2011 Resolutions

#1. To blog more.

Okay, so beyond my genuine promises to spend more time writing on this blog (and to update that two-year-old banner photo of myself once and for all), I’ve assembled a list of ambitious — yet, I think, still realistic — health and fitness goals for this year.

I recently posted a blog for CafeMom on this very topic, and I decided to heed my own advice when it comes to not declaring any more vague “lose weight” resolutions and calling it a year. I’ve been stuck at my current weight and my current fitness level for far too long, and now that Weight Watchers has rolled out it’s new PointsPlus program (more on that next time!), I’m determined to make this the year I finish what I started. It’s time to get to my goal weight, and tackle the following list of lofty health-related New Year’s Resolutions:

1.) Run a 5K. And I do mean “run.” This year I will prove to myself that somewhere deep down inside of me lies a real live runner who is more than capable of eking out 3.1 measly miles. I run almost every day — with the intention to burn calories and earn Activity POINTS, of course — but now I need to start making measurable time and distance goals…because I still have a hard time seeing myself as anything more than a fat girl in jogging tights. I have a feeling that the more I impress myself with my ability to run faster and farther, the more I’ll be motivated to improve — and, with any luck, I’ll finally develop the confidence I need to compete in a group race.

2.) Stop Binge Eating. I can almost guarantee that I routinely undo a week of hard work over the weekend, all thanks to my “I just weighed in this morning so now it’s time to gorge myself on pancakes, Chinese food, and Frappuccinos” attitude on Sundays. As much fun as it is to grant myself that one “cheat” day each week — for lack of a better term — I’m not doing myself any favors, and it has to stop. But instead of trying to quit my binge eating habit cold turkey (which clearly hasn’t worked for me yet), I’ll try planning for just one indulgence on Sundays: that way, I still get my “treat,” but I won’t completely ruin my progress that week and risk giving in to one of my oldest, most dangerous eating habits.

3.) Find New Workouts. A good friend of mine was kind enough to grant me a gift certificate for a month of kickboxing at my hometown karate studio for Christmas. I fully intend on using it for the Muy Thai kickboxing classes I tried a couple weeks ago. It’s an incredible workout, and what could possibly be more fun than releasing all that pent up frustration by punching the crap out of things? Just kidding. (Maybe). In other news, the YMCA I work for just opened a brand new, state-of-the-art wellness center and gym. It’s a huge facility, and I foresee spending lots of time testing out new equipment and getting back into spinning, yoga, step aerobics, and other classes I used to take when I first started losing weight.

4.) Learn to Cook. No more relying on the microwave as my predominant cooking tool. The new Weight Watchers program frowns upon anything that comes in a bag, box, or can (carbs are now calculated for POINTS values, and we’re supposed to keep tabs on sodium). If I truly intend to commit to my healthy lifestyle for the long run, I can no longer rely on convenience foods — or, as is more often the case, getting someone else to cook for me. I’m a fairly intelligent person, I would say, so there’s absolutely no excuse not to invest in a few basic healthy cookbooks, or spend some time scouring weightwatchers.com for recipes, and teach myself some easy recipes and healthy cooking techniques. I know it’s what I need to do to jumpstart my weight loss again — and, more importantly, learn how to sustain my healthy habits for life.

5.) Be a Leader. A Weight Watchers leader, that is. I have a burning desire to help others take that first step on the road to weight loss. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for the Weight Watchers leaders and members who encouraged and pushed and inspired me along the way. I know there are so many people who feel the way I used to: completely hopeless and “destined” to be overweight and miserable. But I’m living proof that it can be done — and I want to do my part to help others realize that. Plus, I think Weight Watchers rocks.

So, what are some of your health and wellness resolutions for 2011? Please share!

Comments

  1. Brownsugahkis says:

    Jennifer, I am looking forward to following you in 2011.
    BSK

  2. By sodium being counted, did you mean as a part of protein, carb, fat, fiber? Anyway, I need to cook in a bad way, but I don’t see it happening. I’m so lazy! I did think, just last night, that if I learned to exercise (blech), I could learn to cook (a little). But microwave veggies are a good alternative. ;)

    • Hey Felisha,

      Happy New Year! YES — thank you for catching that. Oops! I meant to say carbs are being counted, and we’re supposed to watch sodium. Gotta fix that.

      I’m lazy, too, when it comes to cooking…that’s definitely proving to be my most difficult resolution. So far I’ve been relying on anything from the WWers Recipe Finder that’s labeled “easy,” with a prep/cook time under 30 minutes. Haha.

