Getting Fit by Forty!

I will turn 40 in 2009. Yippee!

I have gained a lot of weight in my 30s, and I want to go into my 40s with a healthier body. I know it is stereo-typical to make weight loss a New Year’s Resolution, and that few people succeed, but I am going to try.

My weight-gain started about the time I turned 30, when both my metabolism and activity level decreased. Then, I had a few life changes: marriage, motherhood, cross-country move, career change, pregnancy, another cross-country move, another pregnancy (that’s zero to five children in just over two years), and other adjustments. It has been wonderful, but difficult, much more so than I anticipated. I have eaten my way through every stressful situation. I am still doing so, and that has to stop.

It is time for another change. I am concerned about my health, I am disappointed with the example I am setting for my children, and I am embarrassed about my appearance. I want to be slimmer, healthier, and more energetic as I raise my children and enjoy the coming years with my husband. I can do this.

I had a lot of success following the Weight Watchers Core Plan, but when life got hectic, I stopped going to meetings and got off plan before I reached my goal weight. I am slowly putting those pounds back on. WW recently changed their program and I am no longer a member, but the Core Plan worked for me, so I am going to try to follow it again. Basically, it requires eating healthy foods – fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fat-free (or low fat) dairy, whole grains – and limiting fat, breads, and sweets. There’s more to it, and I’ll talk more about that later, but since I feed seven people each day, and as much as possible I want us eating the same meals, this plan works for us.

Losing weight is the hardest thing I have ever tried to do. It is harder than getting my master’s degree (but I had Pam to help me then). It’s harder than teaching high school English (but I had Denise, Jennifer, April, Clay, Jeff, Rebecca, and lots of other good friends and wonderful, dedicated educators by my side). More difficult than being single and taking care of my own home (but Dad and those great teenagers across the street, as well as other friends and family, helped). I know I am not alone, though. My family, who loves and encourages me, will support me. Maybe some of you will, too.

I already have some menus planned with lots of variety to keep things interesting. I will share recipes, tips, successes, and stumbles as I go. I may struggle and have to start over on the first day of every month. I may be reposting this goal a year from now. But this is important and all I know to do is keep trying.

So what about you? Does anyone else need to shed some pounds and work towards being healthier? Will you join me? If your jeans already fit nicely and you follow the food triangle each day, would you stop by on occasion and encourage me?

Today is day one. I can do this. If weight loss is also your goal, you can do it, too! Here we go!

Blessings,
Bev