What This Blog Is All About

I need to be healthier. Badly. Individual efforts have not sufficed, so I'm hoping the support of friends, family, and anyone who happens along this blog can help me along.


For a fuller description of what I'm doing and how people can help, click here to read my first post.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Exercise Log June 3, 2009

Walked 3 miles in 50 minutes (gym closed before my last half mile) while reading most of Science News' special astronomy issue.

Weigh-In June 3, 2009

353.7 pounds

1% may be a statistical anomaly, but 2% is a TREND of statistical anomalies!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Food Log June 2, 2009

Several people have suggested tracking what I eat, so I'll give it a shot.  Get ready for TMI!

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana
Morning Snack: carrots
Lunch: Lean Cuisine rigatoni dish (450 calories, 50g carb)
Afternoon Snack: apple
Dinner: Salad of greens, grapes, almonds with raspberry vinaigrette; whole wheat toast with 1 slice cheddar cheese; 1 fried mozzarella stick (stolen from someone else's dinner :-))
Evening Snack: small bunch of slivered almonds
Liquid Refreshment: At least 6 glasses of water plus 2 Coke Zero's

Reassurance

Wow.  In the last 24 hours, I've heard from 24 people (sorry to those of you who had problems with the blog comments) offering 1 additional challenge, 6 offers to exercise together, combined pledges of $4/pound + assorted books (for me!) for meeting each monthly goal, and a ton of advice and encouragement.

I did want to reassure everyone that the goal of this plan is health, not just weight loss.  I will not be starving myself, trying any weird/unsustainable diets, or pushing myself too hard exercising.  My dietary plan is to eat less and avoid bad stuff most of the time.  Try to get in 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day, drink lots of water, and keep away from the unhealthy snacks that I'm so good at finding.  I won't be perfect (there's not much point in living another 50 years without any Slurpees, but they will be rare), but I'll be better.

Exercise Log June 2, 2009

Walked 3.5 miles in 1 hour while finishing my Newsweek.

Weigh-In June 2, 2009

357.4 pounds

Is 1% just a statistical variation?  Or 20% towards beating Chris in our little race?

I won't normally weigh myself every day, but it's fun to see immediate effects up front, and I'll take any moments of glee I can to get going.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Exercise Log June 1, 2009

Biked 3 miles in about 18 minutes (it was hot at 5:30!)

Weigh-In June 1, 2009

360.8 pounds

Introduction

My goal is to lose 75 pounds in 2009, 15 pounds in June and 10 pounds every month after that.  I'll do it with exercise, better eating, and, hopefully, you.

I've tried to lose weight before, and here I still am.  So I'm asking the people around me for help.  "How can I help?" I'm sure you're asking right now.  Before asking you for anything, let me spell out my side of the bargain:
  1. Exercise at least 5 days a week, either biking or walking.  I'm open to other suggestions, too, but no running/jogging for me.
  2. Improve my diet.
  3. Post weigh-ins and exercise log on this blog at least 3 times a week to keep accountable.

"Yeah, yeah, enough about you.  How can WE help?"  Let me help you help me with these convenient suggestions that spell out INCITE for today's easy anagram!
  • INVITE.  If you'd like to join me for exercise, I'll sweat with ya.
  • NAG.  Remind me if you see me behaving badly.  I may not smile, but I'll appreciate it.
  • CHALLENGE.  Intermediate goals will help keep me moving.  One friend has already challenged me to lose 15 pounds before he does.
  • INCENT.  Yep, I'm dieting for charity - this might be my strongest day-to-day motivator.  Your tax-deductible pledges will go 100% to the Judy Buffaloe Scholarship fund honoring an incredible teacher.  So if you are willing and able, pledge $1/pound.  Or $10/100 miles walked.  Or $1/workout.  Pledges can be made in a comment.
  • TEACH.  I promise to appreciate all advice even if I have trouble taking it.
  • ENCOURAGE.  Please hold me accountable, but with a spoonful of sugar on top.
This is what I'm going to do this summer (and fall and winter).  Thank you in advance for helping me in any way you can.