Are you a bigger loser than Marko? Week 1 Recap

Well, Week 1 is in the books and I'm happy to report that it was a great week! I lost 11 pounds! My current weight is now 240.

I've been counting calories, drinking more water, and exercising. (I'd say exercising more, but then I hadn't been exercising any.) Randa is joining with me in the calorie counting and she lost 5 pounds! I made a few startling realizations (which, in retrospect shouldn't have been all that surprising) in the first week. First, I was eating way too many calories. I would say that at times, I was probably consuming at least twice the calories I should have been consuming. Second, I need to exercise. I've felt good after my walks, especially the ones where I have pulled the girls in their wagon. I'm looking forward to seeing how I will feel once I start running again (once I lose some more weight - too much pounding on my joints right now). Third, I'm not feeling as hungry as I thought I would. Sure, I am feeling hungry some, but the problem I have dealt with more is wanting foods that are unhealthy and filled with calories. Participating in this contest and receiving so much encouragement from Randa have made staying on track a whole lot easier. Here's to a great Week 2!

Week 2 will be harder for several reasons. First, I am certain that I won't lose as much weight the second week and I have to prepare myself for that. Second, Valentine's Day falls during this week. Randa and I are going to order in and have a nice romantic dinner at home. We're going to relax the rules a bit for this meal. Third, I'm going on a youth retreat this weekend. Staying on track away from home is harder, but it can be done. I'll be happy with whatever amount I can lose in Week 2. I'm hoping for at least 3 pounds.

TRACKER: Starting weight 251, current weight 240, contest goal 215, ultimate goal 185