So Long, January

The first month of 2010 is drawing to a close, and I couldn't be happier. Its been a really exciting start to the new year (what with school and all), but I'm also looking forward to the things to come. Sweating it out on the elliptical machine earlier this week, I came to a moment of utter clarity where I decided that I am going to lose 25 lbs in the next 2 months. Why and how it happened I'm not quite sure, although this is usually the way I get things done.
I am not a fan of dieting, I have never been on a diet but instead have focused on changing my lifestyle. A firm believer in developing healthy habits, I have made it a purpose in my life to constantly modify, improve, and change my lifestyle to accomodate new needs and goals. A 'diet' only encourages failure, IMHO, because it can't be sustained forever. Instead, I make small changes one at a time, which I add to my everyday life. For instance, recently I have decided that I need to increase my fruit intake, with no thought to calorie counting (also something I'm not a fan of). Thus, I keep my kitchen well stocked with fruit, and if I'm hungry I first decide if I've had enough fruit that day. If I haven't, then a piece of fruit is my snack. This is a small change that I can easily maintain for the rest of my life.
For my weight loss goal, I'm not motivated so much by how I look, but by how much I would like to see my health increase. I can safely lose another 25 lbs without hurting my body (I am, technically, overweight though I would argue that label :), but the weight loss would mean an increase in strength and flexability, less pressure on my joints when I exercise, and a more effective cardiovascular system. With these goals in mind, I have been spending the last three days saying 'no' to desserts, skipping that late-night snack, and being mindful of my portions.
I should mention - with this cutting back of calories I am also cutting back at the gym. Which means that I am only there for 1 1/2 hrs as opposed to 2... :) I know my body am confident that this is the approach that is best.
On an intellectual level, I was really nervous about writing my first exam at college today, but I found it really easy! I even answered an extra question by accident :) I think this means that in the future I need to stress less (NOT study less) and just have more confidence in my abilities.
Have a great weekend! :)