The slow down begins...

In every weight loss journey there is an inevitable point where the weight loss begins to slow down. For me, that point is now. The reasons are logical; one is smaller, so your body burns fewer calories.

The reality is hard, however. One likes to believe that we are the magical exception to the calorie in-calorie out rule; that our prior weight loss can be sustained and even increased. However, the laws of physics are against us--damn you Sir Isaac Newton! Despite upping the exercise ante this week (ballet, spin class, weight training, plus extra walking!), I only lost a pound during my weigh in. The upside is that I lost a pound and half of fat--always a good thing. I guess I was hoping that my extra work this week would offset the extra calories I am taking in (I promised my hubby to eat at least a 1000 calories a day!), and I would still lose my typical two pounds.

This week, my goal is to eat 1195 calories a day. I can add in an extra grain--so that will help! My worry about blowing up like a balloon is subsiding, as I realized that--despite eating extra calories all week, I still lost weight.

I thought I would share something I learned in my MWL class that has been very helpful to me. SMART skills. We were given a book called "Living Smart." In this book (and others), it outlines a way to change any behavior. I am currently applying these skills towards my 5K training, which is going slowly, and I am seeing results. My current goal is: "I will add an extra 1/2 mile of jogging to my morning workout twice this week."

The SMART skills:

S: Set a measurable goal. For example: "I will eat 1195 calories everyday this week."

M: Monitor your goal. For example: "I will write down the calories of what I eat everyday."

A: Arrange your world for success. For example: "I will buy a journal and a calorie counting book and keep it in my bag."

R: Recruit support. For example: "I will ask my partner/spouse to measure out portions for me before serving dinner, so I will be able to accurately count my calories."

T: Treat yourself. For example: "If I write down my calories and stay on target everyday for seven days, I will take myself to the movies."

I actually had the hardest time with "treat yourself." It sort of seemed self-indulgent. I mean, shouldn't we be doing this stuff anyway? However it really does work to know that you will have a treat at the end. I usually get a manicure or buy a new book (when I have money) or save a favorite show (on the DVR) to watch until I meet a goal (when I don't have money).

Anywho...here are the numbers!

Starting weight: 224
Current weight: 171
Goal weight: 140

Outer goal: I am thinking...Christie Brinkley, early eighties.....
Inner goal: Peace with food, peace with myself, and WORLD PEACE!

See you next week!