In the spring of 2014 I created a new user name and a new Spark People account; I started over with the goal of getting healthier and more fit. I've been on a couple of "successful" diets before (losing 65 and later 40 pounds) but haven't been able to keep it off. I'm not "dieting" this time; I AM tracking my food and making more healthful choices. I'm making slower, smaller changes with the intent to keep it off, and it really does feel very different this time around. I am also fortunate to have a WONDERFUL OB/Gyn who's following my progress; I couldn't wish for a better mentor for accountability and non-judgmental goal setting. It is NEVER too late for a Do-Over!!! I was living proof, and will be again!

Ultimately I'd like to lose about 100 lbs [DONE once, but working on it again...], but my goal right now is (was) to go from 266 to 250 per my OB/Gyn. [edit: done! goal 220 by my 2nd f/u--done!; next stop: ONEderland--WAS done, trying again; goal 185 by next f/u!--done, not; goal 170 by next f/u!--done, not; goal 166 by 18 months!--done, NOT :-( ] I want to be healthier [I AM], to fit comfortably into seats in theaters, roller coasters and airplanes [I CAN], and never have to worry that I'll need a seat belt extender [I WON'T]. I want to shop for clothing in the Ladies' section [I DO]. I want to order clothes and bathing suits online [OK, so not bathing suits...]. I want to participate in things WITH my family, not near them. I want to make my family proud.

This is important: **I eat whatever I want, I just budget the quantity and calories.** I track all of my foods while allowing myself occasional off-plan indulgences. We plan ahead and shop ahead whenever possible. I target total calories over everything else, but try to stay balanced (50%Carb / 30%Fat / 20%Protein). I eat out a LOT but with planning I stay on track. I go to the gym 4-5d/w for a short 30-min elliptical, rowing or treadmill workout and do 10 mins of strength work 2-3 d/w. I also hike, play racquetball and also dabble in pole fitness (fun!!) and Irish dance.

I'm from the Virginia Beach area currently living in Phoenix, AZ. I've been happily married for over 25 years and we have a wonderful, studious, articulate, polite, empathetic and all-around-terrific teenaged girl (yes, really!) On 5/29/15 I reached my -90# goal AND was honored to be selected as a SparkPeople Motivator the same day. Thank you!!! I regained a LOT of the weight I'd lost, so I'm really reaffirming myself to check off all those goals once more. Never give up, Never surrender.

My favorite quote has always been "Stupidity Should Be Painful", but I've coined a new one all my own to live by: "I can't get there from anywhere but here". My newest one: "Failure is a bruise, not a tattoo." ~Timber Hawkeye (Buddhist Bootcamp)

Add a Link "I can't get there from anywhere but here." Proud member of the "Scaled Down" daily weigh in team! Next Landmarks/Goals: [ ] Back to Onederland [ ] Someday/bucket list goal: hike to Havasupai Falls (and out again...)
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