[Rysa]

Hello,

I am new here and thought I'd introduce myself. I am a 28 year old mother of two. I am 5'6" and currently weigh 210lbs. My goal weight is 150, which is still "overweight" according to some calculators, but my lowest weight ever was a fit and content 140, so I'm happy with that goal. I plan to lose weight by cutting calories and increasing exercise rather than following a specific plan. It worked for me in high school, where I lost 40lbs and maintained it until pregnancy, so I'm hoping it will work now.

I have several reasons for trying to lose weight. The first is that I am unhappy with my looks. I also tend to tire easily, which is NOT good since I am a very busy person (when it's not summer). I teach 7th grade, run a COOL Kids Club for 3 - 12 year olds, direct the middle school drama club, teach Sunday school, and scrapbook for hire. I really feel I could do a better job with all of "my" kids if I set a better example and were less tired. Most importantly, however, my dh, love of my life, was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. As he is overweight, I thought that if I lose weight it will help motivate him to do so.

My goal for this week is to cut calories on meals, limit myself to fruit, air popcorn, and veggie snacks, and exercise 20 minutes a day. The last goal (and most difficult) is to drink 3 glasses of water a day. I HATE water! :-)

I started a scrapbook for my weight loss journey. I'm hoping that this forum will inspire me to lose weight in the same way my scrapping forum inspire me to create art.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!

Rysa (Really Jenn, but there are just too many Jenns online!)

[Marti]

Hi and welcome to this site Rysa!

Your plan to losing weight sounds like mine. I plan on doing the same, cutting calories and increasing my activity also.

I think it's wonderful that you're starting this and I hope your husband decides to join you. It would do wonders for his BP if he did. I have a history of High BP and managed to bring it down by changing my ways which included losing weight and eating healthy foods. I was able to get off the medication and have been off for a few years now....but...the last time I walked into a place that have those machines where you can check your pressure...I noticed it's starting to go back up. I have habits that I need to work on.....smoking for one. (I was stupid for starting that back up!!) So I'm back on track to keep my pressure at a healthy rate and also to make myself feel and look good again.

I also think it's great that you're scrapbooking your journey. I was going to do that myself...but ended up just scrapbooking all kinds of things. I was hooked!!

I wish you luck and keep us posted on how things are and how your husband is doing.

Marti

[MikeH]

Hi Rysi! Welcome, and good luck to you. I can add a couple of other reasons for losing weight and becoming more fit: you will feel better and have a much better chance of avoiding a number of health problems as you get older.

It sounds like you have a plan. But remember that not all plans pan out. If it doesn't, the answer is not to quit but to try something different. There must be a thousand plans, and the truth is that many work, but only if followed.

You are right to exercise as it is essential to any weight loss program. Twenty minutes is good, but once you are hooked you will almost certainly want to boost it up, as it will make you feel good.

Good luck, and be sure to check here for any answers to questions you might have.

[Rysa]

Thanks for the welcome, Mike and Marti! It's only a few days into my weight loss journey, but I'm feeling confident, and I'm sure it has to do, in part, with the supportive people I've found on this forum. (I joined the Labor Day challenge, so I can have a good incentive to stick to my goals - I'm very competitive, even with myself!)

I appreciate your advice and encouragement! I'm sure I will increase my exercise in time, but I am so out of shape I need to ease into it or I'll end up injuring myself and not exercising at all! Good news is that my dh is already making noises about me making him feel guilty - which is a good thing! :-)

Rysa

[bodyshakers]

Originally Posted by Rysa

Hello, I am new here and thought I'd introduce myself.

Welcome Rysa! I'm new here as well and it seems lke a very friendly group thus far with a lot of information to go around. If there's any questions you have it certainly seems like this would be the place to ask.

Your underlying reasons for losing weight sounds like good ones, and I can certainly understand them. Good luck on losing and I look forward to getting to know you.