Day 14: Realistic Expectations

Day #14
Pounds Lost: 7.5
Goal: -50 lbs.

I think the major struggle for me this week was keeping realistic expectations.  After my huge weight loss the first week, I wanted to weigh everyday.  Bad idea.  Your body has fluctuations in water weight and as exhilarating as it can be to see a 1+ pound weight loss one day, it is inevitably followed by a bounce back the next day.  That is why weight loss experts recommend you weigh only once a week around the same time, on the same scale and with the same amount of clothes on.  

The weight loss of over 2 pounds falls within the healthy 2- 3 pounds a week range but I could not help but want 5 pounds even though I know that is not realistic.  I did not gain it in a week, I won't lose it in week.  But I will lose it.

My goal this week is to focus on the consistency and the numbers will follow.  I cannot control the scale but I have total control over what I put into my body.  Losing weight is a simple matter of burning more calories than you consume.  Since I am not the world's most active person, it is important for me to control my caloric intake.  By eating the Capitol Hill Cookies, I control my hunger and can stick to the program without feeling that I am depriving myself.  If I continue to follow the program, I will reach my goal.  I looked back at my first entry and saw that I hoped to lose 8 pounds in the first 21 days.  I am almost there after 14 days!

So I will continue towards my first mini goal of 21 days sticking to the program.  Next week I will make another mini goal to keep me focused on the end game... a healthy weight for life.    In the meantime, I will continue focus on the consistency of my actions and let the weight loss follow.