Week one of the Biggest Loser competition is history now, and for me, the scale went in the right direction. The first week ended with a 1.6-pound loss for me. I should be ecstatic, right? The fact is I’m not. I felt like I should have lost more. And I’m not sure why I didn’t. I may not have been perfect, but I definitely watched my calorie intake, and exercised all but one day this week.

Of course I’ve used all the age-old platitudes on myself. Muscle is more dense than fat, weight loss comes slower as you get older—I’ve tried them all. But the problem is very simply that I’m unhappy with that number. In the past, this would derail all my efforts. I’m trying not to let that happen this time. I’m trying to focus on the good part, that the number went down, and take it from there.

On a brighter note, I seem to be winning the battle with Mountain Dew. I had one can all week. And I’ve found several other things that I like to drink, so I’m not really missing it all that much at all. I have had a couple of headaches this week, and I’m wondering if they are due to the sudden lack of caffeine coursing through my system.

Finally, to kick myself in the butt (literally and figuratively), I joined a gym this morning. I designed my own workout program, did some time on a recumbent bike, and am ready to get going on a more challenging exercise program. I think this will help, particularly with my motivation.

Here’s to another good week for all the Biggest Loser contestants!