See Diva Run

In late 2002, I stepped on the scale and saw a number so disturbing that I lost my appetite. I also lost 70 pounds over the next two years. As I dropped below certain numbers, I promised myself “never again”. I’m not so happy about the 15+ that has crept back over the years. It’s the subtle 3-4 pounds per year that keeps piling up until you have a number that really freaks you out. For the last couple years I’ve intended to make losing weight a priority. I’ve joined weight loss challenges and set goals, but in the end, other things took priority, and I ate without thinking. Running resulted in weight gain, as the intensity of the exercise made me hungry, and I took in more calories than I burned. The new plan is simple. I eat what I need to survive, paying careful attention to portion size and calorie counts. I’m cooking limited amounts, so the option of going back for more doesn’t exist. Anything that sounds like “fun” and has more than the approved number of calories will have to wait until I turn 50 in December. With any luck, I’ll lose more than the 15 I gained, because I’m probably going to gain a few in December when I start eating again. Since I can’t do anything about turning 50, I may as well turn 50 at a weight that I feel good about, preferably the one listed on my driver’s license ;). With the added bonus of being able to eat whatever I want, I might even start looking forward to my birthday! Mmmm, cake!

My 40th birthday cake was my all time favorite!

Unlike previous weight loss efforts where I jumped on the scale in my underwear before eating or drinking anything in order to see the lowest number possible, this time I’m getting on the scale at different times of day, and I’m wearing multiple layers of clothes, and shoes too. I’m not nearly as concerned about how low it is as I am about how high it is. I’m well over one of my never again numbers, but I’m also well under the next one.

December is still a long way off. Until then, the outlook isn’t so bleak. I have been eating an apple daily, and some of my favorite foods appear on this list of 10 foods that help you lose weight.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 5:38 pm and is filed under Weight Loss Challenge. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.