The Diet Begins

I've been wanting to write this post for quite some time but keep putting it off. There is just SO much I need to include in this post, since I really just want to get down in print what my intentions are for losing weight, getting healthy and fit -- basically doing a lifestyle makeover.

I have been dodging making the changes I need to for a while now, blaming my postponements on vacations, visiting company, and special occasions. Well, I just can't keep putting it off.

My friend Patty was up visiting this past weekend and she looks great -- she's recently taken off 20 pounds as a result of following Weight Watchers. I've been following her progress and because I hadn't seen her in a while the pounds she's lost have become really apparent. I found myself wishing I'd stuck to a plan as faithfully as she has, thinking that by now I would probably be at my goal weight too.

I've been looking at different diet plans and programs, trying to decide which one would really fit in with my beliefs and needs. I'm not a fan of taking pills to fix health problems (unless it's really the best way to handle things of course.) I'm much more comfortable with getting to the root of the problem and handling it with natural methods if possible. In my case, in addition to being overweight I have high blood pressure and cholesterol and my sugar levels are up there as well. I know that by following a healthy diet and getting into an exercise routine, many of these issues would correct themselves.

I've also done a lot of reading about whole/real foods and believe that many of my health issues are due to the foods I eat. Most are lacking in any real nutrition and are loaded with sodium, sugar, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. That's one of the reasons that it's been hard to find a diet that I feel I can get excited about. I'm not looking to just count calories (and eat anything I want as long as I stay within my limits) and I don't want to eat pre-made, frozen, or modified foods (meaning low-fat or  reduced calorie versions of foods that I probably shouldn't be eating anyway.)

My goal is to lose weight by eating nutritious whole foods, to become healthy and fit, and to have the changes I make to achieve this become permanent lifestyle changes.

It's kind of scary to think about. I've been trying to wrap my head around this and what it's going to mean for my life. But I think I'm finally ready to jump on board.

I'll be writing more tomorrow about what my new lifestyle plan is all about. But I purchased a scale today, I'm dumping a whole lot of food in the trash tonight (garbage pickup tomorrow!) and even though I'm going to Atlanta for a long weekend to visit my son and his wife, I intend to stick with it. I was impressed with how well Patty did this past weekend staying on track. She's inspired me beyond words ... and I think her success has helped me to set my fears aside and get moving.

Tomorrow is my first weigh in ... and then the fun begins!