Starting at Zero - Losing Weight in 2013

It's officially diet season 2013! Resolutions are being made, hope is high, motivation is flowing! Let's go!

According to the nerds at Statistic Brain, 45% of us make resolutions (the top one: weight loss) but only 8% of us are successful. I've tried in the past not to resolve, because, well, look at that failure rate! But even the nerds say that if you really make a resolution, you're more likely to succeed. So this year, I'm not just resolving to lose weight, I'm resolving to change my lifestyle for good.

I really want to make a fresh start, so I'm starting at zero. I've given myself a full pardon on my dieting sins of 2012. I'm learning from those mistakes and moving forward. I'm shaking off disappointments and failures, and allowing myself to do what works FOR ME. I have to make this a more selfish endeavor. But, I'm hoping to take you all with me too.

In that spirit. I'm going to set up some rules for myself. I'm writing them down to be accountable to myself as well as inspire others who are up against the same battle.

1. Live in the Present
I tend to look forward too much when it comes to dieting. I plan on the results - looking and feeling great in 3/6/9 months, but I often forget to map out how I'm going to get there. I need to repeat to myself "what can I do RIGHT NOW to achieve my goal." Not tomorrow, not after this bowl of ice cream, not when I'm done with this job.  Every bite counts - it will go for you or against you. Are you willing to give up the goal for a moment in time? For a taste that lasts mere seconds? Other than the once-in-a-lifetime situation (a hard-to-get reservation, Richard Blais and Mario Batali commandeer a food truck in your neighborhood...) I have to keep in mind that most of the food I crave will be there later. I will enjoy it more when I'm not going to feel guilty about it anyway.

2. Let it Go
The first step to overcoming my emotional eating habit? Be less emotional. Ok, that sounds ridiculous. I'm oversimplifying. But I need to let things roll off my back a little easier. So often I just internalize and stew (then chew) on stupid little stuff. My health (both physical and mental) can't afford to eat my frustration over a passive aggressive comment here or a difference of opinion there. This stuff happens. I have to remind myself it's less about me and more about them...and I can't change them. People are who they are, and I accept that. I'd like to be accepted for who I am, faults and all. Besides, it's MY opinion of me that matters right now. And when I emo-eat, I don't like me very much. When I don't like me very much, I don't put the best of myself out into the world. I don't feel like I should be holding myself back by chewing and stewing and hiding behind the fat anymore. As Dr. Seuss said, "Those who mind, don't matter and those who matter, don't mind."

3. Strive to Feel Better, not Just Look Better
Looking good is nice, but feeling good is better. I can't just do this to get into a smaller pair of jeans. Of course, I WANT my jeans to be smaller. But I also want to be healthier. I want more time on this earth to be with my family and those who matter most to me. I want to be able to run and jump and play with my baby girl without having to breathlessly cry "Mommy needs a break!" I want the confidence to achieve my  life goals...you know, beyond just losing weight. The more I have to focus on my weight, the less I get to focus on getting the best out of life.

4. Create Your Own Success
I'm a huge sucker for a success story. I live for "before and after" shots. While they are inspiring, I need to realize they are not me. What works for one person, may not work for others. I know many people who've had amazing success at Weight Watchers. I also know I suck at Weight Watchers. But every time I hear someone has had a loss, I'm right back at weightwatchers.com signing up again. I know it's a solid program - but it doesn't work for me!! I have to accept that and move on. I need to cut my sugars and move my butt more. That's my tried and true method. Again, this weight loss/health gain thing needs to be an exercise in selfishness. What works for me? How about we do that and stick to it.

5. Stop Paying Fat Tax
Times are tough, and it's time to stop paying fat tax. Unused gym memberships, expired Groupons, stale Weight Watchers usernames...it all adds up. Just because you buy a weight-loss tool, doesn't make you any thinner. You have to invest TIME and EFFORT! If I lost 10 lbs for every video, membership or book I've bought, I'd look like Anne Hathaway in Les Mis. Maybe I'll start by taking that kettle bell out of the box...

6. Move It, Shake It, Run It, Burn It Off!
There's no better way to slim down than exercise. I know the diet piece is a must too. But the two go together. One can work without the other, but together...wow. It's like chocolate and peanut butter, Us Weekly and the Kardashians, Clooney and Pitt. I need to just move. I need to let go of the "I need to do this one thing everyday" and trade it in for "I need to do ANYTHING everyday." Whether its walking the dog, doing a video, or baby-weighted lunges around the house...my butt needs to move in order to shrink.

So these are the first of my self-imposed rules. I hope they help you. I really hope they help me too. Any rules of your own? Leave them in the comments!

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