INSPIRATIONS FOR LOSING

Without reasons to inspire us to lose weight, we would never attempt to. Here are some of my reasons, which I like to remind myself of daily:

• better overall health
• breathe easier
• feel more comfortable in public
• feel better about pictures of myself
• won't be consumed by thoughts of food
• won't have to worry about limitations because of my weight
• my son deserves a healthy mom
• my husband deserves a healthy wife
• more fit for vacations
• others will be proud of me
• I will be proud of myself
• will no longer feel out of control
• better appearance
• lower blood pressure
• my feet won't hurt
• ability to do physical activities without being so out of breath
• more self-confidence
• nicer clothes
• won't be a "fat Mom"
• longer life
• set a good example for my son
• be active with my family
• more energy
• lower cholesterol

"Dear Food"

Dear Food,

You are no longer in control of my life. I am in control of YOU.
You will not consume my thoughts.
I will eat to live, not live to eat.
I will not turn to you in times of celebration, sadness, stress, nervousness, or boredom.
I will rely on you for nourishment only.
I will not depend on you for happiness.
I will make smart choices when it comes to you.
You will not be the center of attention in times of celebration and get-togethers.
I will not give in to you in times of cravings.

Sincerely,

Melody

Welcome To My Blog

"This Is It." It is September 14, 2009 and I am at my highest weight ever. I'm 5'5" and weigh 320 pounds. That's right. I'm posting my weight on a blog for the whole world to see. That alone should be inspiration! In a way, I think "I don't know how I got to this point," but in other ways, I do know. Am I ashamed? No. But, I am disappointed in myself. I have high cholesterol and borderline high blood pressure. I have talked my doctor into letting me stay off the high cholesterol medication, vowing to eat healthy and exercise. I really do not want to be on medication at the age of 33. I'm too young for that! I am at the point where I feel like I HAVE to do SOMETHING about my weight. I have a toddler who needs me around for a long time, and a husband who wants me around for a long time. I've put this off, I think because I'm scared and I feel hopeless at times. But, I've decided THIS IS IT! I HAVE to do this. I've lost almost 80 lbs before, so I know I CAN do it. Right now, I'm 100 lbs heavier than my weight when I got married in 2004. Sometimes, in my mind I just think "what's the use, I'll just gain it back AGAIN!" I am going to STOP those negative thoughts and LOSE IT FOR GOOD! And I'm not just going to lose weight, I'm going to do it in a very healthy way. I plan to exercise moderately, eat healthy, and nurture myself psychologically. My tools will be the Weight Watchers Points system and the book "The Complete Beck Diet For Life" by Judith Beck. And, of course, this blog and YOU, my readers! I welcome any comments and suggestions from all of you! Thank You for taking this journey with me. I look forward to sharing the joys of celebration, as well as the tears of disappointment with you.