Reducing Myself

As I have been decluttering and enjoying spareness in my living space, I am confronted with the 'extra junk' I'm carrying around on myself.  For the last few years I periodically think that I need to lose six to ten pounds, but haven't quite got up the gumption to do anything about it.  However, I have a whole bunch of dress pants in my closet that are too tight, and would like to comfortably fit back into them, rather than buying new ones [I am, after all, trying to live a greener lifestyle]. And when I was lighter, I generally felt better in my body.  


Today I weigh 144 pounds and wear size 10 pants, and a slightly smaller top.  I would like to lose enough to still fit into size 10, but occasionally get into a size 8; rather than where I am now which is teetering on a size 12.  The most I have ever weighed was probably around 157, and that was for most of my 20s.  The least I have ever weighed was 129, which was probably too thin for my frame (less than I was in high school).  I dropped from 157 to 129 in 2004 as a result of the South Beach Diet, and over the last six years have creeped up to where I am now.  So, ideally, I would like to be around the 135 lb mark.


How am I going to do it?  

1. First off, is this confession on my blog, which will hopefully keep me on track. I know that it is incredibly self-indulgent, but I will post my weight weekly (probably on Mondays).  I have to keep accountable to someone!


2. I will go back to eating the South Beach Diet way.  Generally, I think I have a good attitude towards food and eat healthily and well, but sugary, doughy stuff is my downfall.  Thinking I am on the South Beach Diet will hopefully curb my urge to reach for donuts and cookies etc.  (which I really don't purchase for myself, but am at enough meetings and social events that they invariably find their way into my mouth).  Eating this way also integrates a great variety of vegetables and other good unprocessed things. See the mouth-watering pictures at Kalyn's Kitchen.  Since I am a pescetarian, I don't eat meat on the South Beach Diet, so it conforms to Michael Pollan's saying "Eat food. Not too much, mostly plants."


3.  Which brings me to number three - an if/then statement.  If I am at a meeting with snacks, then I will go for tea or fruit.

4.  Portion control and mindful eating.  I have to stop eating in front of the computer and TV.  I find it really helps if I internally describe the food to myself as I am chewing it.  This also slows me down (but doesn't do much for mealtime conversations!)  At home I will use the smaller plates and really listen to my body before going back for seconds.


5.  I will modify Michael Pollen's rule to "leave something on your plate" by adding an addendum "at a restaurant."  I am trying to not waste food at home so I can't do this (also I'll be using the smaller plates.)  Since restaurant meals are huge, I'll get in the habit of leaving something on the plate (hopefully enough to take home for leftovers!)  His rationale? "Practice not cleaning your plate; it will help you eat less in the short term and develop self-control in the long."


6. Go to bed earlier.  There are links between weight gain and lack of sleep - something to do with hormones.  But this should also end late-night snacking.


7. Extend my walks.  I take the dog out for a walk at least once a day.  Lately, we've been doing an hour in the morning through a creekside trail, which includes a steep incline on our way home.  Since I am already in a good habit, I'll just walk a bit longer and burn more calories.  I have been an on-and-off runner for the past 12 years, but haven't been feeling motivated.  Maybe towards the end of the summer, I'll take it up again.  But for now - I will walk.


Hopefully I'll lose something by next Monday to keep me going!