Day 1 : Weight-Loss Challenge

I really meant to post this before now. The last few evenings I have done childcare for special services at another church than my own. I do this every few months, and it's a nice way to make a little extra money on the side. But it also uses up any bit of spare time I have in the evening.

Excuses, excuses;)

So I'm starting my weight-loss challenge today. Honestly, it's nothing that incredible. My goal is to lose a whole... 6 lbs in one months time. Not really so impressive, is it?

For me that 6 lbs will require a lot of work though. Regardless of how hard I try, I never lose more than 2 lbs a week on the best diet. My metabolism seems to adjust to the new lower calories, and thus no spectacular weight loss. *sigh*

However, there is a little twist to my challenge. I want that 6 lbs to come off a particular part of my body, so I shall do something I've never done before: bring out the measuring tape. I shudder at the very thought of it.

Remember how I said that my new Wii Fit said that I was (though just barely) within my weight range? Well, unfortunately it isn't the one trying to squeeze into skirts that fit perfectly fine a year ago. And that pile is growing. So I did what any self-respecting girl would do: I wear my that-time-of-the-month clothes; and you thought I was going to say buy bigger ones,lol. Well, these are bigger ones I keep around just in case. But just a small supply of them.

Anyway, I know how to take that fat (the mirror does not lie, I only wish it did) off my thighs, and it's with a low-fat diet. But the trick is to keep my nutrition balanced enough that I don't make my low-blood sugar spiral out of control. I hate the fatigue that so often seems to accompany dieting.

So what is my incentive? Our annual Church Valentine Banquet is exactly a month from today. I really like to dress up for this event. It just so happened that I came across a great deal at the thrift store last week. A beautiful green formal type dress outfit... for $4. The only hitch is that although it is my size, these types of dresses run way too small; like several sizes. So if I lose my weight in all the right places, it should fit very nicely. I agree, it's a big gamble, but it's something to spur me on as well. And my super-secret weapon:exercise my tail off. Consistently.

So here is my before picture. Oops! I forgot to put the dress on...;) Because I know that once an unsavory picture is posted online, it picks up vibes, which are then sucked into the black hole of the blogosphere. And there will be foreign men somewhere in another country laughing at the chubby white lady (that would be me) who cannot resist her double portions of American food. And that would affect my self-confidence in a negative way.

But if I lose my weight in all the right places (which means 6 lbs of really, truly fat cells) I will then post a photo of me and my adorable painting husband (see, he's still reaping benefits for his help) dressed to the max in our formal fare.

So that's it. Low-fat, count the calories, work the buns off. Sounds like a game plan:)

If anyone wants to join in for the month, just let me know via the comments. I'll probably be reporting in on Thursday or Fridays post each week. Possibly recommending some new palatable lowfat snacks I've found... if they actually do exist,lol.

And since you're here anyway, I just have to point you in the direction of Jeanette's blog. She made her little girl a birthday cake based on the Give a mouse a Cookie book, and it's just adorable. She also had a book exchange vs. gifts, I really like that idea. I love to find new and unique ways for celebrating special days. And is there any day more special than the birth of a child? So say Happy Birthday to Gabby as well!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!