Calories and walking

I never really cared about counting calories, but I thought I might try and track as I have a goal to lose weight before my wellness week in April 2012 (and hopefully will be able to amp up my exercising after the wellness week to further my weight loss / healthy me goals.)

I realized to maintain my weight (which I do not want to do) I need to eat about 2,100 calories. I read to lose about a lb. a week eat 500 less calories every day (and to lose 2 lbs. a week eat 500 calories less, and exercise off 500 calories.) So I am aiming for about 1,600 calories, with most coming from wholefoods in least most processed form. I am also trying to eat as little meat as possible. That is so I can lower my cholesterol.

I found a free online calorie, food, and exercise tracker here. It is really cool.

Yesterday I ended up eating 2,100 calories, but I did walk an hour, so at least I burned some of those off.

Today I am at 1,400. I still have to have my ground flax mixed in juice, so I will be at about 1,600 today (if I can resist the late night urge to snack.) Plus I walked over an hour today.

I started walking about a month ago. I walk about 3 days a week for about 45 min. I walk at a brisk pace as I bring my dog, Lady who is very eager to explore (ok, she walks me. lol.) According to my pedometer I walk about 5,500 step each walk, or almost 2 miles.

The positives since I started walking:
-I lost 2 lbs
-I am tired at night and want to go to bed about 11
-getting up between 8-9am these walk days help me to get more accomplished those days and I am calmer those days with kids
-bonding with mom and Jason's grandmother (my walking partners)
-Lady is getting exercise
-Josh is getting more exercise

I will say I am so grateful for my mom or Jason's grandmother coming over 3-4 days a week to get me up and walk with me. This has been a huge blessing, as I just don't walk on my own.

Do you count calories?
Do you walk? If yes how often and how long?

-Becky

Weight Watchers

As you may realize in the few pics I post of myself, I need to lose some weight (about 60lbs to be exact.)

Three years ago (before my ankle drama began,) I started Weight Watchers and lost 22lbs.

I have decided to start again.

Last Monday was my first meeting. So this week I have been doing the plan. I wrote down everything I ate (part of WW plan.) I tried to stay within my daily points (I did everyday except yesterday.) I have 26 points daily, plus an extra 35 weekly (to be used a little at a time or on a splurge.) I tried to drink at least 6 glasses water a day (also recommended by them.) I also tried to get my 5-7 fruits and veggies in. Not to hard for me, as I like fruits and veggies a lot.

It has been a huge reminder about what I am putting in my mouth, especially stuff I don't like that much. Why bother? Also realizing what a serving is. I could eat many cashews, but a serving is only 3 tablespoons. I realize before I was eating a few servings. Yikes!

I believe God gave us food to enjoy, and we should, but in moderation. Plus some food (especially some processed stuff that does not even resemble food) is not worth it. I also believe my body is His temple, but I am misusing it. I need healthier foods, less food, and more exercise. This is a sin in my life.

WW is helping me to treat His temple better.

Tonight I went to my second meeting and I was down 6.2 lbs. I think some of that is that I had heavier clothes on last week, plus it was the beginning of my time of the month (which makes me bloated,) but some of that was weight loss, so I am excited!

Usually a healthy weight loss is about 1/2-2 lbs. a week, but they said the first few weeks you may lose more. I also may not lose anymore this week, because I lost so much last week.

The best thing is my cousin, and three friends are all doing WW as well, so we have more accountability. We are not going to same meetings, but can talk about challenges and victories together. WW recommends having a buddy, and I have four. Yeah!

I will post weekly struggles and successes here.

Anyone else on WW or a similar plan?

-Becky