Tuesday, January 15, 2008

New Plans...

So Europe gave me PLENTY of time to think about my life. I also learnt alot about myself. Before we left I felt crazy. I wasn't eating properly at all, I felt so disorganized, like I was barely hanging on in life.

So... here is a new plan, however random it may be.

Food wise: I will really limit junk food. I really don't want to buy chips and crackers and snacky food anymore unless it is healthy. Of course sometimes we will, but for the most part I want to try and eliminate that. I also want to keep our fridge stocked with fresh fruits and veggies, so we can snack on those as well. I also want to try and prepare meals on the weekends that I can freese, like lasagna and shepherds pie. If anyone has any other ideas for that it would be great. That way we can have good meals on weeknights that won't be much work and that is ready before 9! I want to try and have breakfast every morning and pack my lunch the night before, so there is no need to buy it.

Health wise: I want to go to Curves 3 times a week, walk 3 times a week and do Pilates 3 times a week.I know it seems like alot. But Curves is only 1/2 hour, my walks will start at 20 min and my pilates is 20 minutes. This is because Eric and I made a deal. I need to loose weight. That is very obvious. Europe only took off about 5lbs. So the deal is, if I loose 25lbs by july I can spend 100 on a dress, 35 I can spend 150 and 50 I can spend 200. It seems like a big goal but it is doable. The 25 lbs is about 1 lb per week, which is the reccomended loss per week. But I know it is possible to do more than that per week. We will see. I really want to do it this time. I have tried so many things. I always give up halfway and say I will do it later. But now I need to do it. this is silly already! If you have any tips or anything that would be great. I really don't want to do on a diet because I know I cant stick to them. I just want to eat healthier.

Money wise: Last night me and Eric made a budget. It was long overdue. We have tried to before and never stuck to it. This time we put more thought and work into, and we have to do it. A wise person once taught us about budgeting, and how well it worked/works for him and his family. But we always gave up because the budget didn't work out in the first month. Then he also said that it takes about 3 months to get on budget. So by April we should be on track! Thanks Mark!

Friend wise: I need to spend more time with friends. I need more friends than just Eric, especially girl friends. So this year I want to MAKE time for my friends, not just hope I have time for them!

Yay! I am excited about our new plan! I really hope we can be diligent and not give up this time! I feel more organized that I ever have before! Here's to a new start! Thanks Europe!

6 comments:

Mark said...

Hey Lindsey, welcome back! Hope you get over your sickness quickly and work through the transition back into normal life. Sounds like you are making some big life change plans, good for you! I wish you all the best in these things and think that it is great that you starting these changes right away after getting back. The less time you engage in old habits in your old environment the better your chances of making permanent change. I encourage you not to get discouraged if it takes you some time to get into a new rhythm (or if you have a few slips) as it usually takes at least 45 days to establish any new habit.

As for the budgeting thing - cool! Again, don't be discouraged if you find that you are overspending at first. Keep on tracking everything! Seeing long term spending will help you to tweak things and to see the big picture. Jobina and I often go over budget some months (but under others).

I'm sure you guys have tons of pictures and sometime we'd love to see them (maybe you can recommend a good place to go for a 10th anniversary trip?). Glad to have you back!

Anonymous said...

I knew the budgeting talk had to of come from Mark. :)

I lost a bunch of weight a few years ago (sadly I've put it all back on), and something I found key was not eating after 8:00 at night. That way you're burning off what you eat before bed instead of having it sit.

As to spending time with friends, maybe we should do a game night soon? (just not this week, no way do we have time!)

Jay

. said...

lindsey! way to go with your plans! my encouragement is to not beat yourself up if you 'slip' and thus end up quitting altogether. slipping happens, but don't let it turn into quitting!

what a good time to start fresh! hmmm... i ahve 7.5 months left to think of what i will do differently when i get back to canada... ok, ok... maybe i will start before then! heehee!

missing you on this continent!
dayna

Jobina said...

Of course, I see "freezer meal ideas" and my little eyes light up! This is a passion of mine! I'll facebook message you a bunch! Good luck with your goals, it's good to have you back!

Lyss said...

Way to go Lindsey! If only I were half as motivated as you! Can't wait to hear about your progress!

Anonymous said...

Lindz,
According to my doctor you should eat fibre in the morning like fibre one cereal (it's actually not bad) and have little snack throughout the day like half an apple and lunch soup with lentils is good for you... and he said not to eat or snack after supper..and exercise at least walking 30 min a day will help!!! You got any pointers send them this way!!! I would like to be in tip top shape for next year!

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