Day 4

First day back to work after starting The 180 Project.

Planning is everything. I had "planned" to get up early today to do some running. However, I didn't set an alarm, and I didn't have a specific plan on what I was going to do in terms of running. I've noticed some good workout plans for those training for 5k's and Half Marathons at www.coolrunning.com. However, this morning...I didn't know what I was doing coupled with not setting an alarm, I slept in.

I did mix some Granola with Vanilla Yogurt, and Peanut Butter on Flax and Grain Toast for breakfast. Good Stuff. Going to be a busy couple of weeks. Last two weeks of classes, the school's play is next week, and electricians having been working at the school putting in the projectors for the interactive whiteboards.

I think I will have my first "Weight-In" on Friday. I've been checking on my weight every morning, but I think that can be discouraging if I let it. I want to go with the weight once a week approach and video the "event" for this blog.

Yummy Lunch

Was struggling with what to eat for lunch as we haven't gone shopping this week.

Whipped up some Whole Wheat Pasta Shells, stirred in some Sweet Peas with some Olive Oil. Drained and Washed them off with cold water. Stirred in some White Tuna and Light Mayo. Yummy Tuna Salad for lunch! All stuff I had in the house! :) Yeah!

Day 3

Up with the cranky daughter. Jenn's at church playing for worship.

Haven't eaten yet. Need to plan out some meals for the week so we can go shopping today. Thankfully I get free lunches at my job and they have lots of healthy options.

We're looking into a membership at the Meriden YMCA. We'd pay more money for both Jenn and I to sign up. But, the YMCA has so many more programs and options, plus cheap childcare if Jenn and I wanted to go together, on top of it...they have a pool, and showers if I wanted to hit that up before work.

Was on the website www.coolrunning.com They have some great tips on how to start running. Since my goal is a Half Marathon (with maybe a 5k sprinkled in this spring)...I think my exercise plan is going to reflect that. Lots of Cardio, and core and leg strength training.

I've also begun thinking about each food I eat, and what the caloric intake is. It's really opened my eyes to simple things I would eat during the day and just how bad they are for you. Like this little Chicken Kiev things I would pick up at Aldi...500 calories for this little stinkin thing. Crazy!

Websites that have been helpful thus far:

www.sparkpeople.com - Meal Plans, Exercise plans...good stuff.
www.thecaloriecounter.com - Nutrition labels for everything!!

Day 2

Haven't exercised since Thursday. Looking over Gym prospects and how that's going to factor into our budget and my time. One option is to join a gym on my way to work, which has showers. Hit that gym up for 6am...be done by 7am...shower and head to work. I will need both at home workouts and gym work outs.

Already had one friend excited about what I'm doing and she wants to doing her own "180." I didn't have much advice for her because I'm still working it all out.

Food wise, I'm focusing on smaller portions. We have shopped since last weekend, and I need to figure out what my meal plan for the week is going to be.

I also was looking a buying a book called "The Runner's Diet" has anyone read this book?

Getting others on the bandwagon

I figured if I'm going to go on a diet, I might as well announce it and set myself a goal to keep myself accountable. In the past, I've been reluctant to tell anyone I was going on a diet because if I failed, then no one would know. Well, the secret is out. I currently weigh 240lbs. I see my ideal weight as 180lbs. I want to lose this by the beginning of the summer of 2010. With your help and support I believe I can. This will be a challenge as I attempt to balance life, school, work, and a possible Africa visit. Yet, this is what staying healthy should be, a totally integration into your normal life busy or not. In addition to my losing the weight, I want to put my money where my mouth is and run a half marathon at the end of June of 2010.

Please pray, respond, offer suggestions, and post your thoughts on healthy living, exercise, and dieting here. Thanks for joining me!