Getting Fit NOW

So, I thought I'd do a post today discussing my weight loss journey. For the last 8 years I have been trying to manage weight issues. I've gained about 50 pounds over the last 8 years and much of it is due to hormonal changes after a surgery I had in 2003. I've had moments of clarity on the issue and moments of denial. The two don't go well together! Over the last 1.5 years I've taken my weight a bit more serious. After finding my biological mother, I learned that the women in my family start heading for Obesity Road after age 35. Those same women have battled diabetes in their later lives and to be honest, I want no part of that disease. So, I workout a great deal- off and on. These days I'm trying to be more on than off. I have begun running and teaching Zumba. Me and my crew are working to lose weight TOGETHER! Working out is important for so many reasons. I work out for weight loss, toning AND because it is a GREAT stress reliever. Besides, I just feel good after. It's one accomplishment in an increasingly busy schedule of activity.

After participating in a boot camp early this year I realized that I lost weight when my diet was high in protein and decidedly low in carbs and sugar. So, after raging against the reality of that concept, I'm back on board. I can't keep starting over. I want to start and finish this particular race- so I'm running. Aligning my diet with my fitness activity is a huge part of this quest. Starting this week, I've made some lifestyle changes beginning with a fast from sugar, white carbs and meat. The fast is for 5 days initially (due to a trip out of town this weekend), but I plan to pick it up again next Monday. In the meantime, I'm taking charge. I will begin reporting my efforts here. I won't share my weight but I'll let you know how many pounds I have lost. I will even share pictures and perhaps post a video or two along the journey. The rest of my plan includes avoiding lose weight fast gimmicks. I have shiny ball syndrome… You know the one where you’re on a path, then you see/hear about something else that’s just a little more sparkly-- so you drop what you’re doing and run in that direction? Oh? That’s just me? LOL!

Finally, it's that time of year when everyone is pushing some sort of product, supplement, etc to help you lose and meet your upcoming resolutions. I don't want to go there. I've read reviews on many such products and there is one common denominator which is always- the things they don't tell you. They don’t tell you what happens AFTER you stop taking it (whatever IT is). Personally, I am not the sort to become reliant on something I have to take every day beyond vitamins and if I can make it happen with regular food and exercise- so shall it be. So, that said- it's just me and food. Healthy food. We... I can do this.

If you're thinking about the journey, why wait. Get fit NOW. With me.

~Peace