Oh, I remember clearly. I had had my 2nd child and had lost a lot of weight post pregnancy (got down to 128 which was 37 pounds less than my PRE-pregnancy weight). I kept off most of the weight (about 32 pounds or the loss) for about 5 years. I was happily exercising 3-4 times per week.
Then it hit. I went to another state for my sister's wedding. We were there for over a week. I didn't exercise. Then at the wedding, I had way too much wine and got quite the hangover the next morning. We flew home and after the week of not exercising, then not feeling well, I rationalized myself into thinking that I could keep the weight off without exercising. Within a few months, I had a little pot belly and I had gained 5 pounds. Again, I rationalized myself into thinking it was okay--I'm getting older, I can't expect a flat belly my entire life!!! Well, then the stress of my job got worse and after falling off the exercise wagon, it all came falling down and within a year or so, I was right back up there at 165 (which is what my weight has been most of my adult life).
I then quit my stressful job and thought that the weight would just melt off. Wrong!!! I gained to my all-time (non pregnant) weight of 173. I started walking and dieting and here I am. I am now formulating a plan to re-incorporate exercise into my life. Right now, it is impossible to do much, but my DD will be getting her driver's license in December (fingers crossed) and I won't have to drive her to and from school every day (an hour per trip). That will free up a lot of my time and I can get back on my NordicTrak or take my dogs walking!
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