My journey began December 15, 2008 after returning from a visit/cruise with my son and his family.  Being around to watch my grandbaby Noah grow up is a huge motivator.  My father passed (age 46) before my son was born and my mother (age 58) when he was 11.  I don’t want my grandson growing up without his grandmother.

Although I have had weight issues my entire life and in recent years have taken off the same 20-30 lbs. more times than I can count this time it truly is about getting healthy not just weight loss.  Not only do I plan to take those same pounds off (and keep them off) but will take off an additional 30 lbs. and get back to where I was eight years ago; 125 lbs wearing a size 6 or 8.

My plan is to eat 1400-1500 calories per day. I do not restrict anything from my diet. If I have the calories and I want to eat Ben & Jerry’s I have it; however, that is a lot of calories for something that doesn’t fill me up. My choices are pretty healthy and include lots of lean protein, veggies, and fruit.

I workout at least 6 days a week: Currently I am on Week 5 Day 1 of the Couch to 5k Program: http://www.c25k.com/

Other workouts include bowflex every other day, Pilate’s/yoga, hiking, and ZUMBA. I have recently found Exercise TV on Fios on Demand and love all the different workouts available. There is no reason for me to get bored of the same old routine.

This is me and my wonderful husband Mack a couple weeks before we started our journey.