I am a weight loss EXPERT

I know more about weight loss than the average person. I would even go as far to say that I am an expert.

• I know that it's all about calories in verses calories out. But at the same time what you consume does matter. Healthier choices reduce craving leaving you more likely to stick to your program, not to mention the advantages of protein and fiber keeping you full.
  
• I know that you need to strength train as well as do cardio. You will NOT bulk up and the muscle you build will burn more calories. And not only that but when all is said and done, you'll be smaller overall because you have lean muscle.
• I know that 60-90 minutes of exercise on most days is what is recommended.
• I know that a very high percent of the people who have lost weight and KEPT it off, exercise.
• I know that you need to develop a plan that fits you and your lifestyle and that it needs to be a plan that you can stick with for life because maintenance looks just like losing with a slight increase in calories.
• I know that like it or not most people need to journal their food.
  
• I know that you shouldn't drink your calories (unless it's a protein shake!)
• I know that to figure out your "perfect" calorie range, you should pick a medium to high number and stick to it for a week and if you lose 1-2 lbs, stay there!!! When you stop losing, then reduce your calories.
• I know that consistence is the key.
• I know that a HUGE part of this is mental. If you are not ready, you will not stick with it.
  
• I know that motivation can be hard to come by and sometimes you just have to decide to do it regardless if you are "motivated" to do it or not!
• I know that some people find that drinking lots of water makes a huge difference for them. You need to try it and see what works for you. And NO, it does not have to be plain water.
• I know that you need to decide to do this once and for all and take a "no matter what" attitude.
• I know when you are on plan (eating healthy) and you are exercising, you feel great and you do not feel deprived.

So knowing that I know I know all this, I find it unbelievable that I have not taken action. I know it will only take a few on plan days to get me rolling. I will start again tomorrow. I haven't been journaling, I haven't been counting, I haven't been trying. That's why last week, I said I "only" lost 1.6. It was because I know I didn't really try.

Thanks for all your awesome comments! Seeing the support really warms my heart! Glory, do you know what an inspiration you have been to me. I really admire the way that you turned it all around.

I ordered a necklace that should be coming in any day now. It's a silver pendant that reads “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” and on the other side it says “Live the life you've imagined.” I am wasting every day thinking about how I am going to do this. I'm done. I am going to do this I am I am not going to stop EVER! I am not naive enough to think I won't slip-up, but it won't derail me like it has in the past.

I have a very bad cold, and this is terrible time for me to start. Oh well, too bad. Tomorrow I will start again anyway!

On American Gladiator the contestant Ryan was from Chicago. He was phenomenal! I was so impressed by his fitness. I don't just want to slim, I want to have an extremely high level of fitness! I WILL do this!!