Update: August 2008 Goals

1. Drink 80 ounces of water each day. This really helps me cut back on diet soda, and water’s really good for you overall. I have been able to drink 80 ounces all week, so I think I can keep it up!
   • I have been doing this without a problem during the week! On the weekend I am not keeping track, but for the most part I drink my 80 ounces on Saturday and Sunday as well.
2. Exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes six times a week. I know it’s not a large number, but it should be obtainable.
   • I am definitely doing this and it's great! I feel much better about myself and I already have more energy.
3. Within the 20 minutes of exercise, I would like to target my arms and legs, as well as a total body strength workout for three of the six days. I think doing more than just cardio will help keep it interesting.
   • I have been pretty good about my arms and legs; tomorrow I will do my first total body workout. I have also been good about getting in my cardio.
4. Walk the dogs each day. This is in addition to the 20 minutes of exercise (#2). Ideally I would like to walk them in the morning once or twice a week with my husband, but unfortunately I am not much of a morning person. So I will walk them right after work, before starting dinner.
   • Yesterday I worked out after work and then was beat (I worked HARD) so I did not walk them. Other than that, though, I think I have walked them every day. This morning we went on a nice long (45-60 minute) walk together!
5. Take the stairs at work. I work on the 6th floor and almost always take the elevator. In fact, I think it’s been a few months since I have taken the stairs. By the end of August I would like to take them 100% of the time.
   • Last week I only took the stairs. This week I have taken the stairs most of the time. I need to get back on track with this.
6. Eat small, nutritious meals consisting throughout the day instead of one or two large once. This will help with portion control and satisfaction.
   • I really like eating the smaller meals throughout the day, although occasionally I forget. It's going pretty well, though.
7. No fast food. I guess I don’t eat much now (maybe once or twice a month) so this shouldn't be a huge deal.
   • No problem here.
8. Less going out to eat. When I do go out, I will choose a place where I am familiar with the menu so that I can make a wise choice that I will enjoy.
   • We've gone out a few times, and I was able to make wise decisions for the most part.
9. Bring lunch and fruit to work everyday. This will help minimize unhealthy snacking or eating the random food that people bring in.
   • I went out with Erinn yesterday and got a yummy salad. Other than that I haven't eaten out at lunch in several weeks - it's a little intense!
10. Limited ice cream consumption, where limited equals less than once a week. This is a necessity.
    • Somehow I have controlled my ice cream addiction! I had ice cream on Saturday, and that's it! And it was a planned consumption. ;)
11. Eat a minimum of two different vegetables a day.
    • I think this could use a little more work.
12. Eat a minimum of two different fruits a day. Right now I love plums – so delicious! And apple season starts in about a month – I can’t wait to go picking.
    • Right now I am only eating one fruit a day, and so I need to kick this up a notch.
13. Plan out meals each week. This should help with eating healthy as well as time management. I am sure I waste time making an extra trip to the store because I am missing one ingredient, etc. It will also help with not going out to eat as much.
    • I haven't done this yet. Maybe this weekend...

Overall I am doing pretty good at staying on track. Let's hope that I can maintain it. Right now I am enjoying feeling (somewhat) healthy, so I should be able to stick with it.