When read with the exclamation points, it sounds just like the opening shout-out for Wheel of Fortune, doesn't it? Which is good, because I like Wheel of Fortune, and I want to learn to love Weight Loss Wednesday, a day that'll inspire healthy eating and fitness habits all the live-long week.
Since this is my first post, there are a number of topics that need my attention. But first things first.
CURRENT WEIGHT: 139
For the first time since I left my parents' house for greener, more independent pastures, there is a scale in my bathroom. I went to Super Target last night and grabbed one for six dollars, and I did it all for you, dear Internet, because I despise the idea of having a scale in my bathroom. I don't want to become one of Those People who weighs herself every time she sits on the toilet, or after every meal, or before she breaks the container of Edy's calling to her from the freezer. (I wasn't kidding about the raspberry sherbet.) However, in order to accurately track my progress, I need to utilize some sort of pound detecter, and since I don't know how to use the doctor's-style one in the locker room at the Y, the decision was practically made for me.
Anyway, 139. Seeing as I'm normally one pound heavier, not a bad weight to start out with. According to my (admittedly older) Weight Watchers materials, adults with my height (5'2") between the ages of 25 and 45 should fall somewhere between 125 and 131 pounds. The maximum weight is 136. Last time, I got as low as 122, but that lasted for all of one week, so my goal will be a more realistic number of...
(Drum roll, please)
125. A collective loss of fourteen pounds. That would very much rock the house.
GYM PLAN
I have to admit, when I decided to implement a gym routine into my pre-work morning, there were a lot of things I didn't take into account. Like missing both of Pam the Vietnam Vet Instructor's step-aerobics classes, or dealing with a husband who isn't always in love with leaving the house at ten after five. What happens if one day he just doesn't want to go? The idea of walking to and from my car alone that early in the morning, when it's still dark outside, freaks me out more than a little bit. I also never considered how often I wanted to go in the first place. So, now there's an updated but still very cool plan, one that goes a little somethin' like this:
Monday: morning work-out; treadmill, strength-training
Tuesday: afternoon work-out; step class
Wednesday: free day (which I happen to be implementing today! Coincidence?)
Thursday: morning work-out; treadmill, strength-training
Friday: morning work-out; treadmill
Saturday/Sunday: optional
I went to the gym five days last month and now I'm aiming for four days a week. I'm nothing if not ambitious. However, it's working out splendidly so far; I've already followed it to the letter. Luke wasn't feeling well yesterday, so he skipped exercising altogether while I went to Pam's class after work. This morning we unanimously agreed on sleeping in, although I still jumped out of bed at six to begin this entry. I was a tad worn out from yesterday's work-out, anyway, so running back to the gym after a ten-hour break didn't sound the like the most loving thing to do to my body.
FOOD 'TUDE
Despite Lost A Sock's amazing progress and my own successful track record, I just don't have it in me to do the point-counting thing. That's not to say I won't keep an eye on what I eat. Just today I was on my own for lunch, and instead of running to Chi-Town Dogs and Beef for a hamburger and fries, I opted for the Jared-approved Subway, where I devoured a deli-sized roast beef and a bottle of orange juice. One thing I will have to commit to is water consumption. I've never been a particularly thirty person, so it's not unusual for me to go the entire course of the work day without ingesting a single liquid. I know water intake can be critical to weight loss, though, so my goal is to down the recommended 32 ounces a day and pray I don't wet myself when running to the bathroom every eight minutes.
Also, as a way to goad me into making healthier choices, I vow to record every "bad" food I eat on this blog, including but not limited to inappropriate serving sizes, Steak 'N Shake milkshakes, candy, fried chicken, cookies, etc., the logic being that I'll eventually embarrass myself into subscribing to a cholesterol-friendly diet. That being said, if I'm doing well, I will not vow to avoid them altogether.
As a visual motivator (and also part of the embarrassment-submission psychology), I've decided to post a picture on the first WLW of each month.
Please don't laugh. My fat rolls are doing that already.
The socks are a nice touch.
(Man, I'm going to get my ass kicked for that one.)
On a serious note, I applaud your decision (and the requisite bravery!) to Get It All Out There. Best of luck to you! With the whole internet supporting you, I think you'll do well.
Posted by: Dawnie | November 08, 2006 at 07:42 PM
Way to go Frema!!
Posted by: Kayte Marie | November 08, 2006 at 08:40 PM
Nice plan. It has good balance of work and rest. You are on your way to said goal.
