#50lbsByDec July update

Well I’m a little more than one month in to my #50lbsByDec challenge.

I officially started the challenge June 24 and as of today, Aug. 1, I’m down 13.4 lbs.

My big changes have been doing DDP Yoga 2-3 times a week along with counting calories again via MyFitnessPal — which essentially comes down to being aware of what I’m eating.

I find it’s super easy to mindlessly open the pantry and grab a handful of the first thing you see (which is typically some sort of chip or cracker in our house). Before you know it you’ve eaten two or three handfuls – or 3 or 4 servings at 120+ calories a pop.

But the more mindful I am at tracking my intake (especially before I actually eat it) the more likely I am to reduce the crap.

The more I focus on eating the good stuff – veggies, complex carbs, low-fat meat (if any) – the less desirable the crap food becomes.

I’m working towards eating even less meat when possible, eliminating simple carbs and cutting back on dairy as well (I’ve found Silk soy milk to be an awesome substitute).

I’m trying not be legalistic about it – but remain flexible when needed and more importantly – more aware of what I’m eating.

It’s a work in progress, but it’s definitely doable.

Here are a few photos showing my progress so far:

Chicken Littles

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Cooking up Chicken Littles tonight – a family favorite… Well for Laurie and I.

We’re seeing if the boys like this as much as we do and/or as much as ChickFila.

And no… These probably aren’t too #50byDec friendly…

What’s for dinner?

Our discussions usually start with me saying “Sushi,” “Grilled veggies” or “Asian.”

What about yours?

New goal… Lets do this…

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Last month I decided to start a mini-year resolution – no more (flavored) sodas for the rest of the year.

So far so good. Only tea, water, coffee and carbonated water for me… And maybe an occasional fruit drink.

Today I decided I’m upping the resolution. 50 pound weight loss by Dec 31.

Sounds daunting but when you break it down I’m gonna be upset if I don’t hit the goal.

8 lbs a month – 2 lbs a week – now till Dec 31?

We got this.

Tim’s Place

Tim’s Place – a place for breakfast, lunch and hugs.

I DARE you to watch this and not be inspired:

“The hugs are way more important than the food.”