My BHAG – 142 by 42

With this being the start of my 40th year around the sun, I finally am focusing on my health. Browsing through the Facebook memories reminds me of the ups and downs of my weight over the years. Super skinny stature (almost too much) in high school led to complacency. As a sophomore in college I wore my size 3 prom dress to a frat party so I still felt fine.

A few years later, when I studied abroad in Germany and London, I believe my size ballooned to somewhere in the 10 range. Then, at my first “real” job, my slacks read 14. Before growing my first two little babies I gained and lost here and there. With my first pregnancy I put on around 70 lbs. Yikes! My daughter was only six months old when I found out I was having another lil one. But believe it or not, after my son was born I managed to get back to a still large but comfortable 150-160lb range. At that weight I exuded more confidence, yes, because I liked my reflection in the mirror. Outward appearance should certainly not fully define a person’s self-worth. However, I really miss those feelings from when I was lighter.

Fast forward a handful of years… several factors came together to drive me to a previously inconceivable number – 200lbs. At that point I began to give up and have now found myself facing the terribly embarrassing 240 on the scale. I can’t believe I am even admitting this to not only myself but also anyone who might read this.

My longing to experience again that physically-induced comfort of years ago finally spurred me to create this BHAG. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the acronym, BHAG means Big Hairy Audacious Goal. At one of my past jobs I was introduced to this concept and draw from this idea my 142(lbs) by (age) 42. Even if I land in the area but not that exact number, wow, will I be proud. So I cannot just throw an idea out into the universe and expect to just have it happen. Nope. I drew up a plan.

• Cook at home at least 5 dinners and 5 lunches a week.
• Control portions using my color coded containers (e.g. green for veggies, yellow for starches, red for proteins)
• Track what I eat and read the articles in Noom (since it already renewed I should at least use it for real this time)
• Drink one 32oz bottle of water a day
• Work out on my new elliptical for *at least* 30 min a day

Gotta start somewhere! For my own posterity, I will update a separate “142 by 42” page with statistics on how I’m tracking with the above goals. I’ll share highlights through posts here on the main blog. Would love to have people rooting for me along the way, and if anyone wants to join me as accountability buddy let me know!