My new toy!

So nearly 3 weeks ago, I ordered myself this...
 It is a Women's Polar Heart Rate Monitor Watch. The biggest thing that has helped me lose the weight that I am shedding, is by keeping track of all that I take in and all that I am burning out.  I keep track of all of this on a daily journal on www.livestrong.com
I even have an app on my Blackberry that allows me to search and track foods even if I am not around my computer.  I pretty much know the calorie count of the foods that I plan on eating before I even have to track, this helps big time.  I try and choose restaurants that I can look up the nutritional values online before I even go there.  My favorites so far are Qdoba and Chipotle.  Qdoba even has a menu/nutritional calculator.  You can build y our burrito or whatever you choose to have, and see exactly what you are consuming as far as calories, fat, cholesterol, protein, fiber etc...it's like having your own personal food label on your burrito.  Not to mention, the Qdoba here in Bloomington has been stamping the receipts Buy one entree, Get one for $.99!  That is a great deal.  My parents and brother and I have been taking turns getting dinner/lunch on some days because of this deal.  Also, a little trick..if you get your burrito or taco salad "naked" without the shell..you save 330 calories right off the bat!

There have been no tricks or easy fixes for my weightloss.  No pills, or drinks or cleanses.  Just simply, cut down on calories and exercise.  My short term goal is 3-4 more pounds by Valentines day.  That would be 20lbs total in 3 months.  My goal after that is another 10lbs by Easter.  then another 10lbs by Memorial Day.  Taking it little by little, bit by bit, is really making this 50lbs a realistic goal!

Look at what I burned at Zumba last night!

Starting weight:  11/13/2010:  250lbs
Current weight:  1/26/2011:    233lbs
17lbs lost!
Next goal:  230lbs by Valentines Day!