In preparation for my weight loss goal for 2013, I decided to create a blog to follow me throughout the ups and downs of the journey. The first thing I had to do was come up with a name. I came up with a few cheesy names at first like "The Adventures of The Incredible Shrinking Mommy", "From Chunky to Chic", but they just didn't feel "right". I then thought about my favorite inspirational verses from the Bible & the first verse that came to mind is Phillipians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That's how I came up with "Everything 4:13" because I thought the title will be a constant reminder to myself to focus on HIM and the fact that I can reach my weight loss goal if I remember to rely on HIM for strength to accomplish "everything" in my life including losing 90 pounds. (Yeah, I know it sounds like a lot.....but 90 lbs. is where I need to be according to Dr. recommendations)
This is not my first trip down the weight loss road. As a matter of fact, I've probably been on a diet more than I have not in my 34 plus years. This time around, I'm hoping to do it differently. I'm not going to focus on a "diet" but making better choices and taking it slowly. I've done every quick-fix diet out there. Yes, they work......but not long term. I've lost a large amount of weight in a short period of times several times, but I always manage to gain it back while also screwing up my metabolism and thyroid at the same time.
While posting my daily/weekly progress on this blog, I'm also going to utilize a Calorie and Exercise tracking app to monitor food intake and exercise. The one I'll be using is My Net Diary. I've tried several of the other weight loss apps on iTunes, but this is my favorite since it analyzes your diary at the end of the day and tells you the good & BAD entries from the day.
I found a cute idea on Pinterest to track your progress and I've already made one like this and put it on my bathroom counter near my scale.
I'm also going to keep a "Skinny Shopping Spree" jar and put in $100 each time I lose 10 lbs. I've going to go ahead & make reservations for October 2013 and hope to have a Girl's Trip to shop for new "skinny" clothes once I reach my goal. Right now I absolutely DREAD shopping and avoid the dressing room as much as possible. I look forward to the day when I can actually go into a mall and not have to put a cute outfit back on the rack because I know my "fat self" could never wear it without getting lots of crazy looks.
The hardest part for me is finding time to exercise. I hope to begin getting up a little earlier each morning to give me time to do my morning devotion and exercise. Since I have 2 kids, a hubby, 2 jobs (teaching 1st grade & working the after-school program), AND my 2nd year of graduate school going on........that's the only way to fit "everything" in. I'm going to practice this new routine all this week BEFORE I actually have to do "everything" again after Christmas break.
Tomorrow (12/31/12) is the last day of the "OLD" me......I'll be busy making shopping list and searching for healthy recipes........I'm looking forward to doing "Everything 4:13" in 2013!
