The Never Ending Journey

It's January.  That glorious time of the year when everything wrong with your life becomes glaringly obvious.  You are forced to make resolutions that, let's face it, won't make it past a week or two.  Gym memberships sky rocket, smokeless cigarette sales are through the roof, and churches are packed.  I cancelled my gym membership before the holidays because I have realized, despite the best intentions, I'm NOT going to go and I can use that $40 a month on a new pair of boots or a pedicure.  

I have made some "resolutions" or maybe more accurately, set some goals for myself to include better parenting, increased marital communication, spiritual growth, and of course the inevitable weight loss.  While the first three goals are important and may seem daunting to some, the latter seems to be the anchor around my waist.

I'm two and a half years post baby and am still carrying around "baby weight".  In all honesty, I'm still hanging onto extra pounds from my first, second and third babies.  At 124 pounds before children, I was a healthy size 4, felt good, and had tons of energy.

Look, my thighs weren't even touching!

I don't blame my children completely for my weight gain, but they did get the ball rolling...

My first pregnancy with Joshua in 2005.

Then came Megan in 2006.

And then Jackson in 2009, yes there's just one in there!

Well, here I am now...

2 1/2 years post baby...

at 162 pounds...

Normally, I would NEVER post my weight for all to see.  However, previous conventional weight loss efforts haven't worked for me, so I thought I'd go extreme.  I'm going to need the encouragement, prayers and accountability from friends and family.

Some of you may be thinking, for three babies she looks pretty good.  Ok, maybe I'm just hoping you are thinking that!  I know I'm not hideous.  I manage to hide most of the rolls with layers of clothing, but I am by no means healthy.  According to my BMI (body mass index), I am in the obese category.  Time to make some changes.  

I've set a realistic goal, I think.  I want to lose 30 pounds in the next 4 months.  I don't have visions of six pack abs and a svelte beach body.  I would, however, like to wear an age appropriate two piece swimsuit on the beach this summer without looking like a beached whale.

I've taken steps to implement my plan.  I've cleared the house of junk food to include homemade Christmas yumminess.  I really did almost cry as I threw out the candied bacon butter.  I've started reading food labels, avoiding artificial sweeteners, and limiting calories, bad fats, and high carb foods.  I'm moving more.  As I said before, I cancelled my gym membership.  It's just not my thing.  Running on the treadmill and getting nowhere, breathing like I'm carrying Brett Favre on my back (though that might make the run more pleasant), and staring at the size 2 ass in front of me who hasn't broken a sweat and looks as if she's floating on clouds...no thanks.  I'm going to walk in the mall at least 3 times a week while it's cold.  The senior citizens seem to walk at more my speed.  And as the weather allows, I'm planning more bike rides/walks/hikes as a family.

It seems simple, right?  Eat less.  Move more.  Here's hoping it prevails despite the many previous failed new year's resolutions.  Week 1 and I'm down 4 pounds.  Water weight, I know, but it's enough to keep me motivated for now.  I'm determined.  Wish me luck!