123 by 23

I have a new goal. I'm calling it 123 by 23.

I am very self conscious about my weight and the way my body looks. I studied health, exercise and fitness for 4 years plus I have parents that are very into all of that, so it's not something I am unfamiliar with or lack any knowledge of, I'm just bad at the motivation part. and it's definitely caught up with me. My freshman year I did the freshman thing to do and was terrible to my body and gained about 10 pounds. Gross. Through small efforts here and there I tried to lose the extra flub and while I had small successes occasionally, there hasn't been much to be excited about. But this week I found some motivation so I came up with my 123 by 23 goal. My 23rd birthday is coming up in two months on January 25. That means I have to lose 3.5 pounds by Christmas and another 3.5 by my birthday. Not only is that a totally healthy rate of weight loss but I think I can do it. I'll be working out at least 4-5 days a week and if I do well, maybe I can up it to 5-6. I will also start to limit my intake of sweets. I know that will be difficult during the holiday season, but I think I can do it. The month before my half marathon this year, I cut out all sweets, treats and desserts. If I can do that for one month, I think I can limit my intake for two months. I'm pretty sure I lost some weight that month too, so that should help my efforts. I also want to find healthier snacks to eat at work so I stay full and avoid mindless munching on all the junk that somehow finds it's way to our office ALL the time! I also don't drink soda very often, but I think it would be good to continue avoiding it so that I can avoid drinking empty calories and all that sugar. My roommate suggested I cut out carbs. I don't believe in completely cutting anything from my diet. I don't think that's a way to be successful, plus you do need  some carbs in your diet to be nutritionally healthy. But it is a good idea to limit my carb intake to healthy levels. This will be tough because I lovvveeee carbs! Yum! Moderation is key!

The idea behind posting about this topic that I think is very personal and am kind of sensitive about is in the hopes that any of my friends and family who read this will help hold me accountable. I really, really want to do this. I don't have a scale at my house but my parents have one so I will not be checking my weight until Christmas.  I want to post on here every week with my workouts and how I think I'm doing nutritionally. If I don't post, call me out on it. If you've found something that works for you, let me know. I am well aware that exercise and healthy eating are the way to go, so I'm not asking for weird "diets" or cleanses or anything. But maybe tell me about a workout you enjoy or that really challenges you. Healthy meals and snacks you like to prepare. Stuff like that.

I really hope that by feeling accountable to anyone who may read this that I'll be able to get this done. It's time I felt good about my body again and it's time I stop being lazy and making excuses for not being in shape.

Here's this week's workout log:

Monday: 100 push up, 100 sit ups, 100 squats. Ouch! Sore for days.
Tuesday: 15 minute ab workout
Wednesday: 35 minute elliptical "weight loss" course
Saturday: 15 minute run 25 minutes on the elliptical

Here's to 123 by 23!!!