My Summer Sides Slim Down Challenge

I’ve gained weight. More weight than I’ve ever gained before. Why? Because my food intake to exercise ratio is low. Because I’ve been under stress. Because I’ve been depressed. Because I’m getting older and my metabolism is slower. There seems to be a million reasons why…

Now I’m at a point where I’m embarrassed to look at pictures. I have to buy much larger clothes and I don’t feel healthy. My joints and tendons hurt because they have to carry more weight.

 For most of my life I’ve been petite. I’ve been curvy but never more than a size 8/10. Now I’ve added 10 inches to my waist and gained over 30 pounds in a year and a half.

I could blame it on my office job where I sit all day and work on the computer. I could blame it on many things but the truth is I haven’t made exercise a priority and I’ve been eating heavy meals then going to bed shortly after.

Now I’m to the point where I can’t take it anymore. I decided that I would implement my get fine plan. Fortunately I joined a health challenge at work where I can track my exercise and get encouragement.

I bought a pedometer to count my steps. The goal is to walk 10k steps a day. I walk at work with a co-worker and after work at my local park trail.

I made a decision to eat my last meal of the day before 6pm. I eat lots of fruit and cut down on bread. I eat veggie plates at the lunch cafe at work and I hear the veggie plate at Piccadilly is back.

That brings back memories from when I was younger and my parents were vegetarian. We went to the Piccadilly buffet in the mall where we knew we could get an awesome vegetable plate. They always had my favorites like steamed cabbage, corn, potatoes, broccoli, yellow rice, and tons more. Back then a veggie plate was pretty inexpensive. I think Piccadilly Restaurants are charging $5.95 these days which won’t break the bank.

They are also running the Piccadilly salad promotion where you can get two salads and a veggie plate, a fruit salad and veggie plate, or a salad and two veggies plate. Any option you choose is good when you are on a get fit program like I am. It’s really about a lifestyle change, right?

If I continue making good food choices, walking, and eating my last meal at a decent time I should see the pounds melt away. I’m determined to leave these extra 30 pounds where I found them because it just doesn’t feel good to be this heavy. My body will thank me and I’ll look great in pictures again!