Weight - 249.0 pounds
Waist measurement - 45.5 inches
Pant size - 22
For now these are the two things I'm going to focus on. Pant size will give me a realistic idea of where I am; weight - well people seem focused on it; and waist because I've read/heard that your waist should not be more than half of your height (67 inches for me).
I don't plan on counting calories or going on a food plan or going on a diet - been there done that. I don't think a lot of dietes are healthy - when you eliminate a food you eliminate an option for nutrients. I want to more change my philosophy on food. I've been reading a lot from Dr. Oz, Ellie Krieger, Gillian McKeith and Kathleen Daeleman. I respect all of these authors, based on their backgrounds and shows I've seen them on. Gillian McKeith's views can be a bit extreme, but overall her ideas are on track and she has helped a lot of people change their lives and become healthier (BBC America show - What Not To Eat). She's also very well versed in nutrition.
Probably the most important thing I've learned to date as a student of dietetics is Everything in Moderation with Variety. There are no forbidden foods, but there are some foods that just need to be very moderated and others we can be more free with. Anything can be harmful in excess, just some more so than others. I do think we tend to eat to many processed foods now. It's become so easy to go to the grocery store and buy it already made, rather than slaving over a hot stove/oven to do it yourself. Our society is very content in its prepackaged ways, but its part of what's lead to a rise in obesity. Now, will I completely cut out processed foods - not yet - maybe as I get further on my path, but this is the start.
So my plan is more fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. I plan to pay more attention to labels and make some other small changes in my life - particularly when it comes to eating out. I have been doing a lot of eating out - after a long day at work and school - its easy, cheap and fast to grab that McDouble on the way home or a bean burrito etc. The problem is, while these things might be okay here and there (Moderation!!!) it doesn't work every night of the week. So I will only be eating out for one meal each week - right now it will probably be friday dinner.
Some little changes at work will help me with exercise. I plan on bringing a 5 lb weight to work to do some things at my desk (10 shoulder presses, 10 triceps and 10 bicep curls - each arm). I also plan on at the beginning of each hour walking the length of the building from my desk and then back. It's a little thing, but those steps add up. I'm sure my coworkers will think I'm crazy - but hey, maybe it'll start a trend. (If i eventually get brave enough I might add in some squats or lunges at my desk.)
At school I will work on taking the 3 flights of stairs to my class. I plan on starting with 1 flight and working my way up (that whole need to be able to breath when i get to class thing).
So to summarize - I will be eating more veggies, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. I will be reducing the processed foods in my diet. I will only eat out once a week. I will make little changes at work and school to get some extra exercise in.
Goal for this week - focus on Water intake. I got really bad with the soda over the holidays. This isn't hard for me. If I don't start with a soda in the am, the craving goes fast and I can pretty much get through life without.
Here are my starting photos:
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