Ready, Set, Go!!

Actually, yesterday was the day I starting working out and committed to my goal of losing 50 pounds in the next...we'll say 6 months.

This morning, I weighed in (dressed in my work clothes) at 196.6 pounds. This is a far cry from my goal weight of about 145lbs and even a long way from a comfortable 150-160lbs.

I feel huge. I don't even recognize myself in photos, that is when I can even stand to look at them. I have never been a girl/woman who dresses up or wears makeup. I am most comfortable in jeans, a cute (or not) shirt, and boots or flip flops. But I used to feel womanly, pretty in a natural way. I do not feel that anymore. I cannot even wrap my head around my physicality as it is. For the most part, I try not think about it. 

For me, weight loss is about wanting, yearning really, to feel like me again -- longing to look in a mirror and see a healthy self, a person I recognize. Sadly, I haven't seen "me" in a few years and I miss her. 

I would normally keep entirely to myself about a goal I've set and work toward it without any influence or support of anyone else. But that is silly. I need to let that go and listen to the voice that is telling me that I need the commraderie of others in order to accomplish my goal. I also feel a strong need to chronicle this journey for myself.

Which brings me back to what my goal actually is. Here is goes:

I want to treat my body in a healthy way. I want to excercise and feel the energy and wellness that that brings. I want to push myself to feel a level of fitness I have never had before. I want to enjoy the journey. I want to revel in the nourishment and health of my body along the way. I want to see myself in the mirror eventually -- the real me as I know her. I want to feel pretty and not as if I am hiding behind or within something else. I want to feed my need for being active and spending time playing sports and being outdoors.  I want to look beautiful when I want to.

Which now brings me to the plan:

-30-60 minute cardio workout each day.
-Yoga and/or Pilates classes several days each week to feel energized and use and stretch my muscles.
-Get on my bike and ride
-Get out and walk.
-Find new and diverse ways to excercise my body (sports, dance, etc)
-Eat foods that nourish my body
-Drink water (which I never have done)
-Don't overeat and listen to the voice that says I'm full
-Don't eat out of boredom
-Respect food rather than abuse it

Lastly, and the reason I am here on this site, I want to share and be open, to learn and to be inspired by the community here. Good luck to you in accomplishing your goals. I am sure your stories will help me in no small way.