WLJ: Starting over

As I mentioned on here a few weeks ago, I have started on become a Weight Watcher again. I utilized WW a few years ago and dropped 25 lbs. in a three-month period.  I felt great.  I was a mere 15 lbs. from my goal weight, but I plateaued ... and gave up.  If I'm being honest, I didn't try very hard to push past that plateau.  It was easier to give up.

I figured I could maintain by just kind of (and by kind of, I mean not really) watching what I eat.  Wrong.  I treated Weight Watchers like a diet, and that was my biggest mistake.  I forgot to take it on as a full lifestyle change, and I've gained back all that weight. I'm back where I started.  So, it's time to hit the reset button and get moving again.

For me, losing weight isn't just about looking better.  It's also about feeling better and being healthier. I want to do everything I can to avoid the diabetes that has plagued my father's side of the family.  In addition, I'm hoping losing weight will fight and/or alleviate some of the symptoms of my polycystic ovary syndrome (with which I was diagnosed when I was 22).

It's taken me three weeks to get back in the Weight Watchers habit -- that is, recording my food diligently.  Some days, I have forgotten (or just didn't feel like it), and when I tried to go back and remember, I was so disappointed in my choices that I stopped recording for a few days.  Stupid. Where is that going to get me?  So, I'm back on track again, and making better choices.  That's the thing about Weight Watchers -- it's not just counting calories (in fact, calories are no longer in the points calculator), it's about monitoring fat/carbs and adding lots of power foods.  I love that fruits and vegetables are no points at all -- especially this time of year when fresh produce is about to be in abundance.  There's nothing I love more than grilled fresh zucchini, corn on the cob, cucumbers (on salads and in water), etc.  It's the best.  There's also a little segment of the tracker where you monitor how much water you've consumed as well as the appropriate portions of fruits/vegetables, milk, etc.  It's also been a good reminder for me on my multi-vitamin.

Changing my food choices is going to be key, I know my journey won't work with just one element.  I also need to be active and practice good sleep habits.  I've learned that one does feed into the other.  When I was running last summer/fall and started up The Shred this winter, I slept easily and restfully.  On days I'm not active, sleep is harder to come by.  My body also tends to feel quite blah if I don't do something to move it around.  Just like in my food choices, variety is going to be key in sticking with a fitness routine.  For example, I started the 30 Day Shred in March, and I was diligent about doing it five days a week through Level 1 and a few days into Level 2.  Then I got bored with the routine and would take more than just a few days off.  I still like the Shred (I believe it's a very well-rounded workout), but I'm going to mix it in with running and routines on my Wii fit.  Maybe I'll discover something else to add down the road as well.

I also need to be accountable and celebrate every little success.  That's what I've learned from watching so many others on their weight-loss journey.  So, I'm going to begin sharing my journey here, and I'll probably make it my regular Tuesday post, so whenever you see "WLJ" in the headline, that's what it's about.  There are bound to be bad weeks, but there will be good weeks too. I hope my readers will give me the encouragement and kick in the butt I need, whichever is appropriate for that week. Thanks in advance.

Weight-loss goal: 40 lbs.
This week's progress: +/- 0 lbs.
Progress to date (since 4/26/11): - 3 lbs.

Also, here's a pic of me from before a friend's wedding a few weeks ago.  

We'll call this the "before." 

I'll try to share some photos along the way as well.