I’m hoping 2009 sees me reaching my first goal of 185 lbs.  I think I’d like to go lower than that but one goal at a time.  I’d also like to get toned for this year.  I have excess flesh on my arms, inner thighs, and belly.  I doubt if I ever get them looking great but I think I can improve on their overall look by doing some strengthing exercises and toning the muscles underneath.  Can’t wait!

LOL, I even felt lighter today walking.  I noticed I was walking much faster than usual.  It was probably the excitement I’m felling over losing weight, but I’m sure dropping a few extra pounds helps too!!!!!!!!

I did my exercise ball some more last night.  It’s actually pretty fun to do I’m just trying to get a good balance of when to do it.  I know it’s not good to do something like that everyday, so I try to break it up between upper body,lower body, and waist toning. 

Well off to bed I go so I can get up early for work tomorrow.

I finally seem to be on the verge of getting out of my size 18 pants.  Seems like I’ve been in them forever but noticed the other day they are getting loose, so that’s great!  I might have to stop by the store and try on a pair of sz 16’s to see how close I really am!  I have a store called Gabriel Brothers nearby and they carry name brand clothes at discounted prices and they carry lots of Lane Bryant jeans which are my favorite.  I also like the fact that they seem more true to size IMO.  Don’t worry I won’t be sad if they dont fit, because I know sometime soon they will!!!!

I think in my situation my body may be going into a slight starvation mode and is clinging to those calories.  I’m sure once I’m well the weight loss will begin again.  I’ve just been more focused on fluids than foods.  Oh well, off to bed, trying to get better!!!

First I decided to start cutting some of my portions in half.  I like to have an entire wrap for breakfast but then a few hrs later I end up snacking at work and it’s usually not something good.  Well I discovered that 1/2 wrap satisfies me just as well and then I save the other 1/2 for work!  To me it’s win win because I’m consuming less calories and actually getting a better satisfaction in my belly.

Second I need to get back on that elliptical to increase my cardio.  I had finally got myself up to 15 min which was no small feet, so I’m ready to keep that up and hopefully continue to increase the numbers.

Third I got an exercise ball.  I put it in my room and plan on adding some toning because I seriously need it.  I’ve noticed during my weight loss that like many others my target areas such as my large belly are not budging.  Even though I’ve lost a good bit of weight over the year I still can’t get out of a sz 16/18 because my belly is just too large.  I know you really can’t target weight loss in certain areas but I can certainly tone those areas and hopefully improve the overall appearance.  Geez, if I could just get rid of that belly sag when I lay on my side I’d be thrilled!!!!!

Fourth, I’m getting more focused on my Fitday.  I go for days posting regularly on it, then something will happen and “poof” I’ll stop posting for a while, and even though I THINK my numbers are still OK, I can’t be sure because I’m not logging the info.  To me logging fitday also helps to pinpoint what works and doesn’t work for me.  If I go for awhile not losing I can look back and see where I can improve and when I do lose I can see what I’m doing right!

Well off to my exercise ball….I know this won’t be as easy as it looks but I’m up for the challenge, wish me luck!!!

UPDATE:  Just finished on the exercise ball and just had to post how much I liked using it.  The exercises are harder than you think but the ball seems to releve some of the stress and give you some added support.  LOL, I did wobble around a bit here and there but I know that using my muscles to stabalize the ball will benefit me too and teach me balance. 

My weight is holding steady.  I do need to re-evaluate what I’m doing because my loss is pretty much at a standstill. I’ve been wearing a sz 18 for what seems forever and I’m ready to take the next step down.  I think today I will do some abdonimal exercises to strenthen those muscles.  I do get frustrated because my belly is so floppy and wish I could tone it all down.  Of course I know that ab exercises won’t target that fat but maybe developing the muscle underneath will smoth it out a bit more.  Why do I have to be so squishy!

People at work are starting to notice my weight loss and it’s nice to hear compliments from them I’m starting to take a greater interest in how I look and what I wear.  Over the past few weeks I’ve picked up a few new tops to compliment my shrinking figure.  An XL used to be tight and is now getting a tiny bit loose.  I’m thinking by the end of the year that size will be completely loose and I’ll be ready for a plain ole’ large!  I’m still in an 18 pant but can fit into a smaller 18 jean that I’ve had laying around the house for awhile, so that feels good.  My belly is the biggest part of me so it’s expected that I’m not losing as quickly there.  Main thing is is to stay focused and keep plugging along.