3/17/2012: Unofficial Weigh-In

There was a little bit of good news on the scale today. I lost the 1.2 pounds that I gained over the last couple of days and I am back to my official Monday weigh-in weight of 218.8 pounds. To be back on my line this Monday I need to be down to 217.5. I can do that!!

I worked out every day this work week so I actually get a day off this weekend! I took the day off today because I spent most of the day doing volunteer work, providing financial consulting for a woman starting her own business. It is rewarding work, but today was a longer day than normal. I'll have to go to the gym tomorrow for strength training to get my six days in this week.

My exercise routine consists of 3 days a week of cardio and 3 days a week of strength training. On Friday, my cardio workout was a 4 mile jog/walk in which I alternated jogging with walking. If I do cardio at the gym I do 10 minutes on the stair climber (level 6), 20 minutes on the eliptical (2500 strides), 20 minutes on the tread mill (alternating 2 minutes @ 5 miles/hour and 2 minutes @ 3 miles an hour) and 10 minutes on the stationary bike (level 6) as a cool down. It's a decent workout. The 10 minutes on the stair climber kicks my butt and then I am huffing a puffing through the rest of the workout. Running outdoors isn't any easier, but it is more pleasant when the weather is nice.

My strength training varies from week to week. I meet with a personal trainer each Thursday and he sets up my routine for the week. He is doing a pretty good job setting me up with routines that push me to the point that I can't do much more. We are doing a lot of core and balance work, which seems like a good place to focus, given the fact balance and core strength are critical to being able to maintain an exercise routine long term. So far, I think I am getting my money's worth out of the PT. At the very least, knowing I am going to meet with him each week keeps me motivated to work out between visits and maintain my diet.

My diet has been better the last few days. I admit to allowing myself have a sweet treat most days, but I keep it small. The rest of my diet consists of lean proteins, veggies, fruits and occasional whole grains. I have been effective at cutting down portions this last few days. It's obvious that without keeping a close eye on intake, no amount of exercise in the world is going to cause me to lose weight. Calories in vs. calories out. I have not yet started counting every calorie and for some reason I am trying to avoid that, though I know it's not that hard once I make up my mind to do it. If I am not at or below my line Monday morning, I will add calorie counting to my bag of tricks.

So far, I feel good about my progress. Tomorrow will be the end of three full weeks of exercising regularly and I feel much better for it. The weight is slowly coming off and I know I have to be in this for the long haul to be successful, but that long haul is just a collection of days, none of which, on its own, is all that difficult. This is doable. Consistency is the key!!

Thanks for listening...