Positive Thinking and Goal Setting

I was just looking at my numbers for the past year. It hasn't been an easy year for weight loss, but I have been mustering through and making progress, even if it is slower than I'd really like.

But hey! The slower I lose it, the more likely I will keep it off, yes? Positive thinking.

And I really could have been in a totally different place if I had given up when things got hard. A much worse place. Positive thinking.

I look at what I have been able to accomplish so far and so I know now what I can do now and in the future. Positive thinking.

You're probably wondering what drugs I am on today that I am so into this positive thinking stuff. The answer is, none! (If only, LOL!) The truth is that I am still feeling really good about the past couple weeks and about yesterday in particular. That morning physical therapy appointment really buoyed my spirits and made me feel super strong and capable of just about anything. (That's the power of exercise, people!) Then, for a cherry on top of all that, this morning I had an excellent weigh-in: The numbers are going back down again, finally. 271, which I haven't seen in a few weeks. And based on how my body has been feeling, I think the gates have finally been unlocked so that I can enter Phase 2: The Next Hundred Pounds once and for all.

You know how sometimes in the process of losing weight, you can almost literally feel your body changing? It's not something that happens all the time, of course, but when it does it is amazing. I have been getting that sense the past few days. I feel like it is finally ready to continue further ahead on the path. After all, while I didn't really lose weight this past month, I did lose a few inches.

Something is definitely going on.

In other, more mundane news, I bought some tilapia at the store to do as a quick pan saute, super light dinner (I had been starving all day yesterday and ate big breakfast and lunch, so practically no cals left for dinner) – and it was a) super fast and easy and b) super yummy! All it took was a hot pan, sea salt and fresh-ground pepper, a bit of water in the pan to help steam it, and voila! About three minutes later I was plating the fillets (about 7 oz worth) and sprinkling a little bit of chopped fresh parsley on top... truly perfection. I haven't cooked with fish in a while and I am so happy I did this on a whim. It really couldn't have been a better solution to the "I don't feel like cooking/I don't have many calories left/I don't want a frozen dinner" issue. Big pat on my own back for taking such a big risk. ROFL.

Oh! So anyway, back to the top. I was looking at my numbers for the year, and while I usually try to avoid setting time-based weight loss goals anymore (I feel like it too often sets myself up for failure and makes me feel bad), I decided that I wanted to try to reach a BIG milestone before the end of the year.

Hey, what's the worst that could happen? I don't reach it, but I will make some progress anyway. Pft.

So, here it is.

I am committing to reaching 248 pounds by January 1st. 

I guess what I have envisioned for myself for October is to hit 268. I just have a feeling about it. I'm going to get there in the next week and a half.

My starting weight at the beginning of the year was 308. All these 8s! It's actually my favorite single digit, coincidentally.

While technically it would be a thrill to even get into the 250s, I'm aiming for 248. Why not? It's twenty pounds in two months. This would put me at a much higher loss rate than I've had in a while, but I don't think it is impossible at all. I think what has been unusual is that I haven't been seeing those numbers for while, to be honest. 248 would put me at a 60 pound loss for the year, which is pretty good.

Aim high, I always say. (But be reasonable, too.) This goal fits the bill.

Of course, I will have the added challenge of the holiday season coming up! But I don't think that is such a big deal, to be honest. I will be working my ass off in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, having a reasonable meal, and also doing my now-traditional personal Turkey Trot (5K or 4 mile walk or run, whatever I am able to do at that point!) later in the day. Bam. Christmas? Eh, whatever. I will enjoy those holiday food favorites, but I think I have enough tools in my toolbox to deal with it and not feel deprived, but not go overboard, either. Fortunately, I also have a great exercise habit solidly in place that will help ameliorate any transgressions. I also have the power of a nutritionist on my side, and I will be meeting again with her on November 17th. That will help keep me focused.

So there you have it. I HAVE A PLAN! I am super excited.

Do YOU have a plan in place? If so, tell me about it – what you'd like to do and how you will get it done.

Let's do this together!!!