On A Quest

I am on a quest...a quest to build my "perfect" weight loss/fitness/lifestyle plan. As I wrote before here, there are specific behaviors that equate to long-term weight loss and maintenance. I am tired of dilly-dallying with different programs, methods and approaches. I realized that I have the tools, knowledge and ability to be successful in long-term weight loss. I just have to execute the methods that work for ME. There are 1000's of ways to do it. I know of the one way that worked fantastically for me until I got blinded by the shiny penny and lost focus.

Here's what worked for me:

• Weight Watchers Points Program--specifically the 123 Success Plan where all fiber counted and not just up to 4 grams.
• Daily exercise focusing on multiple forms of cardio (HIIT; moderate cardio workouts up to 60 minutes); strength training: heavy-split, 3-4 exercises, 3-4 sets per exercise.
• Listening to my body.
• Enjoying the occasional treat and making it a TREAT.
• Keeping food variety up when in control, taking it down when not.
• Pre-planning my food for the next day. (I think this is where most of my success stemmed from.)
• Recording it ALL in a food diary.
• Tweaking things when it wasn't working.
• Having fun!

I think that I will give this program another shot. This means returning to WW meetings EVERY week. I will give myself 3 months to work it. By then, I will know if this program still works for me.

Small, consistent activities make for big, powerful results.

On a different front, Matt and I are going to go shoe shopping to begin training for the San Jose Half-Marathon. I am excited to find out what gear I will need to have a successful (injury-free) training period and run. Matt surprised me by sharing his desire to run with me for my birthday celebration. Woo Hoo!! This will be great for us. I love that we enjoy physical activities. (hubba hubba :D) LOL I can't wait to start running together.

This weekend, we are going up to Napa to celebrate his friend's birthday. It will be a fun, semi-romantic weekend for Matt and I. I hope that we can get away from the group for a little time for ourselves. That would be wonderful.