The beginning!

Today is day one of my new life! I so excited about the choice I have made to become healthier and more energetic!

I have officially started Weight Watchers Online. I am really excited about it because they have changed the program since the last time I was a member. They have a great program called the Momentum program which gives you a list of more filling foods. That is great for me because I am a quantity eater especially since I am nursing my six month old daughter, Erin.

I have been struggling with my weight since my early 20's. I had always been a very lean and active girl until I moved out on my own in 2002. I started to eat a lot of take out dinners and didn't make the time for exercise. My weight started to creep up slowly until I got married in 2005.

After my wedding I gained 20 lbs in less than 4 months!!!! I got pregnant with my son, Zachary around that time and gained 50 lbs during my pregnancy (32 lbs of it happened during my last month). Luckily, I lost 40 lbs a week after he was born but I was still way overweight and needed a change. I joined Weight Watchers Online and I lost 20 lbs. I was about 10 lbs lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight.

I quit soon after because I felt I learned enough life strategies to keep losing. Boy was I wrong. Not only had I gained the 20 lbs back I had gained an additional 20! So I tried again to get back on the wagon so to speak and I lost the weight again. I joined the gym and was making more healthful choices. I was doing really well and then I moved into my new home and fell off the wagon yet again! I gained every pound back again.

In October 2008 we were blessed with another pregnancy. I was having a girl this time! I was so happy to be having another baby! I was horrified when I saw what my beginning weight was! 20 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight with Zach. I vowed not to gain as much weight this time around like I had with Zachary. I ate very well and drank lots of water. I actually lost 10 lbs in my first trimester, and gained about 10 lbs total the entire pregnancy. I was astounded when I went to my two week checkup and found that I had lost 26 lbs! I weight 16 lbs less than my pre-pregnancy weight.

When I found out how much weight I had lost I was motivated to keep the momentum going! I figured since I was breastfeeding her the weight would just keep coming off. I wanted to start a weight loss program and keep losing. Unfortunately, I procrastinated and decided to wait until after the holidays to start my weight loss program. Big mistake! I gained 20 lbs back in the past six months!

At that point I have decided enough is enough. I am really tired of this lose 20 gain 20 pattern. The best part about the last year as far as my food choices is that I rarely crave bad foods. I absolutely hate fast food and fattening restaurant chains! I want to change my lifestyle this time for the long haul and not just for temporary reasons. We are done having babies so I want to start a new chapter in my life. A new healthful life!!!

I am starting this blog, not for attention but to keep myself motivated. I feel by keeping this online diary that I could hold myself accountable. Why 70 lbs in 70 weeks well I am currently nursing my daughter and 1 lb a week is what is healthy for the two of us right now. No, do not plan to nurse the whole time so just maybe I will reach my goal quicker. I am not going to stress about that though.

So I am going to reveal my starting weight and this is the first time that I HAVE EVER TOLD ANYONE! Not even my husband know this:

200 lbs

Weight Watchers goal: 150 lbs
%5 goal: 190 lbs
Personal goal: 130 lbs in 70 weeks or less.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to the months ahead! I will be posting pictures as I go along and blogging frequently!