[OhMyDogs]

My name is Christine, I am a 36 year old stay at home mom. I have 3 cats, and 3 dogs, 2 little girls and a wonderfully supportive and loving husband.

I was never overweight until I hit about 17, and got involved in an abusive relationship. That's when the pounds started piling on. I have always hated my weight, but never really committed to doing anything about it. Now here I sit at 285lbs, frustrated and angry with myself for getting into this position.

This past December I was diagnosed with insulin resistance, 1 week or so later, my husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About 2 weeks later, I learned that I had osteoarthritis in my knees. Between insulin resistance, and osteoarthritis, I had a serious wake up call. I don't want diabetes, I don't want to lose limbs, and my knees are just going to get worse if I don't get this weight off. And if I don't make some changes to my family's diet, my husband risks losing limbs, or his vision.

I needed a little time to convince myself that I COULD do this, just like i managed to quit smoking (been smoke free for 4 months now). So here I am, determined to get healthy, and hoping to be posting my success story on the Goals Reached page!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read, and feel free to ask any questions you like!!

[Asherah]

Medical problems can be really rough especially when they affect both your diet and exercise but you will be able to do this! Do you have a plan in mind or are you still researching options?

[OhMyDogs]

I only know as much as moderate to low carbs, and low sugar. Basically the things we need to do to control our blood sugars....and I plan to walk every day, weather permitting (we get some seriously cold temperatures sometimes), but other than that, I have no clue!!!

[Asherah]

Walking is fantastic exercise! Remember even if its gets chilly, you're body will rise in temperature with your workout (as much as 15 degrees farenheit!) so dress accordingly. Also powerwalking is great (the weird arm movement may look a little ridiculous but it helps you go faster I swear!!!). You may also want to eventually try the Couch to 5k run-walk program if you want to get into running. Check with your doctor because of the knees, of course but I'm over 200 and its helping condition me into running.

[OhMyDogs]

lol when i say cold, I mean -40 F (and C they are the same at -40) and even colder sometimes.

Editted to add: Also, I'll be walkin withg my 5 yer old Newfoundland dog, since she's the only one who can handle the cold weather...hopefully when I'm a little more in shape I can power walk. I'll also be getting an exercise bike in Feb from a friend.

[Asherah]

Hahaha wow I can't even imagine that cold. I'm from the deep south and we start whining at 40F let alone what we'd be like at 40 below!!! Regardless you seem committed and with that bike you won't let the weather get in your way.