“Don’t do it for someone else, do it for yourself.” That’s what people say when you talk about losing weight or getting fit. And it’s true. At the end of the day, it’s me I’m trying to get fit for. And hopefully with that other people will enjoy it too (single guys, I’m talking to you).
So here’s the background. I turn 33 in one week. On January 1st of this year, I weighed 197 pounds. Too close to 200 for my taste. And I know weight is just a number…but it’s a number that scared me. 200? Really? Me? I’m only 5’8″. Right after the new year, I got a wicked case of the flu and lost 5 pounds. 5 pounds! I was down to 192…and that excited me. During that time, my best friend and co-blogger joined a gym and started her journey to fitness. And I thought, no offense to her, if she can do it…well damnit…so can I. Time to get off the couch. Time to get moving and learn how I got to where I am.
See…I always thought I was pretty healthy. Yes, I’m overweight. And at 5’8″ (5′ 7 1/2″ if we’re getting specific) and 197 pounds…according to the government I was obese. OBESE! Not just overweight, but tipping the chart into obesity territory. It was time to fix that. But like I said…I always thought I was pretty healthy. Though I’d never counted, I assumed I took in right around 2,000 calories a day. And while I have a desk job, I also get up and walk around a lot. I take the stairs. I park far out in parking lots to walk into stores. I didn’t exercise or anything, but I wouldn’t consider myself sedentary either.
So. On January 14th I signed up and went to a gym. On January 16th I got a FitBit One, and really started getting serious. I’ll write more about the FitBit and why I’m in love with it at a later time.
Today is February 3rd. Almost 3 weeks into this ordeal, and I’m proud to say I’m down 9 pounds from the first of the year (after the flu and before I started getting fit, I did gain some of the weight back). But 9 pounds is nothing to be embarassed about. It’s not a miracle, overnight fix…but it’s a start down the right path.
So how did I get here? Well, like I said, I joined a gym. I’ve been going consistently 4 times a week. And I started counting my calories. I’ve pretty much completely cut out fast food. I’ve drastically cut down on my soda intake, and have switched from Pepsi to Pepsi Next (which is awesome, by the way).
Now, remember when I said that I assumed I took in right around 2,000 calories a day? Well the first thing I learned was that I was WAY off. Turns out I was probably taking in between 2,500 and 3,500 on most days, and even more on some days. Well that explains how I got to the 200 pound mark I suppose.
So why this blog? Well, partially so that I can keep track of my journey, as a personal journal chronicling my journey. And hey, if someone comes across it and it motivates you to get healthy too…that’s great!
I’m not doing a weight loss program. I’m not getting mixed up with shakes or pills or fad diets. I’m counting calories, taking in less. And I’m moving more. It’s basic science.
Wish me luck!
Hey Shawn, Good luck! You’ll do a great job, I’m sure of it! I’m trying to lose weight, pretty much like you are. I FINALLY started counting calories and was also shocked at how many I was taking in. I am doing water aerobics twice a week and throwing in some walks/jogs/elipticals at home in between. I don’t want to join a gym or weight watchers. I know what I have to do, I just need to do it! I have a goal and that is to lose some weight for my step son’s wedding in 5 months. I’ve been saying that for the past year and finally decided it’s getting closer…IT’S TIME TO DO SOMETHING! And, I’m actually enjoying the exercise. Go figure! lol