By Julie Preble, Assistant Editor

I may not need to get myself into a pair of chaps anytime soon, but I do want lose some weight and be healthier. So, I’ll use the nutritional tips from certified personal trainer and nutritionist Rick Rogers from “The Chaps-Fit Plan.” To learn more about the exercises, visit HorseandRider.com.

As some of you know from my previous blogs, I take kickboxing classes. While I did trim down quite a bit from taking the classes, I had a month where I wasn’t able to go. Because of that time off, I did gain some of that weight back.

For the next few weeks, I’ll be taking at least 3-4 classes per week and using the substitutions suggested by Rogers. If I’m unable to make it to that many classes, I will either run or use the Tabata workout (suggested from the article) to meet the 3-4 workouts per week.

In the article, Rogers suggests switching out one “bad food” every three to four days. For practicality purposes, I’ll be switching one thing per week. (I only buy groceries once a week, so this plan will work best for me.)

To help you get an idea of how well the plan works, I’ll track my progress each week in weight lost.

My plan is to start the substitution on Monday and weigh myself on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. My cheat day will be in the later part of the week, sometime between Thursday and Sunday.

I look forward to sharing my weight loss journey with you, and I hope that you’ll join me. If you do try the exercises and substitutions and would like to share your story, send it to jpreble@aimmedia.com. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Week 1 – November 7
For my first week, I decided to cut down on dairy?mainly milk. To do this, I’m using almond milk in my cereal every morning and also in my tea (rather than half and half).

I do actually enjoy the taste of almond milk, so I think this will be a relatively easy substitute for me to maintain.

As for other dairy products (i.e. cheese, yogurt, butter), I won’t be completely removing them from my diet. I will, however, be limiting the amount that I use these products.

I think that’s a more realistic goal for me to maintain, and I also think it’s similar to what would be workable for you, the readers.

The first couple of weeks will be interesting, as I still have some food cooked with pasta and milk. I don’t like to waste food, so I’ll go ahead and admit there may be some “cheating” outside of my cheat day.

Weight Lost: 2 pounds