Monday, August 16, 2010

Lose 50 pounds in 2010


31.4 pounds/50 pounds
18.6 pounds to go/19 weeks left

That is how my goal of losing 50 pounds in 2010 is going. I can't believe how well I've done!

On second thought, yes I can. I've worked really hard this year to get healthier and to lose weight. Notice that I put "health" before "weight loss". I am beginning to realize that when I focus on getting healthier, the weight loss follows.

I also transitioned from a standard American diet that includes meat, dairy, eggs, and honey to veganism. That has definately helped with both my health and my weight loss.

While it's true that there is A LOT of vegan junk food out there (my top two: oreos and plain potato chips) my temptations in my everday life have almost vanished.

The candy in the office candy bowl is NOT vegan, the donuts that co-workers bring in sometimes are NOT vegan, most fast food is NOT vegan, etc. These are foods that I no longer want. I will see the donuts, think, "I'll eat some pineapple or a couple of vegan cookies when I get home, both of which will probably taste better than donuts, anyway" and sometimes I do, but most of the time the craving to "be bad" is gone by the time I get home.

So in that sense, yes, becoming vegan can help with weight loss.

Also, I have learned to love exercise. LOVE IT. I will say that there are days that I don't feel like doing it, though. And on those days, I will usually let my body rest for the night. But the next day, if I'm still "not feeling it" I will make myself do it anyway. And usually halfway through my workout, I remember why I love moving and really get into it.

I feel like despite being 40+ away from my ultimate weight loss goal, I've already won the battle. My attitude about food and exercise has changed. I am done using food as medicine, and I am done being a couch potato. I don't miss doing either of those things.

Hurray for epiphanies!


3 comments:

Me said...

congrats! i should have joined your 1 lb a week approach with you! losing weight can seem so daunting at times, but you keep things in perspective. kudo's! keep it up!

JBN said...

Such an inspiration. Seriously.

Amanda said...

You are doing such an amazing job. Keep up the good work!