I hear people say things about losing a ton of weight in the summer because they’re so active! And eating fresh vegetables! And swimming weee!
I’m finding the opposite is true for me. I’m gaining weight because it’s been either too damn hot or too damn rainy to run or play tennis, I’m eating a ton of fresh vegetables…right along side the barbecued platters (and oh yeah, the beer…and the lobster mac n cheese I had this weekend. mmmm.), and I’m not really an ocean swimmer and don’t have daily access to a pool, so I’m not doing a whole lot of swimming.
My friends, I need to lose a little weight. Nothing drastic, just 5 pounds or so. Totally doable.
If I could get my barbecued butt going.
I have a goal, my brother-in-law’s wedding the last weekend in August. Five weeks from now. A pound a week? Can I do it?
On top of feeling better about myself, I’m hoping to also aid in lowering my cholesterol. I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. I lost a ton of weight before my wedding. (In the end, maybe actually a little TOO much weight.) I’m hoping the cholesterol goal plus my time line will be just as much motivation.
I don’t know if I’ll be posting numbers here. It’s not because I think you’ll be judging me for weighing too much, it’s that I’m tired of the “oh shut up, you’re thin” comments that people express when I’ve mentioned it’s time to get my butt in gear. Everyone has a weight they feel most comfortable at, whether their a size 20 or a size 2, am I right? I know that for myself, I could be in better shape. I’ve seen myself there. I want to lose the 5 pounds for myself, not because of vanity. (OK, maybe a smidge for vanity. A girl could do without the arm jiggle.)
So maybe just a weekly update on pounds lost. Because I know for me, other people’s success with weight loss has always been an inspiration for me. Maybe we can buddy up and all take on the summer pounds together.
Who’s with me?
22 comments
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July 27, 2009 at 8:48 am
your mom
i think we still have one of those shirts around here somewhere. we did eat a lot of ben & jerry’s……
July 27, 2009 at 8:54 am
Jess
I’m in it with you! Feel free to check out my blog for healthy eats and fitness tips!
July 27, 2009 at 8:55 am
Anna
So in. And so five pounds (seven?) up. Wrestling the demons of summer parties, vacations and ice cream big time. Currently booking myself for a week of exercise, because maybe if I schedule it, I’ll do it!
Hey–how’s next week for you and M on the water? Send me dates, I have a photographer coming!
July 27, 2009 at 8:56 am
Pam
Between the beer and the barbecues, I always seem to gain weight in the summer. The weather is just so much better-suited to lay out on the beach or take a long walk with my husband rather than doing my normal long runs. Plus, so much is going on that I don’t want to miss while I’m at the gym!! I need to lose a few pounds before vacation this September… I’ll gladly take the challenge with you!
July 27, 2009 at 9:05 am
Tootie
That used to be my favorite Ben n Jerry’s flavor, but I could see why you didn’t want to wear the shirt anymore.
Good luck with the challenge! I’m going to try to start exercising more, and I’m set on swimming sometime this week.
July 27, 2009 at 9:18 am
littlespoon
Dude I feel you. I’ve finally started accepting my body for what it is but it doesn’t stop me from setting small weight loss goals for myself.
I made a deal with myself to lose 10 pounds by my next NYC work trip which is August 21. I’ve lost 3 pounds so far. Even if I don’t hit 10 exactly I’d love to dip back down into the 160′s before my trip. And at least be close to that 10 pounds.
of course 10 pounds isn’t my ultimate goal, but it’s a start!
July 27, 2009 at 9:28 am
prinny
hey – yep, i’m in as well. i’ve been pretty stressed out over my job situation and just not eaten very healthy lately, so 5 pounds less on the scale will do me good
July 27, 2009 at 9:31 am
notsojenny
cutting out fats is a surefire way to lose weight, and fast.
i don’t recommend cutting them out completely but cutting way back on them is key. the fattiest things around are bacon, hotdogs, mayo, red meat, cream based things (ranch dressing, etc.). so just cutting out/back on those things alone makes such a difference (if they’re a huge part of your daily diets like me : )
July 27, 2009 at 9:39 am
Britt
I get lazy in the summer because of the heat. I exercise way way less. I need to get my butt in gear too. I’d really like to be able to see ab muscles at some point in my life instead of belly flab! Good luck
July 27, 2009 at 9:50 am
fritz
I am totally in! i would just like to loose a few pounds before my wedding…in just a little over a month! YaY!
July 27, 2009 at 11:01 am
Joy
I’m totally in, too! You inspired me with your weight-loss last year, and I started a serious “get fit” plan. I was 5 pounds down (until this weekend… LE SIGH) and am trying to keep the momentum going!
July 27, 2009 at 11:57 am
Lucy The Valiant
Me too! I just got my husband to set up a stationary bike for me in our living room (Klassy, I know) so I could work out more conveniently. Now my only excuse is sleep deprivation…
July 27, 2009 at 12:29 pm
A
I’m with you! Good luck.
July 27, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Kristin
I’m in! (And finally officially delurking). I’ve just recently finally gotten my cholesterol levels down to normal ranges after about 3 years of “slightly elevated”. I’m fighting genetics, too. I know you can do it!
July 27, 2009 at 2:13 pm
spamwarrior
Good luck!!!
July 27, 2009 at 2:39 pm
tlconrad
i just got the go ahead from the doctor to actually do a real work out plan. i had some heart troubles the past 18 months aside from being pregnant and gaining weight. today my husband told me to lose 20 pounds (i am no where near what i condiser fat or even icky, but i do need to get down to prepregnancy weight before i get pregnant again) so my goal is 10 lbs this month… (august as july is over) my sister started to train for a 5k yesterday and i also am eating better… ill keep you posted on how i am doing…
TLC
http://toniconrad.wordpress.com
July 27, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Rachel
lol, i’m in. been in for 2 weeks now and lost 2! 5 more to go with you, girl.
July 27, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Jake from Front Line Fitness
I’ve had the same comments that you’ve had. Mine doesn’t deal with weight loss, just working out in general. I’ll tell someone that I just HAVE to exercise (because it’s very important to me, and I don’t feel right unless I do something), and they’ll to me I’m already in good shape.
I don’t let it bother me though…because we exercise (or try to lose weight) because WE want to. Don’t let those comments slow you down.
As for your goal, losing 5 pounds in 5 weeks is very doable. Losing only one pound per week makes it that much more likely to be permanent. Good luck!
July 27, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Tiny Teacher
This is a great idea! I want in.
July 27, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Katie Morton
Oh god, I’m so with you. I just had tacos with a side of Fritos and cheese dip. Ridic. Help.
July 29, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Sara
um…for the record, you look great! But I totally supprt the challange!
July 30, 2009 at 12:48 am
natobean
Hi, I am actually new to your blog (came over from ClinkNY’s site). Just figured I’d give you a few numbers to play with. You need approx. 14 calories per pound of body weight to maintain the weight you are currently at. 14 cals may be a little low, depending on how active you are, but it gives you a general idea. You need to cut out a total of 3500 calories to lose a pound. I would think that a pound a week would be something you could easily accomplish, especially if you throw in a little exercise. Hope this helps a little & good luck!