Losing It (Week Five)

I have joined Mary at Giving Up On Perfect in the "Losing It" weight loss challenge.

My plan is basically to eat less and move more.

1) Get on the treadmill 6 days a week.
2) Drink 64 oz. of water per day.
3) Take-in less calories (and healthier ones at that).
4) Lose 20 pounds at the end of 10 weeks.
5) Updated goal (Weeks 5-10) addition of sit-ups and light weights.

Here is the update for Week 5:

1) I was on the treadmill 6 days this week for 20 minutes, 1% 1.5% incline, at 3 mph.

2) 64 oz. of water per day. Check.

3) I'm still watching what I eat and this week had tilapia one night for dinner (along with wild rice and zucchini). I really, really, really don't like fish. Scratch that. If it was deep fried in beer batter, I would LOVE fish. But since I don't know how to deep fry anything and it would defeat the purpose of eating healthy, the fish was baked.
Now here's a secret about my "relationship" with fish. Because I have to force myself to eat it, I know that the next day I will be one pound lighter when I step on the scale. I think it's not only because it healthy and good for me but because I use a lot of "mental calories" thinking about how much I don't like fish and the pound is my reward for all my mental effort. Does anyone else have a food that guarantees them a weight loss result?

4) Lost 1 lb. this week. (Total loss in 5 weeks is 6.5 lbs.) Total percentage of body weight loss will be posted on Week 10.

5) I did use the exercise ball for sit-ups. OK. I used it once. Last night. Because I knew I was going to have to "come clean" today. Goal for this upcoming week is to not wait until Thursday night. Same story with using light weights. See how inspired I am when Friday is right around the corner? lol

This week was interesting. The weekend began with beautiful 70 degree, sunny weather. All was good. Then Monday came with pouring rain, all day gray, and cool, damp temperatures. I must confess that I am effected (or is affected?) by the weather. I know that weather is all around me, every day, and I should not let it influence my mental state, but it does, and I do. It's Friday and the rain and gray are back in PA....heavy sigh....

I step on the scale every morning because I know that I need the number to keep me focused and accountable for the decisions (food and exercise) I will be making throughout the day. It works for me yet I am not defined by a number, only my decisions and actions are for that day.

At the end of Week Five, I am introspective. I'm examining my mind, keeping positive thoughts flowing, and looking around at how situations/people have influence on my food and exercise choices.

If you care to join us, go to http://www.givinguponperfect.com/. Today is the last day to link up (for the first time) for this contest since you need to have 6 weeks of participation in order to qualify to win the great prizes. Or just stop by to cheer on the other participants. The encouragement I receive has been appreciated and wonderful! Thank you and see you next week!