simplyj

I'll share a bit of my story and maybe you can draw from it and create a program/lifestyle that will help you meet your goal. To start, On October 22, of this year, I weighed in at 214 lbs. Now at 5.2", you can imagine how awful I felt and looked. Anyway, it was not big surprise, I actually thought I weighed 217, so I lost 3 lbs somewhere without trying but I had no intention of finding them So, I've wanted to lose weight for years, made every excuse in the book, tried a few programs and well...nothing really stuck (except for the pounds) But in October, I started talking to an old friend that new me before the weight gain. I was embarassed to think what that person would think of me if they were to see me today, out of shape and overweight. So for me, that was the incentive. Now I know everyone will say you have to do it for yourself, but for me, that never worked. I prayed to God that he would give me the strength I needed to lose weight, and only God new what that would be, and it was that friend, whose opinion for some reason still mattered. So something "clicked" right then and there. The next day, I went to a walking trail. The trail is a mile and a half long. The first day I walked it 5 times! That's 7 miles, which is a lot for someone who hasn't exercised in years but that's how determined I was. Anyway, my body didn't like the sudden shock so I had to bring it down to 6 miles. I walk 6 miles every morning. I've added hand weights to the routine. I eat a simple breakfast, yogurt for lunch (most days) and a small dinner. The dinner is mostly meat (protein) and salad and maybe (if the temptation is too much) I will eat the carb i.e rice, mash potatoes, spaghetti but only a little. I weighed myself yesterday and I am now 191 lbs. I can see the changes in my body, atitude and self esteem already.

So I will share some key things that I think you may want to consider:
(1) Don't focus on the numbers. 245 and losing 90, sounds overwhelming right now. Instead focus on a weekly goal.
(2) Find the incentive you need. There is one for you, you just have to know it. Some suggestions are...a vacation your planning, an upcoming event or an outfit you love but can't buy because you don't want the size you are now. Whatever the incentive, hold on to it for dear life.
(3) Find some activity that will keep you interested. For me it was walking because I could listen to music, quiet my mind and de-stress all at the same time.
(4) Start changing some of the things you are eating. Like I said, having the protein, skipping the carbs and adding a salad doesn;t feel like a diet but more of a choice.
And finally, this is the biggie...don't set a start date like January 1st like most people. Start the day you gather your sneakers, work out gear and IPod and just go. Make the time, make no excuses.
I work out 5 days a week. As my reward when I reach my goal weight I will run my first marathon, something I always wanted to do. As for the friend whose opinion launched this venture, I may never get to see them, but if I do, I will look fabulous!!!!

Hope this helps and best wishes for you on this journey.

Simplyj