March 12, 2001 Today's weight: 206

Well, here I go! I'm starting again and this is my first day. I'm SO motivated! And I'm armed with all of Dr. Phil's tips and advice on losing the weight and changing my life. I just walked a half mile on my treadmill and drank my first 2 glasses of water.

Tuesday, March 13, 2001 - Today's Wght: 206.25
Total Loss since March 12th. 2001 = 0

Yesterday's Progress:
Eating: (rate-scale 1-10) = 10
Water: 6 - 8oz. Glasses
Exercise: Treadmill - two 1/2 mi. sessions

I think I did very well yesterday! I'm not at all concerned about the 1/4 lb. gain because I did everything right. And I know if I do the best that I can, the weight will come off when my body's ready. I'm looking forward to another good day.

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 - Today's Wght: 205.75
Total loss since March 12th.,2001 = .75

Yesterday's Progress:
Eating: (rate-scale 1-10) = 10
Water: 6 - 8oz. Glasses
Exercise: Treadmill - two 1/2 mile sessions

I'm doing very well so far. One of the things that is helping me right now is this online journal. When I post my progress I want to rate my eating with a 10, and I want to be able to show that I've done my exercise and drank my water as well.

Another thing that is helping I think, is something Dr. Phil McGraw said on Oprah. A guest asked him how we stay motivated. He said, "you don't. That's why you have to have a pre-planned strategy, so when you aren't feeling motivated that strategy will carry you through". Wow! This was a "LIGHT BULB MOMENT" for me.

And there's one more thing that I'm trying to do to help me stay focused. I'm trying to watch my attitude very carefully. If I start feeling that "poor me" attitude even begin to creep into my thoughts, I remind myself to STOP that line of thinking right NOW! Allowing that type of thinking is counterproductive to my program.

Thursday, March 15, 2001 - Today's Wght: 205
Total Loss Since March 12th, 2001 = 1

Yesterday's Progress:
Eating: (rate-scale 1-10) = 8
Water: 6 - 8oz. Glasses
Exercise: Treadmill - 1/2 mile

I rated my eating an 8 because I did real well all day, but for my birthday hubby and I went out to eat and I had broasted chicken and french fries. I don't feel a bit guilty about it because it was a special occasion and because there will always be special times during life. Now today, I continue on with my program.

I didn't get my second walk in either, because we went out. In this case I would usually walk earlier or even after I get home. But yesterday I was very tired and just chose not to. Again, I continue on... Life is full of circumstances and if I'm going to get this weight off and keep it off I've got to be able to work around those circumstances and continue on with my program.

[ 03-15-2001: Message edited by: mertz ]

Friday, March 16, 2001 - Today's Wght: 204.50
Total Loss Since March 12th., 2001 = 1.50

Yesterday's Progress:
Eating: (rate-scale 1-10) = 8
Water: 4 - 8oz. Glasses
Exercise: None

Dr. Phil McGraw was so right when he said old habits die hard. We went to the Hofbrau, one of our favorite restaurants, for dinner. I told myself ahead of time that I didn't want to order my usual, which is their montrial t-bone steak. It's huge and it's covered with lots of fresh sauted mushrooms. I'm working on reducing my intake of red meat. So what did I order? Yup, the montreal t-bone steak. I do give myself credit though, for not eating the big slice of grilled garlic bread. And I ate just a few of my cottage fries and only a small portion of the mushrooms. So I ate less than I usually do and walked away feeling a little less stuffed. But I've already decided that the next time I go there I'm going to order their perch.

I didn't get any exercise in because I have been extreemly sleepy all week and I stayed in bed longer in hopes of catching a little extra sleep. And I didn't walk later in the day because I tried to catch a nap, and didn't want to walk after we came home from dinner. So I had to mark it as my day off.

So yesterday wasn't a real productive day in regards to my program, but who said that I have to be perfect every day? I still did good because I ate good the rest of the day, and I drank part of my water. And most importantly, I didn't get frustrated and start binging. So right now I let yesterday go completely and continue on with my program.

Saturday, March 17, 2001 - Today's Wght: 204.50
Total Loss since March 12th., 2001 = 1.50

Yesterday's Progress:
Eating: (rate-scale 1-10) = 10
Water: 8 - 8oz. Glasses
Exercise: Treadmill - 3/4 mile

I'm SO tired of the snow and gloom of winter!! I want spring to come so bad!! I've got to get outside and walk. When I can get outside I know I'll be able to walk farther. It's supose to be really warm today, so I'm going to get ready and go out for a walk.

We went and did a little shopping for my birthday last night. I got 3 real dressy tops and 4 pairs of pants. I desperately needed some new clothes for work and church. It's going to make me feel so much better about the way I look, being a secretary and all.

[ 03-17-2001: Message edited by: mertz ]