In the first installment of this three–month series, our writer outlines her plans to lose weight in the hopes that going public will keep her motivated, and perhaps, encourage you, the reader, to get up and get moving too.
I am a 44-year-old woman (soon to be 45), four feet, 11 inches tall (or short, according to your point of view) and slightly overweight according to my latest BMI report. Actually, the reading I got from my friendly neighbourhood pharmacy's BMI measuring machine indicated I was a little over the 25 mark for ideal weight. That isn't too bad, right? Wrong! While that little bit of extra pounds might look okay on paper, it doesn't look good on my body. Most times when I complain about being too fat or needing to lose a little size most people say "You, what part of you need to lose weight?" My, oh my, if I could only show them the parts.
I've decided once and for all that I'm going to lose the extra pounds though. I need to, firstly for my health. My father (deceased) passed away due to diabetic complications so I have to watch my weight and how I came to have these extra pounds in the first place – most of us know that Diabetes is a lifestyle disease. Secondly, I want to feel and look better. I am tired of carrying around a rotund tummy and trying to conceal it. It is uncomfortable, unsightly, and unwelcomed.My plan? To eat better and exercise my way to a healthier and trimmer me, in three months. I'm not expecting to look like a supermodel, not at my age, and I've only set a three-month goal as a short term strategy. I might not lose all I need to in that time, but it's a start. Now, that's easier said than done.
I love soft drinks, cheesy snacks, toffees, and fast food. I'm also an exercise procrastinator – if I could lose an ounce for every time I promised myself to start walking around my neighbourhood or using my Pilates cd, I'd be trim and slim by now. So, suffice it to say, I have a hard task ahead. So here's the thing. I need your support. I'm going this alone (however, I'll ask a trainer for some tips and advice). If I know you're rooting for me it might make things a little easier. I promise to keep you updated here every month until ....
Here's a sketch of my three-month weight loss plan. Start date Sunday 23rd January 2011
• Exercise daily – walking/jogging, aerobics, and 20 minutes of pilates, on alternate days
• Eat more green leafy vegetables and less bad carbohydrates
• Eat less fatty and sugary foods
• Drink more water
• Cook more (so I know what is going into my body and I'll have to wait until I cook to eat – so I'll eat less)
• Meditate
I hope at the end of it all that I can inspire someone to do likewise. Wish me luck!
The writer of this piece wishes to remain anonymous until the end of the three-month project.