Another weigh-in, and talk of goals
Posted September 8th, 2008 by Jeff J. SniderWell, now that I have actually given out the URL to this place, it’s time for me to start keeping up over here. I’ve felt myself stall lately, so I need that extra motivation anyway.
As of this morning’s weigh-in, I am at 365.6, for a total of 36.2 pounds lost. After dropping 19 pounds in the first two weeks or so, it’s been 17 in the last five weeks. Obviously, it’s not healthy to consistently lose 10 pounds a week, and I think at my size 3-4 pounds a week is a realistic, healthy goal. As I get closer to the ultimate goal, it will slow down, of course; I just need to get into as many healthy habits as possible, so that even slow weight loss at that point will still be real progress.
Speaking of goals, one thing I thought of is that I need intermediate goals. My ultimate goal is to get to 240 pounds, but that is far away, so it’s not the proper motivation at this point. Especially because the lightest I’ve ever really been at this height is 280 (and that was when I was still a 17-year-old kid, when my bones and everything were still growing), so I don’t have any idea what I will look like at 280, let alone 240. I may get to 250 and realize that THAT is my perfect weight, or I may get to 240 and decide to keep going to 220. All I really know is that “only 125 more pounds!” isn’t the right motivation for me at this point.
The first goal I can really think of is to get down below 300. I’ve never in my life weighed less than my drivers license said, so that will be a big deal. But even that might be too far out for a preliminary goal.
I could just do goals in 20-pound increments, but that seems to fabricated to me. I want my goals to actually mean something. I think I will go with 329 as my next goal, because back before Lindsay was born, Bethy and I were doing really well working out and stuff, and I got down into the 330s, but never into the 320s. So when I get there, this will officially be the most successful weight-loss effort I have ever had, which will reinforce the fact that THIS is the one that’s actually going to work. So my next goal, I guess, is 329.
Anyone out there have any feedback on goals and how I should go about setting them? Is 36 pounds still too far away for a preliminary goal? What think ye?
7 Comments
Misty on Monday, September 8, 2008 12:57pm
I do my goals by 10% of my weight. It’s easy to figure the math that way, and it’s a realistic goal.
Since you started at 401, then your first goal weight should be 361. Then your next should be 325, etc.
It’s worked well for me and has kept me motivated. Also, I’ve started taking public transportation, so I’m walking a lot more.
Good luck, Jeff!
Lane on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 8:26pm
Seems to me that if 3-4 pounds sounds good to you, that in itself could be a constant short-term goal, with a weekly weigh-in or some such thing. There’s two cents, my.
not your daughter Lindsay on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 9:01pm
I found that being 100% strict has NEVER worked for me. If you are like most of the world, most of the time we want what we can’t have… So I’d eat healthy, but still let yourself have your favorite snacks every so often. In fact, now that I have a candy closet (yes, a candy CLOSET) I don’t want it like I used to, and it goes old and I end up chucking it. I have also walked a lot more (obviously, I have been in New York, so I walked almost everywhere). I actually weigh less than I did before I was pregnant, but it was only by walking. I didn’t change my diet and I didn’t do any sort of cardio. I have been suprised at the results. I mean, I always thought I had to sprint to be productive, and it’s just not true. Now that I am back in Utah and have a car, I am going to have to so some walking on a treadmill- but it makes me happy knowing that I don’t have to kill myself to get results. I think your plan is great- sounds like you already know what you’re doing. This is super cool. I will be checking in on you friend!
Julie on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 10:32am
Jeff thank you so much for sharing your story. It is a brave and wonderful thing. Jon and I can relate to your struggles so much. I see such a positive motivation behind what you are doing. I really see you living a long healthy life. It sounds like you know your self well and that through this journey you will just continue to learn more. I think setting goals that are meaningful makes alot of sense. It also helps to track weekly or monthy progress somewhere so even if you are only going down 1 or 2 pounds a week by the end of the month you can see how you are doing. It always gives me confidence when I get to the end of a 8 week period or whatever and see how much actual progress I have made. We love you and are sending our best vibes your way. love Jon and Julie Wallace
Emily on Thursday, September 11, 2008 8:03pm
Um, 250 isn’t really half of 401. I’m just sayin… (but “Half the Man” is way catchier than “Two-thirds the Man”, so I totally get it.)
Emily on Thursday, September 11, 2008 8:04pm
(and I love that idea of losing 10% at a time)
Rachel on Sunday, December 21, 2008 4:25pm
Hi, Jeff! Wow, I am so proud of you. Your dedication to your goals are inspiring. It’s those constant every day choices that are going to get you to where you want to be. I agree with Lindsay on the 100% strict thing, although you want to try to be like 99%, LOL! It sounds like that’s what you’re doing and it’s working for you. That’s awesome. Keep it up, your health is so important. Good luck!!! You can do it!!! Believe in yourself and keep going!!!!