No shrinking violet. But a shrinking beauty? Maybe.

So, I’ve been working on this dieting thing. But I haven’t seemed to get anywhere much. I mean, sure, I’ve lost a few pounds, but nothing to write home about. You know, it’s pretty difficult. Putting weight on is so easy, but taking it off is really hard. It’s like what I’ve heard about habits: it takes, like, 20 times to learn a behavior, but something like 500 times to UN-learn it. (Or at least those are the stats I give my students when they ask me how much they should practice.)

So, I’ve found a new idea to help me. It’s called The Shrinking Beauty 30 Day Challenge. I found while browsing the internet last night, and it seems like exactly what I need: a plan; a challenge, a competition, even, albeit with myself. The rules are pretty simple.

1. No scale
2. No binge eating
3. No fast food
4. No eating after 8 pm
5. Answer daily journal questions found at shrinkingbeauty101.tumblr.com

That’s it’s. No big deal, right? Each rule seems pretty easy by itself. The combination? Could be tough. It will be hard for me to not step on the scale. I kind of do it compulsively, but I’ve covered the display so I’ll be less tempted. And I’m extending the 8 pm food cutoff to 9 pm, because I sometimes work kind of late. And let’s face it: I’m a girl who loves to binge, not to mention a stress-eater. Pack of cookies? Gone in 10 minutes. Ice cream? 5 minutes. Bag of chips? Doesn’t even make it all the way home. But I’m going to try my darndest to get keep up with this.

Now, before you get started, the plan instructs you to do a few things.

1. Weigh yourself and take your picture. (This picture will later serve as your “before” picture.)
2. Keep a food journal and write down everything you eat.

      And you’re supposed to answer a few questions, so here goes.

1.       Decide how many calories you will be consuming every day.
   o   I consulted a nutrition app to see how many calories I’m supposed to have per
        day. Then I settled on a number slightly lower, just for good measure. 
2.       Decide what kind of exercise you will be getting and how often.
   o   I’ve already been participating in nhs.uk’s Couch to 5K training program. 3 days a
         week, I walk/jog with the intention of being ready for a 5K in 9 weeks. In addition
         to this, I’m going to add in exercises from Be Healthy Be Happy’s Four-Level
         exercise plan. I’ll add two of those per week.
3.       Make a list of the reasons why you want to lose weight. (This one was tough. Not that it was tough to come up with the list, just that the list brought up some kind of emotional things.)
   o   To be healthier         
   o   To be more attractive         
   o   To impress my friends at weddings/reunions         
   o   So people won’t ask me if I’m pregnant         
   o   So Wes will think I’m sexier         
   o   To be ready for engagement photos and, eventually, look good in my wedding dress         
   o   To set a good example for my future children         
   o   To be desirable to casting directors         
   o   So my tattoo won’t be too gross when I get old
   o   To look better onstage

      So, there we go. I also weighed this morning. Pardon me if I don’t share that exact number. But I will provide this link to my “before” photos. I ask that nobody judge me, should you choose to look at them. They are not meant to be sexual in any way, but they are of me in my underwear in order to show all the aspects of my body that I don’t like. I feel rather bold about it. Also, stay tuned to this blog. I’ll answer my journal questions on here.

     Wish me luck!