10 Pound Bites

My current weight loss journey has not been what I expected.  Instead of an easy-breezy sprint (such as losing 40 pounds in three months in 2007), I've been slapped with the reality of a marathon.  This time it's been only a quarter of that in a four-month time frame.  Oy vey!

That is probably for many reasons - the largest one(s) being that I am now two kids later and I know those crazy things called a metabolism, hormones, and over thirty are starting to slow down or kick in.  However, I am trying to focus on what this is for me - not a diet, but a journey to a more healthy lifestyle.  I haven't really been "trying" to lose weight for the last few weeks - work and my son's medical issues have been at the top of my priority list for the past five-to-six weeks, thus things like calorie counting and daily meal planning have been pushed aside for the reality of doctor's appointments and sleep.  I am so pleased though, that in this time, I have stayed right at 230 (ten pounds down from my starting weight of 240 in July).  Sure, I've fluxed a pound over or under, but I've been pretty consistent at 230.  This is new to me, and gives me hope that this weight I'm losing will stay off.  In the past sure I've done some yo-yo dieting - a quick fad here or there and I'm 5-10 pounds lighter, but then have gained it back, plus a couple more.  This initial "maintaining period" gives me hope!

So in light of my first ten pounds down (and then kept off for a month or so), here is a comparison shot for you (please pardon the horrible lighting in the 2nd picture, as well as my looking down and end-of-the-day hair):

Since July, I've gone from a 20W size jeans (yes, I have saved them) to a misses 18, lost inches (not sure how many), dropped my BMI 1.5 points, and am now four notches in on my regular belt instead of two.  I'm also doing jogging/walking intervals for 20 or so minutes four-to-five times a week, and have started added in some yoga and/or Pilates a couple of mornings a week.

What's next, you ask?

Right now, I'm aiming to lose ten pounds by New Years.  Seven weeks to do it.  I think I can, especially now that I am starting to exercise more regularly, Ethan's at a stand-still medically for the next few months, and bidding season at work is winding down.  If I don't make it though... that's okay.  I'm just taking it one day and one pound at a time right now.