About

So, a bit about me… I have struggled with my weight my entire life. My goal weight is 145, and I don’t think I’ve weighed that since I was in the third grade. My mom is overweight as well, and I took after her in everything– genes (apparently), junk food/overeating issues, and lack of exercise. I slimmed down a bit in 8th grade/freshman year of high school with Suzanne Somer’s food combining diet. It worked well, but it’s hard to keep up that kind of eating for too long. I also took up Tae Kwon Do, which gave me some much needed exercise, and at my “peak” of fitness, I weighed 165 at a size 8.

Then life happened, and I went to college where I yo-yo dieted and stayed around a size 12. I also tried Atkins and severe calorie restriction (1000 per day– I call that severe), and then I gave WW a shot, which only lost me several hundred dollars and about 20 lbs. which I promptly put back on after my best diet buddy moved away (Laura– see Journey to Goal on my blogroll). I dieted down to about 180, a tight 12, before my wedding day, and I’ve been gaining ever since.

I’ve been married for 2 years now, and my husband is in Iraq, so I’m taking the opportunity to diet like a madwoman while I don’t have the distraction of his food or habits around to make it harder for me. I also want to give him a nice surprise when he gets back. :) I’ve started the Metabolic Research Center diet with my mother (she’s at another center in another city), and it’s working well and quickly. I also think I’ve learned some skills to help this last for the long term. First, there’s a year of maintenance that I’ll be doing with the center, so that will help. I’ve also learned that protein helps you very much if you’re trying to stay full on fewer calories. I’ve also learned to eat veggies, and while they’re not my favorite, they’re better than I used to think they were. To see photos and stats, check out the My Progress page.

Start Date: 8/1/08

Height: 5′8″

Starting weight: 227

BMI: 34.5– obese

GOAL– end of February 2009 (when my program expires)

Goal weight: 145

Goal BMI: 22– mid range of normal