Here it goes . . .

So I'm finally doing it. I'm finally taking a big, serious step to lose weight and get healthy. Like many women, I've battled with my self-image for years. I never thought I was particularly good looking or appealing until I got to college. And even though I was getting more attention from men during that time, I never truly felt sexy or confident in my looks. I was happy being the "tough" girl who didn't need compliments. I still don't need them. But there is something else I need: my health. I don't have any serious conditions now, and I'd like to keep it that way. That means I have to take my weight problem into my own hands and truly learn how to eat better, exercise, and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. So here it goes.

This isn't my first attempt at such a goal. The summer before my senior year of college, my dad bought me an elliptical machine I could use at home, and I was on that thing for at least an hour a day for three months straight. Friends and family noticed a difference in me, and I felt different, too. But it didn't last. Once I got back to college, I reverted to my old habits; eating pizza at 10 p.m., skipping out on the gym to study, and drinking. My beverage of choice: margaritas filled with empty calories. And since graduating and moving out on my own, I've failed a few other times, too.

So what's different now? Well, in all honesty, my sister's wedding is a huge motivating factor. There will be lots of parties and pictures and videos . . . and I will be damned if I'm the "fat one" in all of them. Granted I truly do want to be healthier, but knowing that she's tying the knot in the next year and a half will likely give me the strength I need to finally accomplish my goals.

This afternoon, I called Jenny. Craig, that is. I love to eat, so I decided I better jump on a plan that teaches me how to eat. I also feel that if I have someone to talk to on a regular basis (ie. the consultant with whom the company sets you up), I won't make excuses. I'll have to answer to someone, so I better do what I'm supposed to be doing.

That was kind of a long intro, but a necessary one, I think. I decided to start this blog so I could track my own progress during this time. I plan to write in it once a week after I talk with my consultant. My goal is to lose about 40 pounds in 6 months. Sounds easy, sure, but I'm keeping my ideals realistic so I don't get flustered halfway through and decide to quit. Perhaps I'll achieve more in less time. But for now, I'm sticking with that. Who knows, maybe I'll also help someone else out there going through the same things.

Here goes nothing . . .