weight loss resolution and healthygirl makeover. Here you go:

Original Resolution: "I resolve to eat only healthy foods and go to the gym every single day."

Not a good idea on so many levels. Whether or not you ate well and went to the gym before your resolution is not at all relevant. Only eating healthy foods and never allowing yourself a little cheat will eventually backfire and you'll likely fail way before February. And, as far as going to the gym everyday goes, this probably isn't realistic either. Is it good to go the gym and workout? Obvi. Are there days when no matter what you do, you just cannot squeeze the gym in? Of course.

Resolution Makeover: "I resolve to make smarter decisions when eating", splurge only in special situations and make a point to workout X minutes more than I do now."

Clearly, this is a more realistic approach to the same resolution. Why? Well, first of all, there's a chance you might actually be able to stick to it. Just saying it in a way where you are allowing for a little slack is helpful. By resolving to make smarter decisions or splurging only in special cases, you are pledging to adopt a new lifestyle, not a week or two extreme fix. As usual, it's all about balance and moderation. And, if you resolve to up your workout by increasing either the amount of time you work out in a week or the distance you run or the number of pushups you do, etc. you are more likely to accomplish your goals. That way, if you have one really busy day where you cannot get to the gym, you can work harder on other days. The more specific you are about your goals, the better. It's also best to take it one day, week or month at a time. Sure, a new year means 365 days worth of resolving, but if you break it down and take it one week at a time, your results will add up.

So, besides vowing to blog more, what did I resolve? Well, this year, I'd like to purchase a home or condo, stick to my weight watchers points on all days that end in Y (knowing that I can use flex on special occasions), to manage my money better by eating out less (which will also help with the previous goal), and to be more consistent with adding weight training and toning moves to my cardio. I'd also like to be able to do 25 real pushups. I could really go on forever with things I'd love to do, but I need to go think skinny thoughts before my weight watchers meeting this afternoon. Good luck to everyone with their resolutions--everyone except the people overcrowding my gyms. Just kidding. Sort of.

Weight Watchers Weigh In #2

My second weight watchers meeting and weigh in was yesterday and I am happy to report that I lost 3.4 lbs this week, bringing my grand total to -7.2lbs!! I was especially excited when my leader gave me a pretty gold sticker because I hit the 5lb loss mark. I respond really well to little prizes like stickers so that worked out well for me.

My leader had some shocking revelations about this week's topic (which was stress) to share with the group. You guys might want to sit down for this one. Ready? Here it comes...eating is a coping mechanism for stress. HA. Thanks for the news flash. Alert the media.

Ok, but in all seriousness, even though I have Captain Obvious as my weight watchers leader, I am really really glad I signed up. The feeling of accountability (knowing I have to get on that scale each week/that it means something/that I could possibly earn shiny things like stickers) keeps me on track and actually gets me really excited throughout the week. And, to be fair, a lot of people in my group are learning lots and it makes me so happy for them. Some of my colleagues have never given a thought to portion size and in the past, haven't thought twice about mowing down multiple big fat cookies at a staff meeting. Now, I see some of them enter the kitchen at work, look at a big platter of baked goods, and turn around to get their apple out of the fridge, which makes me proud!

Woohoo: First Weight Watchers Weigh In

Quick update! Down 3.8 lbs at first Weight Watchers weigh in this week. Woohoo! I'm especially excited because this last week was so off with all of the pie and stuffing and other impossible-to-resist goodies.

Hoping to step it up for next week's weigh in!

Goals

Now that I am a real life blogger and have committed to documenting my journey, I think I need to set some goals. That way, in a couple of months, I can look back and see how great I have done and probably buy myself a gift for doing so well! Sounds good right?

Overall, I am aiming to lose about 10% of my body weight. I currently fluctuate between 140lbs and 145lbs. This morning, my scale said 143, so that is what we are starting with. My goal weight is 130 lbs. Sooo, here is what I am aiming for:

November 30th (end of the month and gives me a few days after Thanksgiving to cancel out the pumpkin pie): 138 lbs
December 23 (right before Christmas--seems like a good time to weigh in): 134 lbs
January 15 (the day before vacation!): 130 lbs

So doable right? And also pretty random haha. In my head it makes sense, I swear. I am going on a cruise (woohoo vacation!) on January 16 so it would just be perfect if I hit my goal by then. According to my expert counting skills, I have 67 days until I am laying on the ship tanning my new skinnier bod.

Let the countdown begin!