My life, version 2.

Although I am not a big advocate of New Year’s resolutions, this year I have several. First, I have discovered that the “plateau” I am experiencing in my weight loss is most likely self inflicted! Apparently I am consuming way too many calories. These calories come from good healthy food, but simply too much of it. It comes in the form of evening snacking, large portions and second helpings. I read in Prevention’s Biggest Loser Weight Loss Planner that if you weigh 200 lbs, you are consuming 2300 calories each day to maintain that weight. 2800 if you are 250 lbs! That means I am eating more than 600 extra calories every day! The good news is that if I eliminate those from my diet, I will begin losing immediately and consistently take off one pound every three days according to my nutritionist. Now that is real incentive! So resolution number one: stick to 1700 calories a day.

Next, I just can’t get around it… I need to add in cardio to my weekly workout routine. Weight training is great but not a comprehensive fitness plan. M says I can do 30 minutes of intense cardio on the days I don’t come to the gym and then take a break on the weekends. So resolution number two: get up early and walk/run my 2-mile route Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. That seems attainable. B dog needs it too.

Resolution numbers three and four are subsets of number one. They will help me achieve my calorie target by keeping me full and satisfied. Three: I need to eat ONLY good carbs (high fiber grains). This will mean eating out less, bring lunch or eating at home most days. And four: eat more veggies(!)… especially leafy green ones loaded with protein and calcium.

So that leaves my final resolution, number five: less talk more action.