(week 10). do a little dance...

In my WW meetings before the holidays, I’d listen as my fellow WWers waxed on about how hard the Christmas season would be. Parties, food, alcohol... All the vices that got us here would come back to haunt in force.

Armed with tactics to get us through, we abandoned our meetings for TWO WEEKS! I promised myself that, while I would eat sensibly and maintain awareness, I would not track points or weigh myself until meetings resumed.

I think there were some moments of doing more than I should (steak and a margarita, and Christmas goodies to boot), but for the most part, I think I did well!

And the scale proved it... I lost 4.6 pounds over the few weeks away! For a girl who’s goal was to simply maintain, that is PHENOMENAL! That puts me at just about 14 pounds down in the 10 weeks, with my next goal—10%—a mere 8 pounds away!

But that’s not the only goal I’m shooting for. In three months, husband and I are going on a cruise. I’d like to see myself lose another 20 by then. Hopefully that’s a decent weight to feel comfortable in a bathing suit again. I haven’t been that size since I got engaged, I think. It’s crazy to think it’s actually attainable, as long as I stay on track!

Also, I’m happy to let you all know that the pedometer is really working out for me. The first two days, I walked an average of 9,000 steps, with me reaching about 11,000 steps yesterday! The number on the screen excites me, pushing me to (legitimately) get it higher. I hope to do 15,000 over the weekend. I can sense a long walk in Noah and mommy’s future...

I have been getting a lot of messages from friends, asking about my experience with WW. All in all, WW has been a super positive thing for me to get into. I’m learning about what I should and shouldn’t eat, all while not depriving myself (like actual diets do). I’m becoming more aware of activity, and pushing the little things I already do in my day to step it up. Most of all, I’m learning to love and appreciate who I am, all while working toward the best, most healthy me possible!

If you find yourself interested in not only losing weight, but becoming a more healthy person, consider joining. It may be hard to get used to tracking your food, but believe me, it’s so worth it. You’ll be amazed at how second nature it will start becoming. I’m not saying I’m there yet, but I’m on my way. Join me.

(week 9.5). particularly pedantic: pedometers

With the start of a new year, I’m trying to step up (pardon the pun, though I’m sure it won’t be the last) my daily activities. My ultimate goal is to reach 10,000 steps each day, and I believe I’m well on my way. Not only do I park fairly far out in the parking garage at work, I am on the third floor. I traipse through the compound from meeting to meeting, then find myself running after a toddler at home... When he runs out of steam, so do I.

Over the weekend, I purchased a pedometer. Nothing fancy—it’s enough to enter my step goal, and count steps and miles trekked—but it’s interesting to see the numbers. Yesterday afternoon, for spending a good amount of time playing with Noah (fairly sedentary), then chasing him around the house and more active playing, I walked 4700 steps. That was about 2.5 miles of walking according to my pedometer.

This morning, in the almost two hours I’ve had it on, I’ve gone 2800 steps, or 1.3 miles. Not too shabby, eh?

I really feel the basis for good health is being being active, so I’m starting with the basics. Make it a point to just get up and move more! Don’t try to carry to much; instead, walk smaller loads back and forth. (This is something I’m particularly living by, thanks to having to tote a baby along) Get out and stroll around! Use the time to breathe and de-stress. Every weekend, Noah and I walk around at least one store. Not only am I able to restock on the few things we need, but it gives us time to get out, change scenery and stretch our legs.

Have you used a pedometer before? What was your experience with it?