The Christmas and New Year “cheer” I ate and drank is starting to make a home on my hips (where I generally put weight on first).

I can’t cross my legs comfortably and my bra is squeezing like a boa constrictor.  Not only are my clothes a little snug, but I’m feeling unmotivated and yucky about my growing pudge.  If I don’t get a handle on this, it’ll start to affect my bedroom motivation.  I need to do something quick or I’ll be buying bigger pants by President’s Day.

Some of you are probably in the same boat.

Metabolic Math….please stick with me through this.

A 150 pound woman burns about 1500 calories per day just to live.  This is the energy it takes your body to pump your heart, inflate/deflate your lungs, allow your liver and kidneys to do their filtering, allow your bladder to do its bladdering, and your brain to think.

If a 150 pound woman consumes 1500 calories a day she will not gain weight.  She will not lose weight, either.

It’s important to know that one pound has 3500 calories.  To lose one pound, 3500 calories have to be cut from a woman’s intake (or burned off through exercise).

If she decides to cut her caloric intake to 1270 per day, she will save 230 calories per day (1500-1270 = 230).   It will take her approximately 15 days to lose one pound (3500 calories in a pound / 230 calories per day = 15.2 days).

To see weight loss the quickest, she should add exercise to the daily calorie reduction.

A moderately heavy one-hour workout, which includes 30 minutes of cardio and light weights, burns about 600 calories.  A half hour walk burns 135 calories (see Harvard Health for a list of leisure activities and calories burned).

Let’s say our friend chooses to walk for 30 minutes at a brisk pace and carry 3 pound weights in her hands while she walks.  She will burn about 225 calories.

Let’s add this to the calories she’s already saving, 225 + 230 = 455 calories per day.  So, it will take her about 8 days to lose a pound.  That’s nearly a 4 pound loss in one month (3500 calories in a pound/455 calories per day = 7.7 days).

If these numbers seem scary, they aren’t meant to.  You have more power when you are armed with knowledge.  Numbers take the mystery out of weight loss.

A healthy weight is not a skinny weight.  

Everyone’s frame is different.  Everyone holds weight differently. Your optimum weight is different from other women your height.

You know those charts that give you a weight range based on your height and frame?  The weight I can maintain and feel the best is actually in the obese category on this chart.  To be completely candid, I am 5’3” and my personal ideal weight is 143, but I usually reside around 146.  (Right now, I have no clue what I weigh.  I haven’t been on a scales since Thanksgiving.  I have to find some bravery soon and get on the scales.)

To some, that sounds extremely thin.  To others, it sounds on the big side.  However, it’s just right for me.  Those charts are just guidelines.  Ultimately, you have to decide what weight you can maintain without feeling too deprived and still feel good.

My definition of feeling good includes no achy knees and hips, having blood pressure in the normal range and having normal levels of blood sugar.

It’s just a number?  What about how food comforts me?

If losing weight is all about math, why are so many emotions involved?  Because, food has meant comfort ever since mama gave me that first cookie to calm my crying.

The idea of a lifestyle change (which, let’s just be honest, is code for diet) is frightening.  Do I have the emotional strength to learn new coping skills that doesn’t include food?

You know why I mustered up the courage to tell you my weight?  To prove that my weight is just a number.  It defines me just about as much as my 48 years defines me.  No one is going to answer, ‘What’s Bonny like?’ by saying, ’48.’

It’s along the lines of this thought:  I am not fat.  I HAVE fat.  Just like, I am not my blue eyes and thinning lashes.  I have blue eyes and thinning lashes.

If you can separate your weight from your identity, you will have an easier time becoming healthy and shedding excess.  I want to take care of the body God gave me, but the numbers do not define me.  God does.

How does this apply to my sex drive?

It’s not so secret that your sex drive has the best chance of improving when you are in good health.  Your body can devote more energy to sexual interest when there are no other major health concerns.  Added weight sometimes means added health concerns.

Also, you improve your body image when you can pinpoint your true identity.  Your true identity is separate from the number on the scales.

When you start to get healthy, improved physical sensations and body confidence will help you to be interested in sex.

Some of you may not know, I asked ‘Where did my sexy go?’ when I first began unearthing my libido.  I evaluated my eating and exercise habits and had my hormones checked.  I’ve been down a million other avenues since then, but that is where I began.  It may be the place to start for you as we ring in another year.

Final Thoughts

Several years ago, I shed 25 pounds.  I lost the original chunk by following this eating plan (see the blue graphic below).  Since I need to trim up a bit now, I’m returning to it.  This strategy keeps hunger at bay and still allows you to lose weight.

I first posted this guideline in “Will I Ever Yearn (physically) for Sex Again?”  I wanted to share it with you, again, as we head into the New Year.

For more thoughts on healthy eating and lifestyle, check out Calm.Healthy.Sexy.,