Accomplishment List and Goals
Health-related achivements I've accomplished since May:
Honestly, it's been so long since I've had any lasting success with weight loss that I didn't think I could actually do it any more. I thought that something about aging had completely screwed up my metabolism to the point where I would no longer be able to succeed using the same techniques. What I discovered, however, was that I was conveniently editing my memory to eliminate problem habits. In other words, yes, I was sticking to a reasonable calorie limit during the day, but then I would engage in late-night snacking that I would conveniently "forget" to log. At times of grief and stress, I also found myself drinking wine and not necessarily being honest about logging the amount I actually drank. Yes, refilling that cup twice is the same as one 6-ounce serving, right? So long story short, the old techniques of watching what I eat, making good food choices, and getting regular exercise do still work.
So now to some thinking about where I'm going. Like I said, I had much more moderate goals before, because I didn't think anything big would be possible. But now that I've seen it is, I'd officially like to declare my longterm goal: losing 120 pounds in total, from the time I started back in May. That may seem an excessive amount, but it would actually take me back to where I was before I got pregnant with my son, about 11 years ago, when I was ranging between a size 8 and a size 10. So not super-small, by an stretch of the imagination. But a much healthier size for me. In fact, according to the official weight charts, I think I'd still be considered "overweight," but they can go get stuffed.
Now for some deeper reflection. Why do I value losing 120 pounds? I would like to be able to reclaim my sense of fitness and health, to be able to be proud of what I've accomplished and to be excited again about the possibilities of how easily I can move, how many options are available to me in terms of both clothes and activities, and just general overall health.
How do I think I'll feel when I acheive this goal? About myself and about my life? I feel like I'll feel extremely proud and full of energy and hope. I'll be optimistic about everything else I may still be able to achieve in my life.
How will achieving this goal impact my day-to-day life? I will find it much easier to get around, to have the stamina to get things done, and to make a good impression on anyone I meet.
What do I hope to gain in the process? I hope to gain lifelong skills that will help me to maintain my fitness. I hope to gain health benefits that will prolong my life. I hope to gain the confidence to set and reach other goals.
How will others see me if I reach my goal? I believe they will be very impressed and inspired.
How will I see myself if I reach my goal? I'll see myself as a warrior and an achiever.
These are, of course, all benefits that I can achieve by reaching a smaller version of that goal, such as 100 pounds down, or maybe even 90. Or even right now. I'm already seeing health benefits, for example. The point is, I'm starting to feel optimistic again, and that's enough to make me feel like this Big Bad Goal is finally achievable.
- Lost just over 40 pounds.
- Gotten back to teaching aqua fitness classes at the local YMCA.
- Am starting to teach a new aqua fitness class this coming Thursday.
- Purchased a pedometer and regularly make anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
- In regular habit of weightlifting and cardio exercises at home.
- Have gotten stronger, able to lift heavier weights.
- My plantar fascitis in my left foot has disappeared.
- I can more easily get down and back up off the floor.
- Pain in my right knee has almost totally disappeared.
- Blood pressure has gone down a bit, closer to goal range.
Honestly, it's been so long since I've had any lasting success with weight loss that I didn't think I could actually do it any more. I thought that something about aging had completely screwed up my metabolism to the point where I would no longer be able to succeed using the same techniques. What I discovered, however, was that I was conveniently editing my memory to eliminate problem habits. In other words, yes, I was sticking to a reasonable calorie limit during the day, but then I would engage in late-night snacking that I would conveniently "forget" to log. At times of grief and stress, I also found myself drinking wine and not necessarily being honest about logging the amount I actually drank. Yes, refilling that cup twice is the same as one 6-ounce serving, right? So long story short, the old techniques of watching what I eat, making good food choices, and getting regular exercise do still work.
So now to some thinking about where I'm going. Like I said, I had much more moderate goals before, because I didn't think anything big would be possible. But now that I've seen it is, I'd officially like to declare my longterm goal: losing 120 pounds in total, from the time I started back in May. That may seem an excessive amount, but it would actually take me back to where I was before I got pregnant with my son, about 11 years ago, when I was ranging between a size 8 and a size 10. So not super-small, by an stretch of the imagination. But a much healthier size for me. In fact, according to the official weight charts, I think I'd still be considered "overweight," but they can go get stuffed.
Now for some deeper reflection. Why do I value losing 120 pounds? I would like to be able to reclaim my sense of fitness and health, to be able to be proud of what I've accomplished and to be excited again about the possibilities of how easily I can move, how many options are available to me in terms of both clothes and activities, and just general overall health.
How do I think I'll feel when I acheive this goal? About myself and about my life? I feel like I'll feel extremely proud and full of energy and hope. I'll be optimistic about everything else I may still be able to achieve in my life.
How will achieving this goal impact my day-to-day life? I will find it much easier to get around, to have the stamina to get things done, and to make a good impression on anyone I meet.
What do I hope to gain in the process? I hope to gain lifelong skills that will help me to maintain my fitness. I hope to gain health benefits that will prolong my life. I hope to gain the confidence to set and reach other goals.
How will others see me if I reach my goal? I believe they will be very impressed and inspired.
How will I see myself if I reach my goal? I'll see myself as a warrior and an achiever.
These are, of course, all benefits that I can achieve by reaching a smaller version of that goal, such as 100 pounds down, or maybe even 90. Or even right now. I'm already seeing health benefits, for example. The point is, I'm starting to feel optimistic again, and that's enough to make me feel like this Big Bad Goal is finally achievable.