Big Fat Manifesto

I'm taking on a several-pronged approach to finally get the weight that haunts me off, once and for all:

1) Continuing Weight Watchers meetings, where I get support from my leader, my mother, and other wonderful friends there. I can count on them to help me power through bad days, and celebrate my successes with me. There, I also am accountable to a weigh in each week, and have financial incentive to get the weight off. I'm sure I could find something else to do with that $40 a month.

2) Reduced Carbohydrate intake, as I know the South Beach plan really does work for me. I lost 55 pounds doing it before. I know that protein and vegetables cooked simply are friendly fuel, and fat and simple carbs will do more harm than good.

3) Tracking my food intake and corresponding nutrition at www.prevention.com. This tracking exceeds Weight Watchers' site by showing daily percentages so I can maintain a healthy balance of what I'm eating, and not just track calories, fat and fiber. I can watch my intake of the various vitamins and minerals that will make me feel and look better. I will watch for trends of deficiencies and seek out the necessary foods/supplements to meet those needs.

4) I've set my Tivo (which I primarily watch while I work) to capture shows such as "I Lost It" and other shows that promote a healthier lifestyle.

5) I created a team for a 10 week program at work called "Shape Up the Nation". I've set a short-term goal to lose 15 pounds between 4/13 and 6/22. I'd like to have lost a total of 30 by September 1rst, and 50 by the end of the year. My goal is to be *at* goal (60 pounds lost) by my 34th birthday, 3/7/2010.

6) I will make every attempt to go to my gym (or participate in other activity) at least 5 days of each week. I will make this as much a part of my day as a shower and brushing my teeth. This is essential.

7) I've decided to publish this for all of Facebook (and the rest of the internet) as a sign of my commitment. I choose to hold myself accountable for my goals, and not allow myself to let myself down any longer.

This is my contract with myself. I built in zero loopholes. I lose the weight, or I lose out.

I owe this to me.