Fit Day

If you're like me, you're getting older and your clothing are getting tighter.  If you're not, well then go read something else.  You stink.  Just kidding.  Kind of.

I have gained twelve pounds since January.  I was certain that I had some sort of underactive thyroid problem or some sort of logical explanation.  My weight has always remained constant, even during my brief stint as a "runner".  I trained for and ran two half-marathons (all in an effort to get thin thighs), and my weight stayed exactly.the.same.  Anyway, I had some blood work done, and it seems I am quite healthy.  So, my symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and irritability seem to all be due to bad behavior.  And maybe, just maybe, getting older. 

I am nothing if not determined, so I resolved to lose the weight by December 1st.  I happened to be reading a blog post that mentioned a site where you can journal your caloric intake and daily activity.  Long story short?  It seems I was totally underestimating my caloric intake.  After inputting all of my information, logging my goal, and giving myself a timeline, the website set me up with a profile.  I have a caloric budget each day, and though the first few days I was starving (!!!!), I feel a little more regulated now.  I go above my budget nearly every day, but I try to keep my activity levels high so that my "surplus" at the end of the day reaches about 600 calories.  I'm definitely not starving myself, but I'm more aware of what I'm eating.

It really isn't terribly time-consuming, but you have to be honest with your activity level and foods.  There are lots of food options and activity choices.  Sometimes they don't have exactly what I've eaten, but I try to choose something close, calorically and ingredient-wise.  There is a free version and then the premium site - I've just been using the free version, it's fine as long as you don't mind advertising.  I had read reviews that said the free version was slower, but I don't have anything to compare it to!

I have dropped a few pounds, so I'm feeling encouraged.  As someone who never really had to worry too much about food intake, this is challenging.  It's hard work and I think it's going to take time.  I even bought white cheddar rice cakes [that taste exactly like styrofoam] and will probably keep the birds well-fed this winter.  I still love food and will continue to consume and serve homemade foods, but my portion sizes will need to be smaller. 

If you're interested, the website is fitday.com

If you do try it, let me know what you think and if it works for your goals!  I'll keep you posted on mine.  If you'd like more information, let me know and I'll help you set up a profile if you're interested. 

I'm not advertising for them, I have just found it helpful and thought you might, too.