      Great to hear from you! :-)

      Jen

  3. That’s a great place to start. Maaaaaybe, I will. Maybe. :)

  4. Reading this as someone who successfully kicked binge eating – it seems like you still must feel deprived on some level, hence the need for the binge. Are you using your WP and AP? Can you indulge yourself within the constraints of the plan instead of outside of it? I think feeling the need to cheat makes increases the possibility of going completely off the rails at some point. If, instead, you plan for your “cheat” by using your WP, then you can still feel good about yourself and feel indulgent. At least that’s how I work the plan. Sometimes I go over my WP and then I know I need to work harder on AP – but at least by tracking it and owning it I’m still OP.

    • Hi Kelly,

      Thanks so much for reading. I really appreciate you sharing your experience and advice!

      You know what? I think you’re absolutely right. I walk around all the time telling people “I don’t deprive myself to lose weight…I’m on WWers…I eat whatever I want,” etc. And to answer your question, I most certainly use my WP and AP. Couldn’t live without ‘em!

      But here’s what I’ve been doing since I started this journey, and what could very well be leading to my weekend bingefests now: I stick to the program to a “T” during the week. I dip into my AP if absolutely necessary, but otherwise, everything that passes my lips is a lean protein, veggie, fruit, or something that’s completely “healthy.” I work out like a fiend, I don’t waste POINTs on alcohol, and I try to avoid dining out at all costs.

      But then comes the weekend. I had the great idea to save up all my WP and AP so that I can go out with my BF for dinner, drinks, etc. on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday. To be completely honest, I only loosely count the POINTs I eat on Fridays and Saturdays. Then I weigh in on Sunday morning — when I often feel bloated from two nights of dining out — and all hell breaks loose for the rest of the day.

      I proceed to stuff myself with all the things I’d like to eat during the week but don’t manage to work into my plan because I don’t want to “waste” POINTs on them — snacks like Popchips and Pirate’s Booty, drinks like Starbucks’ Light Frappuccinos — and I don’t count them. Granted, it’s not like I’m sticking my head in a gallon of Ben & Jerrys or downing french fries, but I know the calories from too many “lighter” snacks are still adding up.

      I think I just really enjoy having that one day where I’m not counting POINTs and agonizing over every single bite that goes into my mouth. It worked for the first 90 pounds, so I guess that’s how I justify the behavior to myself.

      But then I wonder why the scale has gotten stuck, and nothing I do on weekdays seems to get it moving again. I basically just keep gaining and losing the same 3-5 pounds over and over again.

      I need to do what you’re doing. I need to own up to what I’m eating, regardless of the day of the week, and start indulging within the actual parameters of the POINTs I have left.

      I’m thinking I need to blog about this… :-)

      Thanks again, Kelly. I look forward to hearing from you again!

      Jen

  5. I like your blog…it is great to read about your success. I lost 50 lbs about 10 years ago (eep!) but it came right back on because I didn’t really change my relationship with food. It was all binge and restrict, not much of a happy medium. I eat healthy most of the time now but allow a daily glass of wine and dessert every few days. I completely ditched processed diet snacks because they just aren’t worth it to me. I definitely have days when I don’t count, primarily on business trips, but I try not to make it a free for all.

    It seems like maybe your weigh in day is part of the issue too. Could you WI on Friday instead? That way your WPs reset so you can use those all weekend, but then you have all week to catch up. Might help you be more honest with yourself.

    The best advice I’ve ever gotten on this subject is don’t do anything to lose weight that you aren’t willing to do forever.

    I’m not a WW genius but I sure have learned a lot along the way!

    • Hi Kelly,

      Thank you so much, I really appreciate your support and words of wisdom. :)

      I totally hear what you’re saying about changing your relationship with food. In my experience, the mental hurdles of losing weight are BY FAR more overwhelming than having to change your diet and get more exercise.

      It sounds like you’ve found a way to balance a healthy lifestyle with daily indulgences and occasional treats, which I think is the ultimate goal for all of us!

      I’ve experimented with lots of different snacks, and you’re so right — the “low-fat,” “diet,” “100-calorie,” snacks etc. are so not worth it, with the exception of a select few. (I still LOVE chocolate Vitamuffins).

      These days, though, I’m finding that snacking on an orange or a handful of grapes is much more satisfying…but we all need that glass of wine or dessert sometimes to stay sane. :)

      It seems so obvious, but maybe I really should change my weigh-in day. My problem has always been my tendency to get stuck in a rut and my unwillingness to change routines that have become “comfortable” to me. I’ve been weighing in on Sunday mornings for 3 years. What’s stopping me from changing things up? It would make a heck of a lot more sense to have my WP/AP reset for the weekend instead of “saving” every POINT I have all week in anticipation of Friday and Saturday dining out and drinks.

      Your advice about not doing anything to lose weight that you’re not willing to do for the rest of your life is my daily mantra. It’s so, SO true.

      Thanks again!! :)

      Jen

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