We’re just hours into 2017 and like me, I am sure many of you have weight loss on your mind. I’m trying to put some things in place so I don’t fall off the wagon before it even leaves the driveway. This year, I am hoping my Bullet Journal helps me to make 2017 my year for weight loss and several other goals.
Have you heard of bullet journaling? Basically, it is a form of planning, note keeping, list making, and journaling all combined into a self-designed notebook. There are hundreds of websites out there with loads of great info about bullet journaling. I don’t claim to be a leader in bullet journaling but you can check out my Pinterest board to link up with some people who are.
Today, I just want to talk to you about how I plan to use my bullet journal to lose weight.
I’m not a lazy person. I work on my feet all day, I walk close to two miles every evening and while I’m no gym rat, I try to work out on a regular basis. My issue is that I just LOVE food and therefore, have struggled with my weight for years.
I was diagnosed with a Hashimoto’s Disease, a thyroid disorder, about ten years ago, in my late 20s. I had gained a lot of weight and just felt terrible all of the time. Medications have helped with some of the symptoms but some have been more difficult to overcome. Weight-gain being the major one. Well, more accurately, the inability to lose weight.
I don’t expect to ever get down to 105 pounds like I was in high school. I don’t even know if it is possible for me to lose the 75 pounds I have gained over the years. What I do know, is that I have terrible eating habits and I can easily make some changes that will lead me to a healthier life as a whole.
I’m going to use my Bullet Journal to help me with that.
I have several layouts that I will be using. Let’s look at each of them separately.
Weight Loss Tracker
This page includes a simple chart where I can track how many pounds I have lost. I will weight weekly and I have set my overall goal for the year at 45 pounds. The boxes for each of the 5-pound increments are larger. This is so I can list some kind of reward for reaching these milestones. Most likely my rewards will include things like a massage or a new outfit.
Measurement Tracker
Through the years, I have learned that my body responds well to weight lifting and strength training exercises. I may not see pounds dropping off but my measurements will change drastically. I have included a spot to record my measurements every week because I know the changes seen here will motivate me to continue even when the pounds aren’t coming off. Some people prefer to only track measurements at the beginning and end of their journey. If that’s something you are interested in you might want to check out this measurement tracker.
Weekly Meals
My weekly layouts include a spot where I can record what I plan to eat each night of the week. Since I work in a school and cannot easily go out for lunch I usually don’t have problems overeating at breakfast and lunch. By tracking our dinners, I can watch that I am not eating too many heavy meals in one week.
Daily Water Log
In my daily boxes, I have included a spot to track how much water I am drinking every day. I am not one to drink a lot of soda or juice but there are many days that I do not get enough water. I find when I don’t drink enough, I tend to overeat. I am hoping that by regularly meeting my daily water intake, I will be able to curb some of my over-eating.
2017 Goals
On these pages, I will list both personal and professional goals. Along with each goal, I will record actions I will take to meet that goal along with listing my purpose for selecting each goal. This will provide me with an at-a-glance tool to help keep me on track.
What are your goals for 2017?
I would love for you to share your goals in the comments. Also be sure to check back to see my progress each month of 2017. Additionally, throughout the year, I will be sharing recipes and posts that I have found helpful along my journey.
Is the idea of using a Bullet Journal a little scary or overwhelming?
Check out my post 6 Tips To Conquering Your Bullet Journal Fear for some help getting started.
This is great, Julie! It also incorporates your love of visual arts!
My goals for 2017? Keep working The Plan!
xo
I have have also set more goals for my weight loss journey for 2017 and I think this type of journal would be a fantastic tool. I love your layout. Awesome job!
Great job setting yourself up for success, Julie! My goals include some personal, some professional, some health, some financial. I have them written and visible where I can look at them quickly each morning and review them for a little longer each week.
I fizzled out on my Bullet Journal last year before I really got it set up, but I’ve learned so much more about what to do and what not to do (compare myself to others), so I’m excited about it.
Thanks for the tips!
I am doing my weekly layouts for Sunday through Saturday. I just finished my first week and I love the feeling of accomplishment. I have made time in my nightly activities to fill out my journal each night. I just allow 5-10 minutes each night which so far has been plenty. I set up all of my weeks for the month in advance and only do one month at a time. I will work on February during the end of January. I already have a few minor changes planned.
I can see a Bullet Journal video series in your future. 🙂