For Mike, life is all about finding that perfect mix of fun and hard work.

Since the New Year is almost upon us, I started to think about all the things I want to accomplish.  You’ve already seen my list of the reasons I want to lose weight, but this goes a little deeper.  This is something I’m challenging myself with.  Are you ready?

In 2011, I plan to lose 100 pounds.  It sounds daunting and there’s no doubt it will be difficult.  But I know who I am and I know I can do this.  I plan to be smart enough to make good choices.  I am throwing down the gauntlet to myself to be the best I can be this year.

It starts with counting calories, something I’ve touched on a little but haven’t gone too in depth with.  My goal is to eat what I want, but in smaller portions, and stay around 2,200 to 2,500 calories a day.  That may seem normal, but keep in mind that based on my size it takes roughly 4,000 calories a day to maintain my current weight.  3,500 less calories per week is equivalent to losing roughly one pound.  So a little math tells me that 28,000 calories a week keeps me at my current weight.  By implementing by 2,500 calorie guideline I would be eating approximately 17,500 a week.

So, 28,000 – 17,500 = 11,500.  That’s about 3 pounds a week and doesn’t include the benefits of daily exercise.  Look, there will be days when I splurge and eat 3,000 calories a day.  I’m smart enough to know that.  But I will move past those days and start over clean the next day.

My biggest goal is to become consistent in my workouts.  It honestly is the one facet of this plan that I haven’t worked on enough.  But I’m not making any resolutions.  I’ve already done that.  This is a deal I’m making with myself to become a better person.  What are your goals for this year?