Preparations

Well tomorrow is the big day! I'm a bit nervous standing at the base of this mountain of mine! I guess the trick is to not look up but straight ahead, right? Mixed in this nervousness is also a twinge of excitement, because I'm looking to the day I step on the scale and it reads "135" Ahhh how glorious!

Preparations are underway today! I've decided on the diet by Tosca Reno called "The Eat-Clean Diet". Tosca was over 40 years of age and over 200 lbs when she started out...today it is hard to believe she is someone who is pushing 50 and has a model fit body! Check the web on her and you can see for yourself (now please understand that I am not seeking model like attributes, but rather a slim and healthy frame). Her diet is based on clean whole foods and shying away from processed ones. Her diet is sensible and appears to be effective! I have to confess I am not looking forward to some of the meals as they have whole grains and vegetables that I have not tasted before...Just the sound of some does not seem appealing. Case in point "Quinoa" what in the world is that? But truthfully, these foods are healthy and my taste buds for sure have been poorly trained! The process I will undergo will include retraining my taste buds to like healthier foods. So, in preparation I am hitting the stores for proper cooking equipment, proper storage containers and a list of food items to stock the pantry and fridge. Tonight the ipod gets charged, the workout clothing pulled out and dusted off ;) and a refresher on how to get to the gym (just kidding)

Thank you to those of you who posted all the kinds words. They mean more to me than you know! I covet your prayers as this journey will not be easy...if it was I wouldn't be standing at the foot of a mountain right now! Please feel free to share some more and wish me luck :)

Kim

My mountain

Recently my husband Pat and I have been doing a study with one of our cell groups called "Financial Peace University", by Dave Ramsey. It is valuable in that we are now (in our 40's) trying to get our act together financially. One video series a couple of weeks ago peaked my interest, in the video Dave talks about building your wealth over many years. He says that the tortoise always wins in the book, "The Tortoise and the Hare". He describes this also as a bicyclist trying to ride up a mountain...he says with momentum, you could get part way straight up the mountain but you will soon peeter out. But the best way to reach the crest or the top if you will would be to go at it slower...sideways. It got me thinking about the mountain in my life, and that being my weight struggles. I could have momentum for a month or two but I always peeter out. Sometimes I have lost a little bit of weight, where other times I have lost significant amounts. All too soon however I seem to put it back on (and then some).

This past April I have been feeling my size 18 (yes that's correct) feeling a bit snugger. Yes I know I've been eating more so it comes as no surprise to me that I am gaining even more weight! But I want to tackle my mountain now, I am tired of being tired and feeling the life I dream of slipping away. I find myself not wanting to be social, feeling very self-conscious around not only my husband but around friends and at social events. This is not me! I love being around people and feel like its time. So with that being said, I have decided to start my journey on May 1, 2009. I have been told by my husband that my goal of losing 10 pounds a month will be a large goal, but a goal I must have and it is a goal I will try to attain! I plan on attending the gym 5 days a week and spending at least 45 minutes there. Since the 1st is a Friday, I will weigh and measure myself only on Fridays and report back on this blog. I am still researching the best diet for me that will fit my busy lifestyle. Because finances are an issue, I will not join a formal program but will follow an already established diet plan that meets my culinary likes but also hopefully gets the results I am looking to attain. That being 2.5 lbs per week to meet my goal of 10 pounds per month. I have yet to weigh myself but I estimate my weight today at 215, so with a weight loss of 80 pounds that would bring my eventual weight to 135. My frame is 5'5' and my build is med to large boned. This weight goal seems reasonable for my frame.

I realize this is a private issue but because I want to win this time, I want accountability partners, to be transparent, to give a voice to my struggle and to be encouraged along the way...a bonus might be to inspire someone else to tackle their mountain! So please feel free to comment on this blog, share your stories and yes call me to the carpet when I blow it! Follow me on twitter too as I will post my struggles through the day.

Friday is coming....Lord help me :)