Day 1: Let's Get It Started (Weigh-In/Photo)

Well, this morning I stepped on the scale and saw a number I hoped to never see again: 186 -- really anything over 175 is bad news and means I've managed to undo a lot of work. But that's where I'm starting, and I hope to make consistent and gradual progress down toward a healthier weight. This is what I look like today. Even though I'm not happy with the way my body looks, I chose tight clothing so I could wear it for every photo and make it easier to see how I'm changing. Hopefully I'll start seeing changes over the next few months, so I won't have to feel so embarrassed about posting a picture like this.

It was so hard to get up this morning. After a whirlwind weekend full of Filipino food, cake, and soda -- as well as 12 hours in the car, eating fast food and snacks -- my body just wanted to stay in bed. But I knew it was the first of many seemingly small decisions I will make over the next year, so I dragged myself out from under the covers and put on my workout clothes. My church stake (made up of about 8 local wards, or congregations) hosts free workout classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. This is an incredible resource I've only taken advantage of on a few occasions. But I got myself (and my daughters) down there on time. Today's hour-long class was a mix of aerobics, kick boxing, and strength training. I don't know if it has an official name, but that's what we did. Boy did it tire me out, and I'm sure my arms are going to be feeling it tomorrow (for all that I'm able to jog 7 miles now, I haven't done a thing with my arms in a long time).

Since I had such a hard time getting up this morning (and took 30 minutes longer than I planned), I just grabbed a granola bar to give me something as I was headed out to the workout class. I really don't think it was enough, so I'll have to plan better next time. I got home and had a cup of almond-coconut milk (only 60 calories, and I love the taste). I try not to drink any of my calories, unless I measure it and consciously consider it a treat or snack. I also replenished fluids with 16oz of water (in addition to the 8oz or so I had during the workout). And I had a low-carb yogurt (Kroger's Carbmaster "cultured dairy blend") to tie me over until lunch. I don't actually feel super hungry in the morning, and if I eat a large breakfast, it makes me overeat throughout the rest of the day.

For lunch I made a wrap using a multigrain wrap, deli sliced chicken breast, sliced mushrooms, an ounce of cheddar, green leaf lettuce, and a bit of mayo and mustard. I had 8oz of water with that, and another 8oz throughout the afternoon as I cleaned around the house. I had two Ghiradelli dark chocolate and sea salt caramel squares when the kids were acting up (I'm an emotional eater, but I'm learning to tone it down). I had a late afternoon snack of pancit (Filipino noodles) and vegetable chop suey (both leftovers from this weekend), along with another 16oz of water. Then for dinner I had teriyaki salmon with white rice and vegetable chop suey. Another 16oz of water, and I made a conscious (and very difficult) decision to forego any dessert, since I already had chocolate in the afternoon. All of that brought my total calorie consumption to 1520. I'm not sure how many calories I burned exercising, since it wasn't intense the whole hour, and some parts actually seemed easy. So I estimated about 300 calories, which would put my net calories at 1200 -- right where I wanted to be after everything I ate this weekend. And I got in 8 cups of water (plus another cup during my workout and a cup of almond-coconut milk).

Mood wise, I was really grumpy today. Probably because I was tired. And my body was going through junk food withdrawals. I also had a headache all evening -- not the debilitating kind, just the uncomfortable and annoying kind.

Exercise, check. Calorie limit, check. Water intake, check. I'd say today was a success! One day down, 364 to go. But all I need to focus on is making tomorrow a success too. I can do this!