Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I'm so excited that the summer challenges are about to start up. Monday is the official start day. It's going to be a summer of healthy choices, getting more active, eating healthy and motivating others.
I have already refocused and started following my plan that I was supposed to be following all along this year. Though I had fallen way short of my goals in April and May, I am determined to stay on track these next 12 weeks. Yes, the plan is to stay on track for the rest of my life, but right now we are focusing on this new challenge. I loved reading Debbi's reasons for starting this Slimmer this Summer challenge. She has re-motivated me, not just to lose weight, but to look at the primary reason behind why I want to lose weight. I need to put the Lord first. I know this. I just have failed miserably I am ashamed to say. But I am thrilled that I have a forgiving Lord, a God who longs to draw me back under His wings.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
I have participated in a program called First Place in the past. I need to focus on the verse from that program:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
I do believe that my life is a witness and, as I saw stated in the comments on Debbi's blog post linked to above, being overweight is a poor witness as it shows that food is my desire instead of the Lord. I do not want food to be an idol in my life anymore.
Here are my goals for the next 12 weeks. They haven't really changed much.
*I would like to lose 15 pounds or more. That is the goal for the Plus Size Bloggers challenge, so I will keep it as my goal, if I exceed it, so much the better.
*Debbi has suggested 10 cups of water a day. I am going to attempt 9 cups plus the 1 cup of green tea. That will be one more cup than I had been drinking. (I will attempt to drink two cups before each meal, but I won't be so strict this time)
*I will record the foods I am eating and my water intake.
*I will take an evening walk or step while watching a show in the evening. I will increase the intensity of the stepping and the lengths of the walks as able.
*I will not eat after supper
*I will limit myself to one sweet a day, preferably during lunch.
*During the last Plus Size Bloggers challenge I lost 14 3/4 inches overall in one month. During the last 2 months I only lost 6. When I take into account I didn't lose much weight I would say that was still pretty good. I would love to lose another 15 inches by the time the 12 weeks are through.
Feb 28, 2011 March 31, 2011 June 4, 2011
- Neck: 14 1/2 14 14
- Upper Arm Left: 18 1/4 17 3/4 17 1/2
- Upper Arm Right: 18 17 17
- Chest: 47 1/2 46 45 1/4
- Waist: 46 43 42 1/2
- Abdomen: 43 41 1/2 41
- Buttocks: 55 53 1/2 52
- Upper Thigh left: 30 1/2 30 29 1/4
- Upper Thigh right: 30 3/4 29 29 1/2
- Calf left: 18 1/4 18 17 1/2
- Calf right: 18 1/2 17 3/4 17 1/2
- Upper Knee left: 20 1/2 19 1/2 18 1/2
- Upper Knee right: 20 19 18 1/2
- Total Inches: 380.75 366 360
*I am also going to have my morning devotions using the Our Daily Bread, which I haven't done in ages.
*I will also be praying for my fellow weight loss challengers.
Great goals!! You can do this! Prayers are very much appreciated! I will also be praying! You can do this!
ReplyDeleteGlad we are doing it together!
In my dieting history (pathetic, never lost much, gained it all back in short order, often with some extra pounds for bad measure), I've read or tried Neva Coyle's FREE TO BE THIN. Remember that one? even Neva ended up having bariatric surgery. A bunch of other Christian diet books followed, including STormie Omartian's, Gwen Shamblins (though she got weird and cultish and scared me), and on and on. I have the First Place book, but never finished it. Story of my dieting life, abrupt quits.
ReplyDeleteI have managed to stay eating to lose for a yaer and have exercised regularly for 3 years, so progress has been made, thank God.
One of my goals is to pray daily for the Challengers, so I'm delighted to have a "prayer partner" in this. We are NOT alone. God's grace is sufficient. We can and will overcome.
Nitey....
Hi this is Nicole from Colie's Kitchen!! I am excited to see you are part of the Summer Slim down Challenge!! I am looking forward to seeing your progress and getting to know you. If you ever need encouraging words let me know. I am a new follower and would love to have you visit my blog www.colieskitchen.com
ReplyDeleteI've joined the challenge too! I'm already excited and actually have my motivation in check! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAnother prayer partner here...sometimes the prayers are well versed, at other times a simple "Help Me Not Eat This" thrown to heaven will suffice!
ReplyDeleteAmazing goals - you can do it!
Here's to food no longer being an idol! You can do this, let's make this happen!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are in this challenge, too. Your goals sound realistic. Best of luck to you. Michele at http://ruminationsasiuncoverthewomanwithin.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete