Tuesday, May 09, 2006

14 In 14

A week ago in Palmyra NY, my sister and her boyfriend got engaged. They had been talking about it for a while and even booked facilities but made it official with a ring last week. The thing is they are getting married in 14 weeks. In 14 weeks! Now I know the day is not about me, but to know that my ever widening but is going to be immortalized in photographs has me on edge.

I know I am not obese, but I know that I'm not happy with how I look. So I decided to do something. Yes I've been going to the gym for a year but lets be honest. I average about twice a week and I recently found out that I wasn't working myself hard enough during those work outs, plus I don't eat right. I had decided to join a weight loss group, but found that I can't afford it. Before all you interneters start writing me about how can I not afford it, I'll give you the math. We have two children (4 people) living in Calgary on about $2000/ month and I'm not exaggerating. We make it by with some creativity. Anyway how can I justify spending the kind of money to join a group when I can't feed my kids (and my kids don't have an over weight problem, actually its quite the opposite)? So this is my plan and my request. I want to loose 14 lbs in 14 weeks. I'm telling everybody and I want them to hold me accountable, please don't sabotage me (you know who you are). If you are eating a treat don't offer me some. If you see me going for a treat stop me!

I have chosen a low fat / low calorie eating plan and I will be exercising at least 5 days a week (cardio and strenthening) I will be posting my daily food and exercise journals on a new blog along with some recipes. I want encouragement and positive affirmations. I believe that is important. If I fall, pick me up. I've done well for the last day and a half but I have 96.5 days to go.

Thank you

13 comments:

Sariah said...

Good for you! I know you can do it. I wish I was there to actually encourage you and NOT sabatoge you (I won't even talk about anymore yummy foods on my blog if you want. That always just makes me want the food more when i read or hear about it from others.). Anyrate, know that I'm on your side and will help in anyway I can. GO ALYSON!! :D

Jen said...

You know I love you and I think it's a great goal to put a end date on when you want the weight off. No sabatoge from me, I swear.

Kris said...

You go Alyson! I think that is a great goal and when you don't feel good about yourself it sucks...rocks. You go you go you go!

K.

Proud Mum said...

GOOD FOR YOU!
You've got my support (and awe, because I don't think I'm ready to be serious about my eating yet.) I'm rooting for you down here! (and I promise not to share any treats ... not only am I trying not to make them, but by the time they got to you they'd be gross anyway.)

Anonymous said...

You sound determined... i am sure those 14lbs will jump ship in no time at all. Nothing like a wedding to motivate ya .. one just got annoced on my side and i can hear those cameras clicking allready. I am sure you can do it. (personally i think your good to go but i understand your desire)

Devynn said...

Alyson, good luck! I have always thought you looked great, but we each have to be happy with ourselves!

Anonymous said...

Good luck! We're rooting for you!

Anonymous said...

I know I'm one of those "how can you not afford it" people and I am proud of you for making a firm decision. You have all my support and if you need a walking buddy or just a sound board let me know. I know your frustration and I'm here to help in anyway I can. Let me know.

fourth_fret said...

that's awesome alyson. and i love that you are taking care of yourself in such a way that you are putting everyone else on notice.

it's weird. if someone had cancer we wouldn't dream of giving them smokes. or if they had acohol issues we wouldn't be stickin' a bottle of jack under their nose and saying, "just a little swig. it won't hurt ya." (not that i'm comparing 14 pounds to that type of stuff... but the desire to lose it to that kind of stuff)- but with food we're all like... it's no big deal. it's crazy.

good for you. be strong. be patient. and EAT! the good stuff.

Philosophical Karen said...

It's a very achievable goal. Exercising is easier than avoiding the foods you like to eat, but so long as you pay attention to both, you can do it!

ABQ Mom said...

Alyson I know how you feel. My SIL is getting married June 30th. I thought I would be pregnant by then but we've decided to put that off for awhile. Now all I can think about is how fat I'm going to look in the wedding pictures. Good luck. I'm sure you'll do great! Those 14 pounds will just melt off in no time.

Alyson said...

Everybody is so positive and I sure am appreciative. THANKS GUYS

Allrie said...

I'm a "Johnny come lately here due to being waay too busy, but I applaud you. I learned in my "How to be a good diabetic class, that we really do need to watch those carbs because they = sugar. My favorite meal is quite simple, fatfree and healthy as all get out:
Weekly I shop for my veggies. At home, I cut everything up and store in snack-size ziplocks. When I'm ready to cook I just pull them out of the fridge and dump them into my pan [which I've sprayed with olive oil "Pam"--only generic. The spray gives you the healthy part of the olive oilm but not the fats] and I sautee onions, zuchinni, bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes. Sometimes I add a little carrott or even a few olives. I also use a few raisins and a handful of pine nuts sometimes. Serve with a veggie burger and it is a main meal. With a little changing around, you can cook for the whole family this way, which makes dieting a whole lot easier than if you're having to fix the family something else.

Your goal is quite reasonable. Good Luck :D