Introduction...

HELLO EVERYONE!!!!

Hope you are doing well today...I wanted to introduce myself and let you know what this blog is and will be all about.  About a month or so ago I was getting dressed, walked into the bathroom, and caught a quick glimpse in the mirror.  I was horrified with what I saw!  I ran back into my room, changed into another outfit and ran back to the mirror...same thing...sheer horror.  I could not believe what was staring back at me...how did I let myself go and get to the point I am at.  The next few outfits I tried on all felt tight fitting, hugged and made extremely noticeable every lump and bump on my body.  I think "muffin top" was one of the first things to pop into my head while looking at myself.

"I need a change..." was what I thought to myself while staring in the mirror.  I am embarking on the lovey weight loss journey just like so many others out there.  For me it's not about just losing the weight, but changing a lot of my habits so I can live a healthier lifestyle.  I want to feel comfortable in my clothing and not constantly tugging and pulling on them to try and stretch them out.  I want to go out with my boyfriend and him be proud to have me standing beside him.  I know he loves me and is proud of me...but I don't feel like the best me (if that doesn't sound cheesy or anything).  I know there is always room for improvement and I just want to feel confident and sexy!

When i first mentioned to my boyfriend that I wanted to start working out and eating healthy to try and lose weight, he was very encouraging and supportive.  One of the first things he asked me was, "What do you want your goal weight to be?"  I sat there and thought about it and trying to be as realistic as possible I told him the number didn't matter to me.  What matters is the way I feel...the way I feel in my own skin, how my clothing fits me, my energy level, etc.  To an extent the number does matter.  For about 5-6 years now my weight has fluctuated but always stayed in the range of 220.  (I should mention that I am also 5'8'').  Still even though I am tall....that's a lot of baggage to carry around on a daily basis.

I have a friend that I went to high school with who recently lost about 60lbs herself.  She has basically researched and taught herself everything she knows about weight loss and healthy eating.  She has been kind enough to take me under her wing and help keep me motivated.  If I am having a weak moment when it comes to my diet or I have questions, she is just a text message away with healthier suggestions.  She is willing to do a lot to help me achieve my goals...especially since she was in my shoes 2 years ago.

It's been about a month and a half since we started working out.  I noticed some changes in the first 2 weeks, but then she went on vacation and the day she came back, I left for my vacation with my boyfriend.  I tried to keep myself on track while we were gone...I purchased healthy snacks for the car and the event we were attending, but every since I got back from vacation things have been down hill from there.  I have been pretty religious with my workouts.  I work full time and even though I am on a break now, I also take classes full time at night.  So the only time I have to workout is at 5:00am....yes you read that right, 5:00am!!!

It is NOT easy by any means, but I was noticing that I was having more energy throughout the day, I was more alert, and I was sleeping much better throughout the night.  (Not sure if it had anything to do with the fact that I was dead tired by the time I got home from class lol).

I want to try blog every day...blog and post pictures of progress, workouts, meals and snacks.  The more focus and emphasis I put on staying healthy and blogging about it...the more I feel like I will stay on track.  I want to help others and encourage them to lose weight too.  Not all of us have the means to get a gym membership or hire a nutritionist or personal chef.  I am average joe, middle class person...I struggle just like everyone else.  But being healthy and feeling better abiout myself if what this is all about.  If I can encourage and give inspiration or help in anyway to others, it will make this whole journey worth while.

This will be much of a learning experience for me as it is for those of you reading this...

I think for now this is where I will end this post and I will post again tomorrow.  We will jump right in and hit the ground running!!!!  Have a good morning, afternoon, or evening where ever you are.  Take Care Everyone!