D1P1: It's time to get public...

But not too public...

Only a few people who know my true identity will have direct access to this blog, for everyone else I will be anonymous. Why? Because as much as I want to make my new healthier lifestyle public, I still prefer to be a private individual who just so happens to use the internet. So I've sent this website to only my husband and a few select close friends and family members.

Why am I doing this?
I've struggled with my weight for years, and I've struggled with my eating and exercise habits for as long. While I don't drink or do drugs or have any other serious health issues, I see how my eating and exercise habits will shorten my life and make it less pleasurable while I'm here. So I'm making one last attempt (and it's my last attempt because it will stick this time) to start treating myself better and feel better in the process.

Tools and the How:
Staying motivated is the name of the game. It turns out looking and feeling great is not enough. So I'll be using a variety of podcasts, books and workbooks, group and individual therapy, music, hypnosis, this and other blogs, and anything I can get my pretty little hands on to stay motivated and to rebound when I bounce off track. I'll talk more about the tools in later posts.

My goal?
I have a weight goal, like most people, but I also have a state of mind and body goal which is far more important to me in the long run. When I started this journey a few months ago I weighed 204 pounds and felt terrible about myself. Now I weigh 183 pounds and I feel much better. I hope to eventually stabilize at around 140 pounds.

More importantly, I want to feel happy, healthy, and comfortable in my own skin. I want to have lots of energy, not feel depressed, be fit enough to do lots of outdoorsy things without getting winded, feel sexy and attractive in my clothes (and out of them), be at peace around food, and feel motivated to stay moving and nourish my body with good healthy food and drink.

The Plan:
I will exercise approximately 4 days a week. 3 of those days will be the Couch to 5k program using the lovely podcast developed by a girl with similar music tastes to my own. The other day will be yoga, which has turned into both a spiritual and physical workout for me. At the end of Couch to 5k, I will add 2 days of resistance training at home (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, etc) and start the 8k extender program. After that, who knows?

I have also switched to a mostly plant based diet. I'm trying to completely avoid meats and mostly avoid dairy. Also, I'm eliminating processed foods with very few exceptions. I am not counting calories, but I'm also trying to avoid going to bed stuffed, and binge eating when I'm stressed.

So in conclusion...
This is the last time for me. I'm done with the struggle. I'm done with the pain. I'm done with the embarrassment, shame, and guilt. This time, I'm going to be healthy, for good!