New Me Challenge

Sadly, I've fallen off the wagon these last two weeks! Miraculously, I have not gained any pounds and have been able to maintain what I've lost, however, I can feel the sluggishness beginning to set back in.

My husband and I re-affirmed our vow of healthier living yesterday and donned out work out clothes to hit the pavement again. It felt good to be walking again but I could tell I hadn't walked in a while - I was pretty tired after only two laps.

So, it's back to the grind tomorrow - up early to go walking. Springtime is right around the corner and I have a family reunion in May that I would like to lose 10 pounds for.

My challenge for myself and you this week: Find healthy snacks to eat as opposed to sweet snacks.

Good luck!

New Me Challenge - Week 7

Well, I haven't kept up as well as I had hoped I would. Life really seems to get in the way sometimes. But, hopefully this will get me caught up on my weekly postings on my New Me Challenge 2009.

The last few weeks have been so-so, I would say. The good news is that I haven't added any pounds! The bad news is that I have slipped in some areas.

I haven't walked in about a week and a half. I could list any number of reasons why this hasn't happened, but if I'm honest with myself, I know I have nothing and no one but me to blame.

I am still trying to eat somewhat healthy but have slipped at times there too. An occassional cheeseburger or handful of chips - naughty naughty!!! I always feel guilty afterwards.

So far, I have lost a total of six pounds. Not bad, but certainly not where I want to be. So - I will concentrate the next two weeks in losing those next four pounds to make an even ten. Then, we'll see what March can hold.

Hope those who are taking the Challenge with me have been able to maintain. Let's keep our goals in sight, Ladies!

The New Me Challenge - Week 2

Gosh, it's been 2 weeks already?

Well, really this was my first full week. But, it was a really good one for me. I hope the rest of you who are taking the challenge with me had as good a week.

My progress:

I walked not three days as planned this week, but four! And I added a lap. I've noticed an increase in my energy level, which is what prompted me to get out there on the fourth day.

My eating habits are improving too. I bought some fresh green beans at the store, blanched them, and I eat those as a snack. I've noticed I get hungry a little more often but I'm choosing healthy snacks as opposed to crackers, chips, or some other food that starts with C! This week my snacks consisted of: yogurt, a sliced apple with peanut butter, carrots with ranch, and green beans. My taste buds still need to get used to the change, but my will power has taken over, finally! I'm also finding that I get full quicker, so I'm eating less.

I've also been drinking less soda and more water!

Next week I plan to replace the rance with fat-free or reduced fat ranch. Some things are harder to give up than others, you know. I'll also be adding another lap to my walking. Not sure if I'll add another day or not yet.

The New Me Challenge - Week 1

Week 1 was not a full week since I started in the middle of it. But, I did get in some walking in my neighborborhood.

Here's the positives:

1. Walked in my neighborhood

2. Ate smaller portions

3. Snacked less during the day

Here's the not-s0-positives:

1. I found myself gravitating to starchy foods. Even though I only had a baked potato for lunch - it was still a baked potato! I will try to correct this next week.

My goal for next week: to walk Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and to eat more veggies!

The New Me Challenge

Every year we make new resolutions, but if you're like me, you rarely follow through. Well, 2009 is going to be different - I mean it! I'm ready to turn over a new leaf, start a new challenge, become a better person, lose a little weight.


I'm sweating just thinking about it!....


How in the world am I going to do this? I sit at the computer all day and watch my backside spread to the width of the chair - ok, it's not quite there yet, but by golly, if I keep sitting here doing nothing but exercising my fingers ..... well, let's just not picture that, shall we?


So, I thought - hey, my cyber friends will help me! At the very least, they can give me a little encouragement to keep going. And maybe they will even join me. So, here's my thought:


My goal is to lose 15 pounds by my birthday on April 24th. That sounds pretty reasonable, right? I mean, that's about a pound a week. My total goal is to lose 40 pounds over the course of the year and to be able to walk in a marathon next New Year's Day. Hubby and I made a pact - next Christmas our gifts to each other would be....each other! Oohh la la!! How great is that?! And it's free - he's bought and paid for!


Here's my challenge: I have a heart condition that, in the past, has kept me from pursuing much exercise. If I get too stressed, my heart begins to race out of control and I get very weak and dizzy and although I've never actually passed out, it's been close. Besides losing 40 pounds, I'd like to be able to strengthen my heart so that by next New Year's Day, I can walk in a local marathon for a good cause.


Every Sunday, I will post my results here - what I did that week for exercise, if I've lost any pounds, what I ate, my pitfalls and my triumphs.


Want to join me? Then hop on board and take The New Me Challenge 2009. Let's do it together.

Here's what to do:

1. Pick a day each week that you will post your weekly progress.

2. Commit to yourself and to the others who join the challenge that you will do something every week to improve your total health - eat better, exercise, etc.

3. Blog about your progress and use the graphic above.

4. Link back to this post for new Challengers to begin The New Me Challenge 2009.

5. Sign up!

Here's my first post and my pledge.

I pledge to post once a week on Sunday on my progress for the week. I promise to walk at least three days a week to start. I promise to cut out most sweets and soda. I promise to eat more veggies.

Start Date: January 1, 2009

Total Goal: 40 pounds lost & a healthier heart.

Fitness Goal: to walk a marathon on New Year's Day 2010.