Well, I've been lurking around here a lot reading stories for inspiration and such. The progress people around here have made is AMAZING. It leaves me hope that I CAN do it as well. Here's a little of my story:
I've struggled with weight for quite some time. Luckily as a kid, it was fairly easy to burn off with some vigorous play. As I grew up and accumulated the sedentary lifestyle of a teenager, I started packing on the pounds. Through high school, I kept it manageable with regular exercise and a lean diet. After high school, that completely went out the window and I am ashamed to admit I have gained 70 lbs in the past 7-8 years. Roughly a month ago, I donated blood and was a little concerned about a slightly elevated blood pressure. However, something really hit a chord with me the day I received a letter in the mail with the results of the cholesterol level they tested. I felt like a stone dropped in my stomach at how high it was. At that point, I realized that if I don't do something now, I'm going to have a probable short life filled with health problems ahead of me. I want to set a better example than that for my child and future children. I want my boyfriend to gawk at my nice body when we're intimate.
And last but not least, *I* want to look in the mirror and actually see what I feel about myself already. I have already lost 10 of the 70 lbs I have to go. This was just from changing my eating. Not a diet. A lifestyle change that has been progressively getting better. I still have weak moments but I fight them hard and usually win. I've plateaued on weight loss just from diet so it's time to move onto to working out. I'm taking baby steps since going whole hog has not worked for me in the past. I just got an elliptical and am very excited to start using it. My plan is to do interval work outs; working hard for a few minutes, slowing it down for a few minutes, etc. I also have a Total Gym, PX90, and several other yoga and cardio DVDs. Figuring out a good workout schedule is my next goal. Nice to meet you all and any suggestions would be fabulous.
New here and ready to lose it!
