# By The Numbers #

I’m a financial planner.  I can’t help but be fascinated by numbers and how they work.  This is particularly strange because my report cards from grade school and high school show a distinct lack of interest in math.  It’s only as an adult that numbers became my friend instead of my foe as I developed an appreciation for what they can mean in improving our lives. 

On my journey to less, I’ve researched the numbers.  This road map will help me track where I am and how I might adjust to achieve my goal. 

Days Ago I Started My Journey                              44

Starting Weight in Pounds                                    174

Weight Today in Pounds                                        166

Weight Loss To Date in Pounds                               8

Days To Reach Weight Loss Goal                        114

Weeks to Reach Weight Loss Goal                           16

Ideal Additional Pounds To Lose by June 4            16

“Suggested” Daily Calorie Intake for Me             1,800

Daily Calorie Deficit Needed to Lose 1 Pound       500

Weekly Calorie Deficit to Lose 1 Pound            3,500

Cumulative Calorie Deficit to Goal                     56,000

!!?  SERIOUSLY ?!!!   56,000??!!

If I only look at the 56,000 number, it seems impossible.  However, every mountain climber will tell you the only way to reach the top of the mountain is one step at a time.  I experienced that a few years ago when my daughter and I climbed Croagh Patrick in Ireland.  That climb required a slow and steady pace, good footware, hiking sticks, determination, motivation and patience. And, it helped to look back once in a while to see how far we had come.

Roberta (my daughter) and I at the foot of Croagh Patrick ready to head up that rocky “path”

So, what are my steps to reach my weight loss goal? 

Slow and steady pace – I know there will be good days and bad days and everywhere in between.  I’ve been averaging about one pound per week and based on all of my research, that’s a sustainable, healthy pace.  Like the Croagh Patrick climb, I know there will be slippage when you take a step forward only to slide back one or two.  (By the way, there’s no real trail at the top of Croagh Patrick.  It’s mostly a vast pile of loose shale that can be quite treacherous.  Totally worth it, though!) 

Good footware and hiking sticks – My protective equipment is an eating plan that includes eating the rainbow, watching my portions, hydrating and getting plenty of protein.

Determination, motivation and patience – By asking your support in holding me accountable I am determined to reach my goal.  My motivation is better health and less soreness in my joints.  Patience .. that’s the tough one for me.  This is a long journey and I know that in order to maintain my health now and in the future, much as I hate it, I have to be patient. 

28,000 down and 56,000 to go (calorie deficit, that is!)

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