Diet Loss Plan in my Bullet Journal II

I have a confession to make: I haven't exercised for over a month and I've been binge eating constantly for the past two months. Naughty-naughty! I can definitely see the kilos piling up, and I felt AWFUL the other day when I tried my favourite pair of jeans on and realised that it felt quite very tight at the waist (and other places I don't want to think about!)!

For some weird reason for the past two months or so, I've been trying to go on a diet and have been failing miserably!!! I start my day pretty good and when the afternoon comes I have these cravings for sweet things that I just give in to and then, since I've already spoiled the diet, I continue eating! And the same continues the next day!

But, I've had enough! Since the summer time is approaching really quickly here in Cyprus, and at one point I will have to wear my bikini (only the thought of that now gives me shivers!!) I knew I had to do something to take control of my eating habits and my workout schedule.

So, I opened up my Bullet Journal and started creating a diet plan for the next 8 weeks that will help me get back on track and lose all the extra kilos I've put on in time for the summer.

The first thing I did was to create a page where I track my progress. I find that seeing the results makes me try even harder, so it was really important for me to create this type of spread. Here I track my measurements in a table I created for the next 8 weeks. I also created a graph to track my weight loss progress. I can't wait to see the line go down!

On the next page, I created a general and simple Diet Plan. I want everything to be easy and simple so that I don't get discouraged with measuring quantities or complicated food. So, I have the general principles I've set for myself, and the foods I should stay away from in order to stick to the plan. I also created a list for each one of the meal categories, so that I can refer to this page each time I am meal planning or want to eat something and I need some ideas. There is not a big variety and that is on purpose. I want to give myself enough options so that I don't get bored of the same foods, but limit them so that my actions become automatic.

Lastly, I know that in order to succeed I have to get back to my workout plan. I want to start exercising 5 times per week (Monday to Friday) and I know I can do that if I put my mind to it. So, I created a very specific workout plan for the next 8 weeks in order to know exactly what I have to do each day. I might add some weights or other exercises as I go along, but this is the basic plan that I should follow.

I've also created some weight loss stickers to add to my bullet journal when I keep track of things or plan my week.

I also thought that it would help to talk about it online, in order to make myself accountable and give me that extra push that I might need. 😉 So, I'm starting on the 17th of April and I'll be finishing on the 12th of June.

How do you keep yourself motivated when you are on a diet? What spreads do you create in your bullet journal to help you along your journey?

** I'm not a dietician and this diet plan and workout schedule is created for my personal needs. You should consult your doctor before you start any type of diet plan.

Weight Loss Plan with my Bullet Journal

Summer is quickly approaching us... Who am I kidding? In Cyprus it's already here! That means that bikini time is nigh and I'd better come up with a plan that will help me lose some extra kilos that piled up during the winter, tone up, feel confident and look healthy by the time I have to make my appearance at the beach! Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have less than 2 months to do all the above :)

No need to panic. Just take some deep breaths and open your bullet journal!

At least that's the way I've chosen to set myself a plan for success. So, this is how I used my bullet journal to create my diet and weight loss plan and to help myself focus.

First I created a page in my bullet journal with the wall of fame (or shame... it depends on how well I do with this plan...). In this chart I record my weight after I weigh myself every Monday morning. I've set myself a target weight (which I noted down in pencil) and the date by which I'd like to reach it (just before my birthday). This way helps me record my progress and see how close I'm getting to my target.

Then I created a diet plan for me to follow. Nothing  too restrictive, but still more organised and focused so that I don't get distracted. I wrote the food I can have under my 'yes' and the food I should avoid under my 'no'. I set a start date and I made sure to inform everyone about it (including you!). That way I'm more accountable and I'll make sure I'll follow the plan.

I separated my days in food categories so that I make life easier for me and I pre-cooked some meals to have ready, for those days that I just don't have time to cook. Basically I want to focus on portion control and eating right.

For anyone that is interested in my diet, I am a pescetarian - that means that I don't eat meat, I eat only fish. I'm also allergic to dairy, so that is out of my diet completely, and I also avoid eating anything containing flour (i.e. bread, pitta bread etc.). I only use chickpea flour or rice flour. So my diet is based on fruit, veg, nuts, pulses and fish.

On the second page I made a list of ideas as to what I can eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as what I can snack on during the day. I keep updating this list with more ideas as I go along. I've also decided to not weigh myself for the first 30 days. I just don't want to get disheartened in the case I don't lose as much as I want to in the first weeks.

The last thing I included in my weight loss plan was my exercise routine. Exercise is a must for me when I try to lose weight, and running is my first choice. I used to run very regularly, almost every day for 5k. However, things happened and I got distracted and lazy, so it's been some time since I've run. I am using the app '5K Runner' and I'm working towards running 5k again! I'm in my 4th week and I love it! I am exercising 3 times a week minimum. On the weeks that I decide to do more, I might do some yoga or dance around using my Nintendo Wii and the 'Just Dance' disc.

If you notice that the dates on the above pages do not match, it's because I started running and recording my weight around the same time, while my proper diet plan I've started following it only recently.

So, that's my plan and fingers crossed it'll work! I'll keep you noted ;) 

How do you get ready for the beach?