I’ve got it set in my mind,
I’ll be a mountain disguised this year
-Umphrey’s McGee, “Resolution”
Setting your goals too high can defeat them before you ever start (I say this hypothetically - I’m about the least goal-oriented person I know). So I decided this year, rather than make a New Year’s resolution, I’d make a January resolution. I intended to plan every calorie that goes into my mouth and only eat that. I figured I could do that for one month. And then re-evaluate from there. I planned a standard breakfast (low-fat yogurt, berries, 1 T chocolate chips, 2 T wheat germ), a standard lunch (2 oz various fancy cheeses, 1 c grapes, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 orange), and a standard nighttime snack (1 apple, 2T peanut butter). That left me with 800-1200 calories to spare for dinner. The plan is probably a bit high on sat fat, but I figured I’d tweak after January.
Have you ever noticed how long a month is?
The problem is that we’ve had various dinners with friends, plus my weekly night out has caused me to slip. Actually, the problem is my complete lack of discipline and will.
So I’m going to set my sights even lower and work up. I’m making a one day resolution. This Monday (1/22), I will plan every calorie (including dinner) and eat only that. If I’m successful, I’ll work up to 2 or 3 days. Then a week, etc.
Karrie is trying out FitDay. Perhaps I’ll give it a try too. I’ll see if it lets me plan meals ahead. If so, I’ll put my 1/22 meal plan on there. Wish me luck.
Heather
| 12-Jan-07 at 2:23 pm | Permalink
Jase -
Do you excersise at all? The reason I ask is because I can’t survive on the amount of food you are talking about (and you know how small I am). I would get headaches and just feel like a piece of crap.
Excercising with an iPod is, well, almost helpful. You download your favorite tunes, excercise away and try not to sing outloud (if you are at the gym).
Heather
jase
| 12-Jan-07 at 2:29 pm | Permalink
From the time Anna died until we went to Disney, I was going to the gym 3-5 days a week, riding the bike or elliptical or stairmaster, plus going to Tae Kwon Do 3 days a week. Since 1/1, I’ve only managed to do TKD 2 times this week. Morning trips to the club start again next week. I actually like to watch Martha Stewart and ride. Our bikes, etc. have TVs in them.
kassiemae
| 12-Jan-07 at 8:25 pm | Permalink
I lost 100 lbs once LOL I put it right back on though!
Seriously though I need to get going on my diet. Hopefully as soon as the house goes through I will have less stress and be more motivated.
Good luck!
jase
| 12-Jan-07 at 11:34 pm | Permalink
Wow. 100 lbs. I can’t imagine. I’m down about 25 from my max and it’s hard to imagine the remaining 80 being gone. I did come to the conclusion tonight that the biggest part of my weight problem is my lack of resolve to get myself enough sleep. So I went to bed early tonight, super proud of myself. Then I got woken up by a call that my grandfather passed away. Pretty big bummer, especially for my gram and my mom, aunt and uncle. So now I’m awake. Tomorrow is another chance to get more sleep again.
Ramble, ramble. Hope the house plans are going well, Kassie.
Kat
| 13-Jan-07 at 10:06 am | Permalink
Jase, I am another with a weight loss resolution. My total is 65lbs over this entire year. One of my major problems is that if I am not very careful I put myself last and end up grabbing whatever is easy for a meal. I find that I do well with sparkpeople Though honestly the way I use it comes out very much like fitday. I don’t use their meal plans at all but use their calorie tracker. One thing I do like about it, it starts from the premise that to make this a life change you have to start small - so no super strict diet the first couple weeks. Instead you set goals like “Not eating in front of the TV”, or “drinking enough water” and have a broad calorie goal.
For me, when I was out of the house most of the day, I found that I could eat very lightly and leave more calories for evening. But now that I am home, I have to plan more calories through out my day.
Heather
| 13-Jan-07 at 11:17 am | Permalink
I feel really bad for Gram. This was gonna be their 70th anniversary.
Missy
| 13-Jan-07 at 11:35 am | Permalink
I suck at dieting. I can make it through a day, usually.
Exercise is my only salvation.
You know I tried the “egg diet” and lost six pounds in a day once. I went to bed early because it was the only way I was going to make it without eating.
And the diet is just what it sounds like. All you’re allowed to eat is eggs. No one could make it through more than one day on that.
Missy
| 13-Jan-07 at 11:36 am | Permalink
BTW, sorry about your grandfather. I hate January.
karrie
| 13-Jan-07 at 2:10 pm | Permalink
So sorry about your grandfather.
I totally forgot to update my Fitday yesterday and today. Too busy to eat, let alone record it. Thanks for reminding me!
thordora
| 14-Jan-07 at 8:12 am | Permalink
Sorry about your grandfather. That’s sad.
I just keep cutting small things from my diet, make meals smaller, etc. I’m in no hurry. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to lose 100 pounds, but I know I won’t stick to it. It’s more difficult for me having the varying moods. But watching all of you guys do it make me want to at least think I can do it.
Cathy
| 14-Jan-07 at 8:32 pm | Permalink
Sorry about your grandfather!(Bummer!)
Also sorry to hear someone stole your Ipod. (Nusiance)
I almost called you on Friday to see if you want to start walking with me. I need to exercise, and it is too easy to do something sedentary instead (like this).
I need to lose 10 pounds and cut 42 points off of my cholesterol level by March.
Let me know if you are interested.
jase
| 14-Jan-07 at 10:08 pm | Permalink
Cathy - walking sounds perfect! I barely got out today and when I was outside, I was like “Wow. Even though it’s cold, I really need to get outside more”.
Maybe right after kid dropoff a few mornings a week?
jase
| 14-Jan-07 at 10:11 pm | Permalink
Thor - even though my moods are probably a bit more even-keeled, I do find that the variation makes it a bitch to be consistent.
Thanks all for the sentiments about my grandfather. He was a great guy.
jase
| 14-Jan-07 at 10:14 pm | Permalink
Missy - I think Ian would thrive on the egg diet. He’s a boy who loves his protein, that’s for sure. Sausages and eggs every morning for breakfast.
I don’t normally hate January, but with Anna’s birthday being the 31st, I’m feeling a bit of dread coming up. This particular January, I’m still just feeling glad I survived the holidays without a major grief breakdown.
jase
| 14-Jan-07 at 10:16 pm | Permalink
Kat - thanks for the tip on sparkpeople. I’m going to check it out. Fitday hasn’t knocked me out at all. Good luck with your goal.