First of all, might I mention that I have a guest post up at Loser Moms? It’s about my first attempt at the 30-Day Shred DVD, and how it almost killed me.
My efforts at weight loss and getting in shape are going well, even if I sometimes wish it would go faster. But I have set myself some medium- and long-term goals that I think will be a challenge but are realistically doable. The first goal is to lose my remaining 16 pounds of post-pregnancy weight by Christmas. It’s a mental milestone for me, as it was just after Christmas, three years ago, that I learned I was pregnant (and, thus, when the “baby weight” ticker started going up). It’s not a given that I’ll achieve it, but it can be done. For extra motivation, I know my dad wants to hire a photographer for a new above-the-mantel family portrait while we’re all in Chicago for the holidays. I don’t want to be embarrassed every time I see that picture for the next 5+ years.
My long-term goal for weight loss is to get to my wedding weight. Before you scoff, I assure you that I was not a skinny little thing that day. I was still technically overweight, and I was wearing a size 12 (I think I had one or two pairs of pants in a 10, which I was very psyched about). Anyways, that number is 35 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight. So 2010 is all about that 35 pounds.
As for sticking with the program, I am finding the mob mentality group support and competition to be a helpful external motivator. I believe I was the winner for our 30-day mini-Biggest-Loser challenge among friends, and the Loser Moms competition still has two more weeks remaining (no idea how I compare to other participants, but it helps motivate me to think that I have a shot at winning…). And as I was thinking about jumping on the Shredhead bandwagon, anyways, I was eager to join their October challenge. The framework is broad, just do the Shred regularly, try to eat well, and see results! So, here’s my plan:
For food, I am continuing on Weight Watchers. The points have never done me wrong, so I’m sticking with what works for me. I will also continue my “no eating after 8PM” rule. Just having that self-created rule in the back of my head really helps to curb the all-night grazing that I am otherwise tempted to do.
For exercise, the main thrust of the October Shredheads Challenge, my plan is this:
- Tuesday & Thursday is gym day (Day 2 was at least as awesome as Day 1… it’s a whole new world opened up to me!). I’ll do at least 30 minutes of cardio, some core exercises, and possibly some weights.
- I will do the Shred DVD three times per week: two weekdays and one weekend day. And who knows, maybe by the end of the month, I’ll actually be able to complete the entire 20-minute workout (OMFG it’s haaarrrrdddd!). Oy.
That adds up to five days of exercise per week, which is darn good if you ask me. I used to exercise like that, way back before I got married and moved away from the greatest gym ever. It’s really, really nice to be active and doing something for myself.
So, what about you? Are you going to join the challenge? Do you have your own fitness goals going on right now?
I’m doing the challenge, too! Like you, WW points have always worked for me, so I’m trying to get back in action by counting them for the *whole* day (I’m usually really vigilant for the morning and midday and then everything goes downhill at dinner). I’m waiting on the Shred DVD from Amazon, and I’m excited about it. I can’t *quite* afford a gym yet–both financially and from a time standpoint since I’m so busy–so 20 minutes a day is an easy thing to do. I’m trying to ditch 10 pounds by Thanksgiving. I’m sure we can all do it!
I came up with my own challenge a couple of weeks ago, that I put up on my blog…but this Shredhead things sounds interesting!
I was hoping to get down to my pre-pregnancy weight by Christmas…but I’m thinking 25 pounds might be a bit tough. Maybe 15?
Found you on the D-list site, in case you’re wondering who this random person is…
.-= amber´s last blog ..But the Grass. It’s a Different Shade of Green. =-.
Sounds like you’re doing awesome, and what a great plan! Exercise and healthy eating = win win. I really need to get more exercise and know that I won’t until I make a plan. I weighed myself today for the first time in a while and found that I’ve lost 10 lbs on South Beach, which I’m happy about, especially since I haven’t been very strict, or in fact read most of the book. Trying to get to my pre-pregnancy weight, but not there yet. I am worried about the holidays derailing all progress. I gained at least 10 lbs over a long Christmas visit at my Mom’s last year- really hoping history doesn’t repeat itself this season.
.-= Jungletwins´s last blog ..Divorce =-.
I’ve very impressed with the plan you’ve put in place. I started my own weight loss plan last May to lose 35 lbs of pregnancy weight, but set unrealistically high goals only to be very discouraged and disappointed when I didn’t achieve them. I’m now about 10 lbs. away and hoping to have it gone by Jan 1st. Hadn’t considered how the holidays might be a problem though.
For me, South Beach has been working along with exercise 5 days a week (alternating between cardio and strength training). It definitely feels good to be working the weight off and rebuilding muscle tone. The hard part has been eating little meals and snacks all day long. I need a better plan for that.
It’s tough when you want to get there fast, but the process is so slow. Keep up the good work! You’ll get there!
Good for everybody! I’m going to the gym several days a week and trying to get in a few days of cardio outside the gym as well. And just trying to eat smarter (not like I’m still pregnant). I have 10 pounds of baby fat to lose. I should probably set a goal date for myself. Thanksgiving? Christmas? I’ll have to think about that. Keep up the good work ladies!
.-= Tara´s last blog ..Flower Power =-.
Ugh. If there were only more time!
Yes, I have a fitness/weight/health goal. My goal is to rid myself of the muffin top. I’m not worrying about weight as much; my doctor recently looked at my weight and said “a three pound gain in the five years you’ve been coming here? I have no sympathy.” Jeez. All three pounds were added in the last 9 months, though.
However, to start, I’m focusing on two goals. Sleep enough (7 hours, on average) and replace fat in my diet with protein. I’ve always eaten lots of fruits and veggies.
The sleep thing means that there is NO TIME to work out during the week. There’s hardly time to shower! I do plan to work out on weekends, but we’ll see if the Laundry Monster allows that to happen.
.-= Sadia´s last blog ..Lull =-.