1. I will go to the gym at least five days per week. Sunday, Wednesday and Friday will be lifting and elliptical days. Monday and Tuesday will be elliptical days only. Thursday and Saturday are optional, but encouraged.

2. I will cap my daily caloric intake at 1,500. Maybe you think that’s low. I think that’s high. Ideally, 1,200 works best.

3. I will strive to eat five 300 calorie meals throughout the day. However, I will be happy if I have three 300 calorie meals and one 600 calorie meal.

4. I will refrain from Weight Watchers meals and Subway sandwiches for the duration of the diet. These items are useful in moderation, but I have been abusing their existence. The food I eat will come from the grocery store and my refrigerator.

5. I will have a newfound commitment to eating vegetables and fruits as snacks. I will continue to eat big salads for my 600 calorie meal. I will stock up on apples, oranges and other fruits in order to help this along.

6. I will have my final meal of every day at or before 9 p.m. However, on work nights, I will permit myself one piece of fruit at 11:30 p.m. or directly after I get off.

7. I will drink more water. All Diet Pepsi will be replaced by either cold water or hot tea.

8. I will make a daily menu plan the night before. I will not stray from this menu plan throughout the next day. I will post this menu plan each day on the blog, and then let you know how it went in the next post.

9. I will update this blog five times per week, Monday through Friday. Though the posts may not have life lessons in them, they will keep you up to date, and keep me accountable, as to how the day went.

10. I will take off days no more than once every two weeks. Also, I may choose to take an off-day at each 10-pound marker (i.e. 260, 250.)

11. I will weigh myself once a week on Sunday mornings. (However, this is subject to change as we go along).

12. I will be down to 240 pounds by June 30, if not before.

And that’s what I came up with. The menu will begin tomorrow. So you know, Monday was a good day, with an intake of about 1,500 calories and a trip to the gym for cardio and some light lifting. The real weight lifting regiment begins on Wednesday.

I am optimistic about this plan. I think it eliminates some of the lethargy that plagued the first half of this diet.

So be optimistic with me. I think we’ve got a real shot at success.