Thank you all for the encouraging words!!! You all are awesome!
rdw1, to answer your question...I am following the old fashioned diet and exercise routine. I have completely changed my eating habits - A LOT of fruits and vegetables which keeps my system regular and healthy. I only eat out every once in a while...when I feel like I am getting burned out or for a special occasion. I work out at least an hour or 2 at least 5 days a week. I do a high/low aerobics class twice a week, a tonng class once a week, two spinning classes a week, and one day of what I call "chilled out" cardio (treadmill or recumbant bike). So, yeah, I guess that's the basics of it. It has truly become such a bir part of my life and a routine.
The group exercise classes have really been the key for me. I have gotten to know the instructors and the other members of the class and these classes have almost become an extra part of socialization and a way of meeting new people! They also keep me motivated to actually go to the gym...the hardest part for me at the beginning was getting there.