Every woman's obsession

Yep, it's time to talk about weight.

Let me start by saying that I am not as obsessed with my weight as I used to be (maybe as I get on in years, I just don't care as much). But it's still an issue and I'm still dealing with it.

The method of dieting I have found works best for me is counting calories and exercising. I did this three years ago and was very successful. "How successful could it have been if you are doing it again?" you may ask. Well, I did very well for a long time and the weight (not even all of it) has come back very slowly. But come back it has, so it's time to buckle down!

I write down everything that goes in my mouth (try that sometime....it is scary!) I have a website I just love that helps me figure the calories on things not packaged (it also has a bunch of other calculators on there....quite a lovely site!). I, personally, am trying to stick to 1,200 calories a day...that's what is healthy for me at my height and weight. It's not easy to do right now because I have stretched out my stomach and sometimes get hungry before the next meal/snack. But I know from experience that my tummy will get used to the reduced food intake and pretty soon I won't even be able to eat the amount I did before. Oh what a happy day it will be when I don't reach for that third piece of pizza!

The second part of the equation (and, to me, the most important part) is the exercise. I *really* slacked off during the summer (it's too hottttttt!). But now I'm able to walk at lunch and I'm finally using that yoga dvd I got for my birthday (yoga: an obsession for another day....). See, I didn't really gain that much weight.....but I sure have gotten flabby! I look 5 months pregnant most of the time. Only it's not cute on me and there will be no bouncing baby whatever in the next 4 months (can't make adorable baby booties for this lump! No way!)

Anyhow, my short term goal is 5 pounds by Thanksgiving (three weeks). But, really, just being able to breathe in my clothes would make me happy. (as we speak, I am sitting here in a pair of jeans that I have unbuttoned and unzipped under my sweatshirt. So classy. And so embarrassing.)

And, just so I have this on record......on November 1st I weighed in at 152 pounds. Can I reach 147 by Turkey Day?? Methinks the answer is a resounding "abso-freakin-lutely!"

(Tune in tomorrow when we will discuss my love-hate relationship with my hair.....)