A few weeks ago I decided I was going to actually commit to losing weight - 10 pounds in 3 months. I was going to be 110 by Thanksgiving (I'm short, so no worries, still within healthy range for me). I've always been thin, but I enjoy working out and I would like it to show a little more and like all women, I have trouble spots on my body that could spare a few pounds. I went for it for about a week before giving up. It's hard to stay motivated when you don't have weight that you actually HAVE to lose. Since then, I've actually gained weight! I've been about 120 for at least 7 years (I remember this because when I got my license at 16, I said I was 115...it's funny how young women are when they start to lie about their weight!) I say about 120 because depending on the time of day when I weigh myself and all those other factors, it can go up a bit...122, 123, you know. But, earlier this week, it hit 125. Uh oh. I can't blame the moon cycles, or extra clothing for that one. Time to get serious again, so here I am, with renewed goals. Still trying to lose 10 pounds, we'll say 115 by Thanksgiving. At least then my license will be accurate.

So, how will I reach my goal? Exercise, of course, since I already enjoy it so much, but now I'm stepping it up with my "off-days" aka non-kickboxing days, which used to be running/walking 2 miles in the morning, changed to getting my butt to the gym and working the cardio and weights (I like weights, but I don't do it because usually I don't have a regular enough schedule to get them in every other day like I should, so I end up skipping it all together).

Yesterday I went to the gym before work at 5:30 because I like to get it over with first thing and then I get my nights to come home from work and relax. I did 30 minutes on the stairmaster, then upper body weights (skipped the lower body because I told myself I worked those the night before at kickboxing) and finished with 20 minutes on the treadmill at 4 mph. Then, after work...I'm thinking because everyday this week previously I had gone to the gym after work, I wanted to work out again. I figured I shouldn't question it and went out and ran my 2 mile route.

After 4 days of working my body harder than normal, I'm a little tight in my legs and back, so when my alarm went off at 5:30 again this morning for them gym, I got out of bed, turned the light on and then talked myself out of it...I'm sore, I deserve a day off, I can work out after work...I turned off the light, got back in bed and reset my alarm for 7...a whole hour and a half of extra sleep! Then, the good girl in me took over and I talked myself back into it. Don't think, just do it, is usually all I have to say and I am getting my shoes on and out the door. It's also good motivation for me to think about how disappointed in myself I would be for getting out of bed and then not going through with it and how good it would feel to be at work and know that I've already exercised for the day. So, I went...15 minutes on the stairmaster, 15 on the crosstrainer and 15 on the bike and I'm already thinking about fitting in a run again tonight.

I'm also going to reach my goal with better eating. Snacking is my downfall. So, this week I'm focusing on not mindlessly munching in the morning. Now I try popping gum at about 10:30. Of course, today was the day we had clients in the office, so we had muffins, scones and donuts. I have such a sweet tooth and that chocolate donut was so calling my name, but I didn't do it and I'm pretty proud of it. I did give in to the Cheetos at lunch instead of the Baked Lays, but I asked for no cheese on my sandwich. Why is it so easy to tell them no cheese, but hard for me to pick up a healthier bag of chips?

Tonight is going out night, possibly tomorrow too. I still have to figure out how these empty liquid calories are going to fit in to my new lifestyle.