Back in 2022, I had a long conversation with my Uncle about counting calories and losing weight.  I learned so much from him that day, but first, let me give some back story. 

When I was a kid, going to my grandparent’s house in the summers, my Uncle still lived at home.  I remember always being a so intrigued by his hobbies and what he was doing, but I’m sure I was really a pest to him.  He lifted weights, and always counted calories and kept track of them on his computer.  He could gain weight if he was wanting to do weight training, and he could lose weight if he wanted to. 

Jump forward to my conversation I had with him, I learned he is still counting calories and lifting weights. Only he uses an app now to keep track of his calories.  So I decided to be a sponge and soak up his knowledge. (In my opinion, since I was a little girl, he has always been the smartest person I know).  I asked probably way too many questions on what I need to do to lose weight, how many calories should I consume, how much weight should you lose over a certain period of time in order for it to be better for you, and so many more.  (I probably drove him crazy, but I love talking to him—he knows about a lot of things). 

We discussed how many calories to start with.  He said that if I don’t lose weight eating that many calories, I am not burning more calories than I am consuming.  So drop down in calories, workout and lift weights, and see if I start losing any weight.  If I do, then that is the right amount of calories to consume with the amount of calories I am burning.  If I don’t lose again, start the process over again until I find that sweet spot of consuming calories vs. burning calories. 

He suggested using the My Fitness Pal app.  So I set it up yesterday, so I am ready to go on Monday. Day 1 is today, Thursday, February 17, 2025.  I want to set a goal to lose 30-40 pounds over 1 year.  If I lose more, that is great.  But he said a healthy weight loss rate is one pound per week.  As someone who is really wanting to achieve this, I am starting off setting the bar lower than I actually want, in hopes I will be more likely to achieve it.  (I actually want to set the bar at 50 pounds in 1 year, but I have to be realistic). 

For exercise, I am going to walk on the treadmill daily for 30 minutes a day; then weights on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and MWH on all other days not lifting weights(so Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays).  I also have an Apple Watch so I will be tracking my steps as well—with a daily goal of 10,000 steps. 

I will try to update you on my progress either here on the blog, or on my Substack or Instagram. If you want to join with me, comment below and let me know, share your handle, this can be a great way to encourage one another.





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