Wow, just wow. Today was the first time in 2023 that I stepped on a scale. I was incredibly nervous. For the most part, I did decent throughout the holiday season. Between Xmas and New Year's though there was a lot of food and drink.
The alcohol alone during that two-week period was probably enough to pack on more than a few pounds. Granted, it's mostly water weight. For this reason, I decided to just eat healthy throughout January and do my first weigh-in in February.
Achievement unlocked. My goal after New Year's was to stay in the 240s. I squeaked by on December 2nd at just 249 pounds. LMAO... The goal was 240s. Post here Technically I just hit it.
Considering I didn't have a single "gain month" last year, I didn't want to start 2023 with a gain so I opted to have a month-long recovery before my first weigh-in. I'm really glad I did that. I think a lot of weight loss is about mental attitude and not taking that loss in January kept me focused and on track IMHO.
OK... Drum roll please....
Not a stellar loss, but I am still in the 240s. My current weight is 247 lbs. So I managed to lose a couple more pounds and start the new year off on the right foot.
So the goal for 2023 is to lose roughly 55 pounds. I'd like to be around 195 lbs by the end of the year. I lost about 40 pounds last year, 55 lbs will be tough but I think attainable.
Basically, I have to lose 5 lbs every month to hit my goal. In the greater scheme of things that should be attainable. Dieting aside, I think regular treadmill runs could achieve that. Combine that with a sensible diet and I should have this.
So the goal for February will be to reach at least 242 lbs. I'm going to have one last cheat day today, then my next cheat day will be the Super Bowl. After the Super Bowl, it's hardcore diet and exercise until Memorial Day which officially kicks off the summer months. I think my main strategy will be to lose as much weight as possible between now and Memorial Day so I can slack off a little in the summer months... I do have a love of beer and barbecue throughout the summer months. (Probably what got me in this mess in the first place. 🤣)
After doing the math today, I think 5 lbs a month is a very attainable goal. I'm feeling good about this.
Well, that's where I'm at everyone. Looking forward to being under 200 lbs again. It has been so long, I can't even remember the last time I was under 200 lbs.
On a final note, I do want to write a little about the health benefits of losing weight. In one year's time, after losing the first 40 lbs I feel like a completely different person. At 55 I have a LOT MORE energy, improved libido, better mental outlook, clothes fit better, I think I look better, feel better about myself, and just feel healthier all around.
This is the second time I'm losing this weight. I lost most of it in 2020 then put a big chunk of it back on throughout the pandemic, well the pandemic fueled a large part of my weight gain. The true goal this time, the real goal, is to get this weight off and KEEP IT OFF!
I'm pretty committed to this new goal. I'm feeling good under 250 lbs, I've pushed the limits of my weight over 300 lbs. It's incredible how much better I feel. I can breathe again. I sweat less. I can find clothes that fit again when I shop. I'm pretty excited about the next 11 months of weight loss. Losing weight is also a huge confidence builder. It hasn't been an easy journey, but it's definitely worth it in my humble opinion.
Edit: gif credit tenor.com
