Chapter 1: Introduction to My Fitness Challenge

Welcome to day 2 of my 52 Days to Fitness Challenge, where frustration seems to be my constant companion.

Can I Really Shed 10 Pounds in 52 Days?

It's definitely worth attempting.

To summarize my goal, I aim to lose 10 pounds by August 17th, 2023, which is approximately 52 days from yesterday. I plan to double-check the dates later. This endeavor is in preparation for an upcoming trip to Japan, where I believe losing some weight will make the long flight more comfortable. Additionally, I expect the trip to be physically demanding, and I want to ensure I feel strong and agile. Although I have heard mixed reviews about space constraints from friends who have traveled to Japan, I'm still a bit apprehensive.

Initially, I intended to focus on exercise without stressing too much about my diet. However, I’m beginning to realize that this approach may not be the best strategy (yes, I hear you saying "I told you so").

The Day 2 Report: Weigh-In

Yesterday morning, my weight was ABC.D pounds. (No, I’m not sharing my weight just yet. Maybe one day.) Today, however, I experienced a — drumroll, please — gain of one whole pound. Yep, you read that correctly. Gained.

What Went Right

I managed to keep active yesterday. Here’s a summary of my activities:

• 50 minutes of running/walking on the treadmill, burning approximately 350 calories.
• 45 minutes of walking my dog, which I estimate burned around 150 calories (it was quite warm, and we took our time).
• 20 modified push-ups.
• A 50-second plank.
• Some stretching, although not enough.

Total calorie expenditure: 500 calories.

What Didn't Go So Well

Well, I did eat food...

I didn’t track my meals because, frankly, I don’t usually do that. Here’s what I remember: a bacon sandwich and an apple for breakfast, a handful of nuts, and just a few chocolate-covered blueberries. Risotto was my dinner choice, along with various snacks and plenty of water. I did manage to avoid the slice of blueberry pie that's been tempting me since Sunday evening. Why doesn't resisting dessert count as exercise? I feel like I should earn some calorie credits for not indulging!

Lessons Learned

Ultimately, I realize I can be quite impatient. If I put in the effort, I expect immediate results. However, I understand this journey will take time. This small setback has taught me several important lessons going forward, such as:

• My dietary choices will play a more significant role than I initially thought.
• I probably shouldn't weigh myself daily (and I won’t going forward).
• The process of losing weight isn’t enjoyable, and I’m not a fan of it.

As I've mentioned previously, not much is at stake here. If I don't achieve my goal of losing 10 pounds, that’s alright; even a slight loss is better than nothing.

Embracing Self-Love

I want to reiterate that I’m not into body shaming — either for myself or others. I don’t aspire to look like anyone else, including celebrities. I appreciate my body just the way it is, and I know that a few others do too. Ultimately, it's my body, and if I wish to shed 10 pounds, that’s a personal choice.

Thank you for following along. Stay tuned for my next update on Friday, June 30th.

Chapter 2: How Quitting Alcohol Transformed My Relationship with Food

This change wasn’t what I expected, but it was precisely the change I needed.

Real Talk: People Hated Me For Losing Weight

Sometimes, people can be harsh when they see you trying to improve yourself. This video discusses the social dynamics around weight loss and self-improvement.

What to Do If You HATE Counting Calories

If counting calories feels overwhelming, this video shares strategies to maintain your health goals without the stress of meticulous tracking.