It’s actually mathematically impossible NOT to lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. It’s science, bitch!
To kick off the first week of my new “Foxy for Fifty” mission, I’ve been coming at it from all angles, trying to pay close attention to the main drivers in my weight-loss journey: diet/water and exercise. It must be working, as I managed to lose my first 2 pounds by the end of my first week!
Diet
- I’ve been studying the calorie counts of my typical meals, making modifications or finding substitutes that will help me reduce my former 2500-3000 daily calorie intake to more like 1500-2000. I’m not going to count every calorie, as I’ve learned from experience that only makes me think about food too much, but being mindful of it really helps!
- I’m also working on increasing my protein, and I’m being particularly mindful of sugar, who is the ultimate devil.
- I installed the “Water Llama” app on my phone to send me reminders to drink water, and to ensure I’m getting a minimum of 1 gallon per day. The app was $11.95/year (40% off sale for first-time buyers). I never buy apps, but I like this one! It actually works, and it’s super cute.
- I’m restricting myself to 6 total servings of alcohol per week, split over two days. (The days are changeable.) This cuts my previous alcohol intake in half (or more).
Fitness
- After reviewing my old workout diaries from the early 2000s, when I was dating a bodybuilder (shared here). I know I can’t expect to achieve the same results I did at that age, but the things I did back them certainly worked, so they’re worth keeping in circulation.
- After a week of integrating some of those old exercises back into my routing, I’m fucking sore! But it’s a GOOD sore – the kind of sore in the right spots that lets you know it’s working.
Other Stuff
I also ordered a “posture corrector” from Amazon, and started wearing it while I work. I’ve been realizing over the past year (and my husband is not afraid to point out) that I’ve started to hunch a lot, particularly at my desk. I don’t want to end up an old lady with a hunchback, so it’s time to take action!
Things to work on (week 2 goals):
- My sleep needs work. I stay up until 2am almost every night, then struggle to make it to my desk by 10am the next morning. Pretty stupid routine for a small business owner. That changes this week!
- Study the old exercises I used to do – I know I’m doing some of them incorrectly, so I’ll watch some YouTube videos as a refresher course.
- I’m going to start working fewer hours next week. Stress can inhibit weight-loss, as it triggers hormonal changes—particularly an increase in cortisol, which promotes fat storage. Stress also increases cravings for fatty, sugary foods.