Here we are, almost at the end of January, so it’s time for a wee check-in to see how I’ve been doing regarding my resolution to write down all my food/drink intake. How have I been doing? Uh.. not so great. SparkPeople, however free, was just a pain to use. I feel pathetically lazy saying this, but I just wasn’t interested in logging in and picking foods from a list (and stressing out about whether they were on there or not, and whether my approximations were anywhere close to the mark). I also don’t really want to count calories at the moment. Instead, I’ve now come up with a dead easy way of keeping a food diary that I’m rather proud of.

I am a big fan of Google Docs, which is basically an online, shareable version of Microsoft Office. I’ve set up a spreadsheet with the date in the left column, and slots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and general thoughts to the right. I’m pretty much always logged on, so there’ll be no need to type in a username and password. I can bookmark the actual document itself and go right there (and leave) anytime I want. And in my quest to be more accountable and reap the benefits of the community (you noticed my first-ever “before” picture on here, right?), I’ll share the actual document with you here. If it’s really easy, and it is, I figure I’ll be more likely to actually do it. We’re only 2 days in, but so far, so good.

I was super lucky and got to visit with DietGirl when she came to New York to promote her book on the Early Show. Now, I’ve just watched the video from the interview, and I think it turned out fantastically. What’s especially wonderful is that it’s a testament to why I started this blog, lo those many years ago. I’m still working on my weight loss, of course, and sometimes I feel like the lamest weight loss blogger in the world. But someday I’m sure I’ll look back — I can actually already look back — and be thankful for everything I’ve learned, and the friends I’ve made, in the process. It’s great knowing you’re all out there.

P.S. I also wanted to say I thought DG looked amazing in the video, despite eating soul food and risotto while in my company. She took a picture of me and, of course, I had the big revelation that I am actually fatter than I perceive myself to be, when I look in the mirror. Is this my “knickers on the washing line” moment? I hope so!