BrauchTalk

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions; It seemed that people who made them were almost always just talk. But after stepping on the scale yesterday morning, I have quickly changed my mind about resolutions! I was so shocked to see that “138.2” pop up on the scale that I had to weigh myself again several times to make sure it was right. It was. And I was not a happy camper. I called M at work right away and started ranting to him about how I’ve somehow put on 10 pounds, and practically yelled “This is the most I’ve ever weighed!”

This is really the first time in my life I have experienced a huge emotional meltdown when I stepped on the scale. I felt angry at myself for not being more careful. But with M’s help, I am turning that anger into motivation to lose the weight and get myself back to where I was, or maybe even better than what I was. So how am I going to do it? By sitting down right now and making my game plan! Here it is:

First of all, I’m definitely not doing this alone. M will not only be cheering me on, but he’ll be going through this as well. He lost quite a bit of weight last year, and wants to continue to do so, which will be a huge motivator for me! Having both partners decide to change their lifestyles is essential for success in this case. My sister-in-law, Sarah, has also decided to be a part of our quest to shed some extra pounds. This is exciting because the more people involved in our weight loss pool, the more competitive and motivated I get, as well as being accountable to more than one person. So if you want to get in shape, drag your significant other into it as well, or a best friend. It will increase your probability of success.

I would have a hard time eating healthy if M sat across from me every night eating a pizza while I had yogurt. Yet another reason why I am glad we are in this together! Now our whole fridge is stocked with healthy food for both of us. There are no temptations when you eliminate them completely, and this is what we have done. We are eating much lighter meals, mostly sandwiches and salad, and bringing healthy snacks with us to work. We have completely eliminated soda, and are drinking mostly water. We have also started drinking hot green tea during or after our meals. I was reading in my Women’s Health magazine that drinking green tea after meals will cut the amount of calories from carbohydrates your body digests by 25%! So now we are religious tea drinkers. Drink your tea!

The part I am probably the most excited about is hitting the gym. A new 24/7/365 fitness center is opening in our hometown in a few days, and M, Sarah and I are just about busting the doors down with excitement. I have gone to the gym with M in the past, but I always felt awkward because I was one of the only girls in there. But now that Sarah will be joining us, I will feel much more comfortable just to have a friend along who is of the same sex.

I know that by surrounding myself by people who have a common goal, I’m going to get exactly where I want to be, which is 125 pounds. If I lose more than that, even better! But I know at least I won’t have to squeeze into my jeans anymore if I’m back where I’m supposed to be! And what’s my other motivation? Hawaii 2008! We’re going as a family, and I want to look awesome in my bikini!

If you want to lose weight with us, leave a message and let us know what your plan is, or if you have any tips. And keep watching for my progress as well! I think having to post it for the world to see will motivate me even more. Wish me luck!