It took me year to gain the expat fat and it may take me a year to lose it. I’m not following a specific program but  trying to make incremental changes in eating habits and life style to lose this weight. No surprise then that without a dramatic approach, I’m not getting dramatic results. Depending on the day of the morning weigh-in, I’ve lost up to five pounds. I have at least 10 pounds to go.

I’ve ratcheted up the exercise program, walking about four times a week for 60 minutes, sometimes twice a day. I continue to use the FOUR flights of stairs in my house to supplement my formal exercise. I’ve been doing some stretching, if not full blown yoga, about three times a week. I pulled a strength training exercise poster out of an issue of More magazine (the magazine for Grrrls over 40), and my next step is to put it up in the TV room and JUST DO IT.

As for eating, I’m trying to limit portions and eat smarter. Some days I do that well, other days I don’t. However, I think the balance tips towards more good days than bad days so I tell myself that even when the scale doesn’t register changes, I am eating healthier overall.

Remember the “diet” cookbooks I bought when I started? Haven’t used them at all. Shame on me! I’m like an old dog trying to learn new tricks. Recipes and meal planning fall into that category. I’ll get there eventually. One change at a time.

I did pull out my summer clothes and try them on, knowing full well the pants wouldn’t fit. I figured seeing my clothes and visualizing myself wearing them again would inspire me to do the right thing and make good choices day in and day out. Really, I’m sick of dressing like a college student, pulling up the same pair of jeans or sweatpants day in and day out.

Final thought this week: I resolve not to eat anything standing up. Seriously.

I often grab a handful of this or that while standing in the kitchen. All those calories add up and I’m not even fully aware of what I’m eating and why. I need to make myself SIT DOWN and pay attention every time I put something in my mouth. One of my goals is to eat only when I’m hungry—no exceptions!

How are the rest of you doing? Progress? Pointers? True confessions?

May 2, 2007