Fit Mama Week 4.5

I’m posting late as usual…but by now, I suppose that you have come to expect my tardiness!

My goals for the past week were to:

Goal 1: Try keeping food record/steps record by email.

My progress: Hmmm…I’m REALLY struggling with the self-monitoring component of this “program.” I KNOW it’s important, but I’m finding it really hard to remember to print out a copy of the food record each week; remember to bring it with me everywhere, every day; AND remember to record all my food, beverages, and physical activities. I tried to send myself records by email, but this lasted for two whole days. I think I will have to keep problem solving to figure out the best mechanism for self-monitoring…

Goal 2. Increase my average steps per day to 8,000.

My progress: I’m also continuing to struggle with my bleeping pedometer. What is it with these gadgets? I’ve tried two different models now, and both seemed very unreliable and they reset too easily (when I bend over, or pick up my children). One of my co-workers suggested the model she uses…the reset button is covered…what a concept! I will look into purchasing yet another pedometer. In the meantime, I HAVE been moving more. I’m walking with a colleague at work 15-20 minutes per day, parking farther away from my office, and taking my kids out for stroller walks more. I also tried a couple of fitness DVDs at home on my days off, and have started doing a few sit-ups and push-ups each day. My daughter was totally into doing these exercises with me, so I felt like a pretty good role model for her. Yea!!!

Goal 3. Review my list of motivations daily.

My progress: Yep. Still doing this.

Goal 4. Buy a water pitcher (with filter?) to keep at my desk to encourage drinking more water at work.

My progress: I bought a 5-serving water pitcher with filter to keep at my desk. I fill it up at the beginning of my work day and drink at least 5 servings of water throughout my work day. This simple change has made an amazing difference for me. I feel better hydrated, less hungry, and less likely to drink copious amounts of coffee (with cream and sugar) all day.

Overall, my progress was hit and miss over the past week. As for my weight (drum roll please…), I lost one more pound (4 down, 10 to go). Not too shabby!

My goals for next week:

1. Keep working on self-monitoring of food, beverages, and physical activity.

2. Purchase new pedometer and record steps per day. Aim for 8,500 steps per day.

3. Review list of motivations daily.

4. Drink 6-8 servings of water per day (including at least 5 servings at work on work days). Limit high-calorie beverages including sodas (not a big issue for me), fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages. Try drinking sparkling water, coffee, and tea (without a lot of cream and sugar) instead.

I will keep you posted! How are you doing? Please feel free to post your comments below.

Best,

Michelle

P.S. Here’s your fitness resource of the week:

The Exercise Counts interactive tool from the American Cancer Society — Calculate how many calories your activity will burn. Did you know you can burn about 300 calories per hour mowing your lawn? I may just have to take this chore away from my husband.