University of Maryland Weight Management Center
A month ago, dLife sent out an invitation to join their new Tummy Trim Challenge. It's a six week program to trim an inch off your waist. This is important because abdominal, or visceral, fat increases your risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications. I thought it was perfect for me -- a great way to get re-motivated on my weight loss journey.
Guess what happened next? I saw that the 3rd step of week 1 was to start logging your food. I have been resisting this for months. So far in 2009, I have tracked all of 2 days. I KNOW that this is the best next step for me in continuing my weight loss. But I just don't want to do it!
So, I let that one thing dissuade me from joining the Tummy Trim Challenge. It kept percolating in the back of my head, and now I'm ready! I logged my food yesterday, but then went and had a bone graft in my jaw, which has me all messed up over food for a few more days. It's difficult to log 3 tablespoons of applesauce!
But never mind that! The important thing is to commit to this program! My goals are to A) write a blog post EVERY Tuesday about my progress, to help keep me accountable and B) lose 10 pounds and C) lose an inch off my tummy. The program offers a lot of information, a good plan, and the support of lots of other folks working on the same thing.
I have lost 30 pounds since I was laid off last August and committed to using this time to get in shape. I only have about 6 more pounds to go to leave the "obese" BMI category for the only "overweight" range. When I reach that; I should be able to apply for health insurance and get semi-decent rates - at least better than my COBRA rates. I may conceivably save $100 a month. Surely logging my food is worth that much!
Another benefit is stabilized blood sugar levels, which will help the gigantic hole in my gums (3 stitches!) heal faster. I suppose this means the bone will graft quicker too, but I haven't seen any documentation of that. As if I needed another reason to keep my BS level down.
Another great thing about the challenge is that you can start it any time; and still find support in the dLife Community group set up for it. So come on over here and join me!
