2013 New Year’s Resolution: What have I got to lose?

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100 pounds. That’s right. According to this website, I have chosen the #1 new years resolution, which will have a success rate of 8%. Oh joy, I just love a good challenge. But Megan, you say, that’s so much and so dramatic. What could have compelled you to consider such a freakishly (small human sized) amount? And I will rattle off all the many reasons I have decided this is the year to complete such a task:

  • Except for when I was pregnant with Porter, I have never weighed this much in my life.
  • I don’t enjoy wearing my nice clothes.
  • There are 4 numbers, which I plan on finding out in the next couple weeks, that I’m scared of knowing. They are my cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index. These, surely, need to go down.
  • Frankly, I just don’t feel that healthy. I get winded easily and hearing myself breathing on the videos I take is NOT appealing.
  • I’ve got this crazy fascination with the number 154.
  • If I’m constantly waxing on about my authentic self, but not looking/feeling in a way that matches my mental happiness then I’m nothing but a hypocrite.
  • Porter deserves a better example than eating chocolate croissants in the car and sneaking bites of candy in between meals and drinking root beer. Although they were all really nicely made quality treats.
  • Porter and Luke need me to be healthy and active.
  • I can’t remember the last time I felt comfortable in my body. I take that back, I feel great when I’m dancing (although that’s been harder lately) and when I was in 3rd/4th grade. After that, I pretty much know I could be better.
  • And the main reason for losing 100 pounds is…in a year I plan on getting pregnant again. I don’t know about other ladies, I think many will feel the same, but after having my first baby all the reserves of good health are gone. If I want to have a home birth and then a newborn again, I’m gonna need all the health and stamina I can get.

So, now you’re wondering what crazy fad diet I’m going to do to shed these pounds? No fad diet, no counting calories, no portion control, no points. What I’m going to do is cut out grains and high starch foods. What I will be able to eat is Real Foods: vegetables, fruits, nuts/seeds, meats, fish, cheese, eggs, a little bit of dairy, Real Salt, oils/fats, kombucha. If you look at that list of items and then consider the endless possibilities, there will be plenty for me to eat. I’ve tried all the diets before and I know this works for me, so don’t feel too bad that I’m missing out on baked goods and ice cream. I’ve eaten enough of those to last a lifetime already. We do have a tradition of eating out on Friday nights that I’m going to maintain. I’m not a total party pooper. I already do yoga, dance and water aerobics at the gym and will keep that up. Plus I have a toddler, period.

And so, here’s the part that is really terrifying. I’m going to use you guys as my accountability. If there’s anything I learned from last years resolutions of 30 day challenges, it’s that when I promise to post regularly and with hard facts, I will follow through. Every Wednesday on Waking Up Happy for the next year has been dubbed “Weigh In Wednesday”. This means I’ll post my current weight and measurements and the occasional photo to document this journey.

The reason this is terrifying is because I’m a big gal. I have 100 pounds to lose. And while anyone can see me walking down the street and know that, I’m still scared of being judged and ridiculed in all assortment of ways. But I figure, if this blogger (who I follow and is great) can come out of the closet to his LDS family, after 2 divorces, a son, and having considered driving off a cliff near his home in Utah…I can at least be honest about my weight. Especially if it’s going to help me reach my goal and hopefully inspire others. So, here goes. Weigh In Wednesday has begun!

Height: 5’6″

Weight: 261 pounds

Left leg: 32.5″

Hips: 54″

Waist: 57″

Chest: 47.5″

Left arm: 17″

Neck: 16″

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The black background was a poor choice. It’ll be clearer in the future.

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I’ve got a long way to go. I know I can achieve this, in my heart of hearts. What I’m not sure of yet is how I’ll maintain when I reach my destination. Luckily, I’ve got a year to figure it out and great friends and family to love and support me on the way.

Check my latest Weigh In Wednesday results.

What are your New Year’s resolutions?  Comments please.

16 thoughts on “2013 New Year’s Resolution: What have I got to lose?”

  1. You can do this! I’ll be right here supporting you!

    My New Year’s Resolution is to do the Boise Half Ironman (you know this) as I’m sitting here at 5:40 about to go run, I’m feeling like it’s a crazy goal. I can do it though, just like you can do it!!!

  2. Wow, thats a commitment! What a great thing to do for yourself and your family. I love the way you are holding yourself accountable. Boy do I know the challenges a body goes through after childbirth. Im trying to be part of the 8% as well. I “diet” the same way, but I have to limit cheese as well or Ill take advatange. Its amazing what veggies can do. So heres to following you on your journey and witnessing success!

  3. Megan you are amazing! I am so proud of you and wish I lived closer so we could be workout buddies! I too am holding on to baby weight… Actually post baby weight because for some reason I’ve gained more weight since after c was born than I gained while pregnant. During pregnancy I was so conscious of what I ate because I wanted a healthy baby than she was born and I was grabbing every fast food treat to get me through the day on no sleep and no me time… But lately I have realized my backs going out, I am having a harder time getting up from the floor and I am also part of the 8 percent! I am really proud of you for publicly posting your weight it’s really tough to do… I even lie on my drivers license which no one sees lol! It takes guts which is exactly why I know you will be successful in becoming a healthier you in 2013! Can’t wait to see you Wednesday updates! Bug hugs!!

    1. Thanks Suzy! Having a baby is no joke right?! I know convenience has gotten the best of me on many occasions too, especially when Porter was really little. I totally lied on my drivers license too. I guess another reason for me could be to fit into my license weight. Plus, YOU’RE amazing. Working full time and supporting your family is such an accomplishment. (((Hugs)))

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