The Decision

I don't do diets.

And I don't (generally) do New Years Resolutions.

But this year I finally decided that enough is enough, and it is about time I rescue the person trapped within this current body.

My objectives this year will be:

Lose Weight - I am not ready to give a specific number, but let's just say that some 11+ years ago when I got pregnant, I was already carrying some unnecessary weight on my hips and thighs. Then I gained 50 pounds with the pregnancy. Two kids and too many years of excess eating and too little exercise later, I am now above my peak pregnancy weight. So I'm carrying even more weight now, and don't even have a baby to show for it.

Increase Flexibility - I'm tired of struggling to tie my boots, and being frustrated when the kids forgot something upstairs, and I need to go back, and then re-tie the boots. Being able to touch my toes again would help in everyday life.

Increase Stamina - I remember before the kids were born, going on 8 hour hikes with my husband, with little difficulty (except a knee which used to give me some trouble on the downhill sections). But lately I'm out of breath walking the two blocks uphill to school.

Become Pain Free - More on this in later posts.

Kick-Start my Thyroid - When I didn't seem to be losing weight after my daughter was born, my doctor diagnosed my hypothyroidism, and I've been on Synthroid ever since (although slowly reducing dosage over the years). God willing, I'd like to kick-start my own thyroid function, and eliminate the need for the Synthroid altogether.

I don't have a real detailed plan of attack yet, but here are some initial guidelines I've set out for myself. I hope to expand on my strategies as I learn and continue along this journey:

Find a sustainable exercise program - Something which is not too onerous and will fit into my lifestyle, but will build up some flexibility and endurance.

Introduce natural foods - More fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is said that the more you can recognize where a food comes from, the more healthy it is.

Learn what hunger really feels like - Much of my eating recently, probably half of it, is "reactionary" eating - in response to stress, or frustration, or just because I see it, and can reach it (i.e. the infamous "see food" diet). I suppose I don't really know what hunger actually feels like, since often after I eat, I still think I'm "hungry".

Stay off the scales - This radical idea was inspired by Melissa of Empress of Dirt. I've been following along her 30 day fitness program since Nov 10, 2009 (actively at first, until I got sick, and sort of fell off the wagon - or in my case, the stationary bike). Melissa has been measuring progress in "strength and clothing changes". Funny thing, when I read this, I immediately recognized that my reaction to stepping on the scales is almost always to gain more weight. So I've decided to only let myself step on them once at the end of each month.

Be patient - Since I've been building up weight over years of neglect and overeating, the change will not be quick. It is a long-term commitment to live healthier, and take better care of my body. Thus the blog. Since it will help to keep me on track, or at least feel accountable if I derail. A big Thank You to any who have followed me here from my garden blog. I hope I will inspire you also to join me on the journey to better health. Please share your stories with me, since it will also inspire me to continue.