In a moderate mindset

Moderation, man. It feels so good. I was so crazy last year. Strict diets, crazy fitness plans, sore muscles, aching knees, and just an overall feeling of fatigue. I hope I don't ever return to that.

What's working:

1. Tracking everything. No "off limits" foods, and no guilt about not eating "healthy".

- This is especially great for me right now, because we are still in the process of moving. I've packed most of my pots and pans up at this point, so we have been eating a lot of convenience foods and takeout. Normally I'd say "to hell with tracking" but I've really been sticking with it even though it's been more difficult. I've eaten takeout pizza a LOT this week. And it was really good, and I tracked it, and I've lost 2 lbs this week, so all's good!

2. Creating an exercise habit.

-This week, I'm just starting, so goal #1 is putting my workout clothes on after work. Goa l #2 is going outside for a 15 minute walk or walk/run at 8 pm after I get the baby to sleep. 15 minutes. That's it. I'm going to try to keep this up for a few more weeks, and possibly add more minutes later on. No stressed muscles, no achy knees, just fitting exercise into my day in a way that's easy. And this is mostly mental for me. I go walk during the time I'd normally sit, watch TV, and snack. Creating this new habit will keep me from eating all evening.

3. Weigh once per week.

- No daily weigh-ins, no obsessing, no sneak peeks, no craziness! It's a bit of a let-down when you don't lose, but it's better than checking daily and restricting your calories a ton when you realize you haven't lost any weight in two days. Yep, that's how crazy I was for a while there.

I am searching for sustainable, consistent habits that will lead to health, happiness, and hopefully weight loss.

I hope you all keep the crazy at bay and don't go overboard with your New Year's resolutions! Ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing sustainable? Will I be able to continue eating and working out this way for months or even years?" If the answer is no, you may want to rethink your methods. I've been there too many times. And I've also done it in a way that was sustainable. (Lost 70 total, keep losing/regaining another 20).

I hope this is the year I can get to 100 pounds lost!