Quick Diet HowTo Community

Actually, today represents 52 weeks (1 yr) of the trials and tribulations that have tested my ability to lose weight…and keep it off. So, there must be 6 weeks where I didn’t (or couldn’t) post; a hard drive crash accounted for some of that, and probably forgetfulness, the rest.

Starting next week, the title will change to Al’s Weight Loss Plan and will start–appropriately–with week 9. That is, 9 weeks of reporting so far, for 2010. So, in fact, the data of the last 8 weeks will be included in the new ‘format’, for a complete–accurate–picture of my weight loss success (or failure) for the entire year (of 2010).

You see, in 2009, I started this weight loss journey on February, 25, and although this report reflects (almost) an entire year of data on losing weight; it’s not a calendar year. Which is why I’m changing to the new format (next week).

So, on with the business at hand. Here’s what I’ve learned in one whole year of trying, and succeeding, in losing weight:

1. Count your calories and food types consumed. It’s the only way to ‘see’ where improvement can be made, and consistency can be achieved. Put it in a spreadsheet; it’s easier than you might think.

2. Count your exercise times. It’s the only way of knowing how effective–are you getting enough?–your exercise regime is in losing weight fast, medium or slowly. As you can see by the numbers (below), I went over my target cals of 1600/day, but…managed to put in 47 (average) minutes per day of quality exercise–for a weekly weight loss of 5.2 lbs!

3. Create a chart of your weight loss from the above mentioned data. You’ll see when your sliding–back up–on your weight. Here’s mine for the ‘year’. Notice the struggle I had in about mid-stride, so to speak (green is weight loss; red is gain):

4. Persevere. That’s where all this data comes in handy; seeing improvement inspires you to go on. Seeing failure should push you to try harder.

I’ve lost 19.8 lbs. It may have taken me a year, but I’ve only just begun; I’m healthier, happier, and getting more so all the time. It is a struggle–but one worth enduring.

What’s your story? Do you want to lose weight? What are your goals? I’d love to hear about it; leave a comment, or, better yet, become a member and contribute your story(ies) about successes or failures in your “dieting life”.

Without further ado, here they are…

This week’s (1 yr anniversary) numbers:

• Average calories: 2298/day
• Average exercise: 47 mins/day
• Last week’s weight: 274.6 (lbs)
• Today’s weight: 269.4
• Weekly weight loss: 5.2
• Total weight loss: 19.8 — 52 weeks: 3-4-09 to 2-24-10

and, an interesting number…

• Average weekly weight loss: 0.38 or ~ 0.4 lbs