The Sweetney Weight Loss Challenge 2008

So the folks at Nintendo sent me a Wii Fit, which, you know, cool. It's always nice to get free stuff, and I certainly looked forward to trying it out, which I did this afternoon when it finally arrived on my doorstep. (If you're wondering what the hell I'm talking about, you can check out this Wii Fit trailer on YouTube, which should help explain the babbling that follows.)

People, I am in love. Technology GOOOOOOD.

Not to gush -- and perhaps this great first impression will fade over time -- but the Wii Fit actually appears to somehow, by witchcraft or spirit-conjuring or just superior Japanese technology too advanced for our western understanding, make exercise FUN. Oh brave new world that has such awesome in it!

So after toying around with the thing for most of the afternoon, I had an idear. Here's what I'm thinking. We all know I've long punished myself over my weight gain of the past few years (and if you didn't know it now you do. There, I said it, and I'm not sorry). I could use to lose a few pounds. Or, umm, 20(ish). So why not put this new-fangled technology to a real-world test, with an actual human trying to lose actual poundage (that would be me)? Mah Guinea PIgness: Let Me Show You It.

Here's what I plan to do, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday 5/14:

1) Cut my measurable caloric intake to a 1400 calorie-per-day low fat diet (yes, I will actually record everything I eat to make certain I stay on track. I'm choosing the 1400 number because it is the caloric intake I've been regularly told I should shoot for to lose weight healthfully, even without exercising)

2) Walk a minimum of 30 minutes, 5x per week (I've already started doing this, but I haven't been tracking my caloric intake, and so I've noticed no changes in my weight as a result of this exercise)

3) Use the Wii Fit a minimum of 30 minutes, 5x per week (I'll attempt to vary my use of the various training programs included on Wii Fit, dividing the time spent exercising as equally as possible between Strength, Balance, Yoga, and Aerobic Training)

I'll follow this program for at least 8 weeks -- longer if I'm getting good results. I'll report at least weekly on my progress, more often as circumstances (or my own frustration level and need to vent) merits. It will be helpful to be beholden to the internet, to have to fess up every week and lay it all out there. Y'all will keep me honest.

There was a time, back in my 20s, when eating fairly low-fat-ish and doing a little walking would peel the pounds right off me. Of course, back then I was running on an almost two-pack-a-day diet of cigarettes as well, which doubtless elevated my metabolism and quelled my appetite in ways I can't replicate now other than by upping the ante sharply exercise-wise. I'm kind of hoping Wii Fit will be that extra push I now need as an old lady of 38 to start FINALLY dropping the weight.

Here's hoping, fingers crossed, and godspeed pound lossage!

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EDIT: Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch I just wanted to add: NO, Nintendo is not paying me to do this challenge or write this post (or any ensuing posts), and NO, I did not agree to do anything for Nintendo in exchange for them sending me the Wii Fit. What I'm doing here is completely of my own free will and without any monetary exchange involved whatsoever. This is entirely about me wanting to lose weight and seeking motivation and support, NOT about product placement for a company. THE END.