I have decided that I am important. I always feel like I can do things for myself later or tomorrow. Well from now on I am going to ensure that I look after myself properly, starting with proper nutrition and exercise.

I have been scheduling strength training exercises for myself on days when I am unable to get out to do my cardio. For cardio I like to walk. As long as the weather is nice I plan to continue walking. When it begins to snow and I can't bet out as often, I plan to walk up and down the stairs in my building. I live in an apartment, so I don't have any fitness equipment, other than small weights and bands, so I plan on improvising as much as I can.

I have been watching what I eat each day as much as I can. I am diabetic, so I have to watch sugars and carbs. I am having problems with that, so I am signing up for an information class that will be running in my area in January. Until then, I will continue to do the best I can by following Canada's Food Guide, and with some advice I get from the SparkPeople DNA Team.

I have been at a standstill for the last little while, and I am getting frustrated, but I am not giving up. I know I can do this. I love the great support I get from the people in the Spark Teams I belong to, and all the advise that is available on the site. I also use the Nutrition Tracker and the Exercise Tracker to help me when I can. I love checking to see how many points I have earned each day by doing what I am supposed to be doing.

Without SparkPeople, I would still be sitting on my couch curled up with a good book or watching tv and stuffing my face. I love the motivation and support I have been receiving. I have lost 30 pounds so far. I know I have a long way to go, but I know I will make it.

Thanks SparkPeople.

Darlene