The New Plan

I went to the gym today for the first time in - let's just say a LONG time. I forgot to bring my workout shoes, so I ended up having to do pilates. My gym has a "cardio theater" which is basically a room with lots of mirrors and a huge screen. They also has hundreds of workout videos to choose from. Anyway, I was standing in my usual spot were I can see the screen, but I can also see myself, it dawned on me how much weight I had lost, and how much I've put back on. Not a good mindset when you're trying to exercise. Then the video I picked out was extremely hard and I was only able to do half the moves (in was only 20 minutes.) So I left the gym feeling like a big, fat failure.


But, after "working out" I went to a fast food restuarant and only got a salad (the one above)! So, I really shouldn't be beating myself up to much. In fact, today was the first day in a long time that I didn't over eat. I'd like to say I'm enthusiastic about eating healthy and exercising again; but I'm just not. It crazy, because I know I'll feel better, have more energy, and just be happier in general - why would I resist that? Oh, right, because it takes work. hehehe


I'm taking a psychology course right now and this past week I was suppose to write a behavioral contract stating a bad habit I want to break. Can you guess what I wrote about? ;) I was also suppose to set goals and state rewards/punishment. Here is a portion of what I wrote:

"The guidelines I am setting in this contract are: to lose at least one pound every week, to eat healthy meals using bento boxes to control my portion sizes, and to exercise on a regular basis (at least two times a week). Also, as part of this contract, on May 31st, 2009 I will write a new eight-week contract. This will be necessary to receive the reward at the end of this contract.
If I do not follow the guidelines set in this contract there will be several consequences. If I overeat on any given day, I will not allow myself to use the computer, watch movies, or play games for the remainder of that day. If I do not lose at least one pound on any given week, I will not be able to watch any movies for the following week.

But I will also reward myself if I follow these guidelines. If I go without overeating for a whole day, I will allow myself at least one hour of relaxation time at night. For instance I could watch a movie or play a game. If I go for a whole week without overeating and lose at least one pound, I will allow myself to have one junk food item, but within moderation. If I lose at least eight pounds by May 31st, 2009 and write a new contract, I will buy myself one new outfit."

So this is my new plan; to start setting goals, eight weeks at a time. I'd love it if someone joined me on the first eight weeks. I started a thread on my blog for tracking exercising; anyone is welcome to post their progress as well. This week will be from April 6th through April 12th. Let's see how it goes!