Slimmer this Summer Challenge

Oh boy. Here we go- I've given it quite a bit of thought and have decided to join the Slimmer this Summer Weight Loss Challenge.  Recipes? Check. Exercise? Check. Journal? Check. Motivation? Check. Fingers crossed? Check.

My goals for the next 12 weeks are:

• lose some pounds---I decided on 30 pounds based on checking out several sites for a good, safe number-and, maybe a bit optimistic.
• drink water--I plan on drinking 4-5 16.9 oz bottles of spring water daily. This is an increase for me as I only make myself drink 3 bottles now and then, I switch to green tea. 
• exercising--I walk two miles everyday with Tucker but am going to start adding another mile soon and some running.  By the end of the 12 weeks, I hope to be running one of those miles and walking 2. I also plan to add some bicycle miles in there as well.
• keep a weight loss journal--my journal is ready to go and I will track water intake, exercise, calories consumed, measurements and weight.
• record my calorie intake and lower it--I plan on sticking with the suggested 1200-1400 calories/day...less than 10,000/week. 
• no more night time eating--that's right. I'm going to stay out of the kitchen after 8:00 pm. Every night. I mean it. Would it be weird for me to go to bed at 7:59 pm?

Some of you may remember that I have been down this road before. I'm going down it again in hopes of sticking to it this time. I still feel motivated but, I've been known to become unmotivated quickly (I'm a sucker for cake. And pie. And candy. Oh, and nuts. Ice cream. Cookies.) My hope is that I will not lose my motivation this time due to being in a challenge with others in the same boat. For support, certainly but also not wanting to let them down.

I hope to focus on writing and those home projects I've been putting off for no good reason and keep my focus OFF OF FOOD.

We are to post weekly about our progress, helpful hints, ideas, encouragement, etc. You will see these posts on Mondays but what you will not see are the numbers. I do not share my numbers with anyone. EVER (there is a story as to why that I might share...one day). I will, however, be completely honest on whether the numbers went up, down or stayed the same each week.

Just click on the button at the top of this post if you want to check out Debbie's site and the challenge.  She also has a recipe blog that has some of the most amazing looking recipes!  I already have this week's menu plan based on her recipes!  

And that's it! Now, IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!