Weight Loss. It's on.

I'm not going to lie, I could definitely afford to lose a few pounds...or 20. I would say I fall into the mildly overweight category. Just teetering between a good BMI and a bad BMI. I have always struggled with weight. I lost some weight in high school and kind of just stayed there. I am happy to announce that after having 3 kids, I do weigh less than I did at my graduation, only by about 5 Lbs. But, still.

After having my first child, I lost a considerable amount of weight. I was 15 Lbs. less than when I got pregnant with her, my stomach seemed to shrink in a more flattering way. I was feeling pretty good. When I got pregnant with baby #2 I ate very healthy and remained active. I still have a picture I took of myself just 4 days after giving birth, and I was already looking good. Granted, my stomach didn't flatten out as well, but it was easy to hide. Well, when I popped up pregnant with baby #3, I ate my feelings. I was very depressed and gained a lot of weight. Specifically, I can tell that my waist is not as small as it was, nor my thighs and my upper arms. All the spots you WANT to be small in.

I have dealt with an array of issues that have either hindered my weight loss, or caused me to lose weight in an unhealthy way. I think that with weight-loss, as with all things, you have to make a choice. A choice to lose weight, to change your life in a way where you can keep it off and remain positive on it all. Well, today I made that choice. And, every day I will push myself to do better than the day before.

Even though it is already the 4th day of December, and it's right smack dab in the middle of fattening season (aka The Holidays), I am starting a challenge. It's Called Triple 8.

Lose 8 Lbs.
Workout for 8 hours.
Eat out less than 8 times.

It works best in a month that has exactly 4 weeks. Lucky for me, starting today gives me exactly 4 weeks until January 1st. On average I will lose 2 Lbs. per week, work out 2 hours each week and only eat out twice per week, or less as I am hoping.

I will be keeping a food journal. I will only be drinking water; no soda, no coffee, no juices. And, like I said, I am going to try to stay away from eating out altogether. I am also going to try to stay away from processed foods as much as possible. The thing about it is, this are realistic goals. A 30 minute work out 4 days out of the week. Eating healthy meals/snacks at home. Drinking WATER instead of sugar-filled junk. It's not something that is unattainable. This is something that, logically, I could do every day, every month for the rest of my life. No, it would not be healthy for me to lose 8 Lbs. every single month for say, a year. And, when you start a weight loss program you always lose more in the beginning. This first month, I could lose 8 Lbs. But, I won't be surprised if after that I am only able to lose about 4-6 Lbs. in a month. 

Starting weight: 155
Comfortable weight: 135
Goal weight: 125-130

I want to 147 by January 1st. I want to be 143 by February 1st. I want to be 139 by March 1st. I want to 135 by April 1st.

I am acknowledging that these are things I want. Goals I want to achieve. I am also acknowledging that I am a flawed person and I will mess up. But, I am making a promise to myself that i will do my very best to get to where I want to be. And, I WILL get there.