10 lbs

I've never been a proponent of losing weight for events. Then again, I've never been one of those people who wanted to "lose 3 pounds" before prom or something. Recently I've been thinking though, having events as a goal might be more motivating and driving than the elusive "healthy lifestyle" goal.

Here are the facts. It's August 16th and I have a lot of things coming up in the next months that I want to feel better (and look better) for:
- September 19th - work event
- September 21/22 - weddings
- September 27th - work event
- October 7 - half marathon
- November 30th - work event

My plan of action

Goal: lose 10lbs in the next 5 weeks - 10lbs is not a long term goal, but I know it will make me FEEL a whole lot better.

 How:
I'm going back to my basics!
- Keep a food log - A google doc. works best for me, track only food, not calories etc.
- Measure and read labels - Stick to one serving size for whatever I'm eating, measure it out and eat only that amount
- Fill up on whole foods - I tend to do this most of the time anyway but have been slacking a bit as of late
- Prepare, prepare, prepare - The most important aspect of losing weight for me is the preparation -- measure out food beforehand, MAKE LUNCH, meal plan
- Eat more protein - I'd like to get more protein in many of my meals -- cook more quinoa, lentils, beans
- More activity - I'm exercising about 3x per week right now. I need to bump that up to 4 or 5
- Suck it up and go food shopping - Just get on the bus after work and go to Stop n Shop

I plan to check in here once a week, every Thursday, for the next 5 weeks. Wish me luck!