[NewWayOfLife]

Hi,

Seven weeks ago today I decided that I needed to change my life! I have exercised for many years (mostly walking with a bit of resistance training) but I never counted calories! Ten years ago, that worked (although, I counted fat) and I ended up losing 85 pounds (220 to 135) and I kept it off for many years! Then, I quit smoking, got a little older (30), married a good cook and the last of the weight came back on when I had my first child about a year and a half ago!

Last month, I realized that I wanted to get pregnant again (sooner than later) and that if I didn't lose weight, I'm not sure when/if that'd happen! This is probably too much info, but I don't ovulate well when I'm heavier...Drs. don't think I have PCOS (neither do I) but I guess some women just don't ovulate as well with the extra weight!

To make a long story short, I started reading books about fertility and decided the best thing I could do for myself is to start eating healthful, whole foods (and of course continue to exercise)! So, that is what I have done! I eat about 1800 calories a day (use fitday.com) and exercise 3-5 times a week! I have a treadmill and then I also have started doing Walk Away the Pounds on days where I want to exercise but want something lower impact! I'm definitely looking for recommendations on other exercise videos! The only thing is that I have a bad back (2 back surgeries) so I can't do everything!

As for my stats, 7 weeks ago, I started off at 221! Today, I am at 201.5....I don't have a long term goal because I am trying to get pregnant! I'm taking one month at a time! I hope my trying to get pregnant doesn't scare off potential buddies because my way of eating has become a lifestyle change and if I do conceive, I will obvioulsy cut out the weight loss but will still need support in chosing the right foods!

I'm sorry to write such a novel...I actually cut out a lot of what I was going to say! I really do hope to find a support person/system...my family has been great but some of my friends haven't been and I really need that!

[hippiechic]

hello, just wanted to pop in and say hi, and welcome!! I also cut calories for my plan but i have them set at between 1200-1400 a day, i recently joined the gym and i usually just power walk a mile , do a mile on the bike and do the circuit weight room, I am starting out slow and i am shy so i ahvent gone to any of the classes like yoga or aerobics yet but i hope to work up to those, and maybe even kickboxing someday..... good luck on your weight loss!!! and congrats on your 20 lbs too.....