Posted by: daddy d | November 08, 2006 at 09:06 PM
You are so brave for posting your weight on the Internet. I will not do such a thing. Just know that it is more than 139. :)
Posted by: Marriage-101 | November 08, 2006 at 09:15 PM
You can TOTALLY do it!!!! I had a fitness blog-thing myself a few years ago... I was pretty much in the same situation. I started at 138ish and my goal was 125. I hit that in 6 months, and then made a second goal after that. It was a slow process, but I made it...and you can too!! :)
Posted by: Jennifer | November 09, 2006 at 12:06 AM
Go Frema! With your black socks! It's your birthday! Weight Loss Wednesday! Do it anyway!
I'm sorry, I just drank a tea really really fast. Wireddd!
Posted by: Art Nerd Lauren | November 09, 2006 at 12:37 AM
I would NEVER laugh at your "fat rolls" Frema, because MY fat rolls would eat yours for lunch. Awesome plan! You can DO IT!
Posted by: Stacey | November 09, 2006 at 01:02 AM
Hahaha I second that Stacey! You crack me up.
Frema, you're so cute - 14 meaningless extra pounds or not, black socks and all.
:0)
Posted by: Lost A Sock | November 09, 2006 at 01:34 AM
go, frema, go! we so got this.
Posted by: Judy | November 09, 2006 at 01:52 AM
It seems that the internet is actually laughing at your socks, but I will hold back from laughing, on the outside anyway. :-P
It seems like you have a really realistic goal, which is awesome! I admire you!! My whole "work out everyday in November" thing isn't working out so well. I've already missed 2 out of 9 days. I suck! But you rock! I love WLWs!!!
Posted by: Lindsey | November 09, 2006 at 11:17 AM
The past few months have been the first time since adolesence that I haven't had a scale in the bathroom, because awhile back I tripped over it and broke the display window for the needle-thingee (I literally broke the scale - ha!). But I am liking this new scale-lessness. I'm going to see how long I can make it before I break-down and buy another one.
Anyway, go Frema!
Posted by: Kelley | November 09, 2006 at 12:54 PM
Not to be a downer, but I think the water recommendation is 64 ounces. It seems like a lot. I am a crazy thirsty person, so I always hit the mark, but not so much on the "Don't eat 5,00 calories a day" part.
Posted by: Bethiclaus | November 09, 2006 at 01:16 PM
You call those fat rolls? My fat rolls would totally kick your fat rolls' asses! ahem....Way to go!!
Posted by: CPA Mom | November 09, 2006 at 01:21 PM
Frema - you are fabulous. The only thing I'd change be the black socks. hehehe
Posted by: takin chances | November 09, 2006 at 03:03 PM
Rock on, Frema. I think your plan is very do-able.
Posted by: Fraulein N | November 09, 2006 at 04:07 PM
Frema, I weigh more than you and that's after a 50 lb weight loss. Love yourself and the fat will drip. right. off. ;)
Posted by: Poppy Cede | November 09, 2006 at 10:44 PM
You are so bold!!! Go for it!!!
Posted by: butterflygirl | November 10, 2006 at 01:53 AM
Frema when I look at you I see a cute sweet young woman with her whole life ahead of her. With your upbeat and positive attitude I think you are in for a wonderful life. And let me tell ya, I'd kill to weigh 139. Or 159!
Posted by: debi | November 10, 2006 at 03:12 AM
YAY!! Go you! I'm so glad you're doing this!!!
Posted by: lizziep901 | November 10, 2006 at 01:31 PM
You know, I just think you are too adorable.
I can't say much b/c your current weight if, um, 11 lbs. under my GOAL weight. :-)
But really, the internet can be such a wonderful support system. After all, it helped me quit smoking. Honestly, I don't know if I would have been able to do it without the internet. I don't know why I fear it so, but I do.
I think Beth is right, it's 64 oz. of water. Sorry. I have such a hard time with that. I'm a drinker but not of water. I love me my Diet Coke/Pepsi/whatever.
Just remember, if you are working out, pay attention to the way your clothes are fitting as well as what that scale says b/c muscle weighs more than fat. If you are going to tone up, you might shrink in size but not so much in weight.
GOOD LUCK!
Posted by: Silly Hily | November 10, 2006 at 07:46 PM
(I don't remember why I originally surfed on over to your blog, but you're very entertaining.)
So my eye was immediately drawn to your reference to Weight Watchers materials, and I wondered, just wondered, whether you might still have their proprietary recipe for "Banana Cream Pie." I had a roommate years ago who did WW and made that pie regularly and who was also regularly annoyed when she would offer me a piece and I would swallow the entire pie. It was low fat!
Posted by: Squisita | November 16, 2006 at 09:20 PM