Keep Trying

I want to encourage all of you to keep trying. I have come to realize that I should have done this a long time ago! I tried many times but always gave up before I accomplished my ultimate goal. The result was always that the weight came back. This time I don't want that to happen. All the new research shows that excess weight has so many effects on every aspect of our lives. It is time to swallow our pride and do whatever we can to be healthy. Recently I heard that dementia is a side effect of diabetics. I watched my father's health deteriorate before my eyes. I always chalked it up to a genetic connection to Alzheimer's disease. Now I wonder if it was from the up and down levels of his blood sugar. I guess I will never know but I do not want to take a chance with my own health. I want to be around for a long time and I want all of you here with me!

Spring in my Step

I'm just checking in to let you guys know that the struggle continues, but with this beautiful weather and spring arriving, I'm hopeful of continuing on my pathway of losing and toning up. Please wish me well. I hope all goes well with you.... Til later, Linda

A New Month

Here we are at April 1st. I am prepared to continue on my journey. I got a new workout at the gym yesterday so I can start fresh in this new month. I did lose another 3 lbs in the last 2 weeks!! 34 and counting!! I also had my body fat remeasured and I am at 37% which is a loss of 9% since last summer. We had a great discussion at my Lose It For Life bible study last night. I really appreciate the support of those friends!

The Past Year

This is a picture taken of us a year ago. The other picture was taken early Feb. after a 30 lb. loss. I hope I can add 10 to this in the next couple of months! I had to tell my trainer that I could no longer afford him. He understood and said he was sure I could do this on my own. He also said he would be watching me. I am nervous about doing this on my own!

If I can accomplish this (me, a nonexerciser!) I'm sure anybody can! Exercise has been the key that I have been missing in the past.

I also joined a bible study at church which is using the Lose It for Life program. I felt I needed an additional support system. That has been going well. We have had some good discussions about our situations.

Holding Steady

This is a recent photo of me with my birth son Will and his family. I thought I'd check with you guys today to let you know that my weight loss in December is holding steady. The ten pounds I got off are definitely off, but now I'm stuck again. I plan to up the exercise regime by going to Curves every day I can, and I'm going to try to eat at home as much as I can. Restaurant meals are the biggest enemy I have found. I don't know whether it's the portion size or the salt or the spices or just the calory count. Anyway, please wish me well that the scale starts down again soon... Til Later, Linda

It Is A New Year!

It is a New Year! My only resolution this year is to continue on my journey of weight loss. I do have some new info to report to all of you. I went to the doctor in November to have my diabetes and cholesterol checked. My total cholesterol went from 180 in August to 163 in November. My A1c lowered and my doctor considers it under control. She no longer is asking me to take medication for my bad cholesterol. In December (right before Christmas) I had my trainer do my measurements. I did not add up all the loses but I did lose 5 inches in my waist, 2 inches in my upper arm, and 1 inch in my calf. When I started July 1 my body fat measured 45.8 and now measures 38.4. My gym is even asking me to let them use me in their brag book!

I saw some of you last Saturday and I can't tell you how much it meant to hear you tell me how good I look! My trainer asks me occasionally if my family and friends have noticed. Unfortunately I have tried to lose weight so many times and always gained it back plus more. I think they have become immune to commenting. Since I have now lost 23 (as of today) pounds, many are noticing and letting me know they notice. We all need those positive pats on the back and I hope I can do that for all of you.

Christmas Goal

When I started the Curves six-week diet in November, my goal was to get 10 pounds off by Christmas. I'm happy to report that I made it. My pants that were getting too tight are now feeling comfortable again. I've stayed at size 12 for the past four years now, and I'm determined to keep my weight in a range where those beautiful clothes continue to fit me. I've had years where I've had to totally overhaul my closet, either because of gaining or losing weight. I'm praying that those days are over.

The Curves diet teaches that you should weigh yourself often to monitor any weight gains. As soon as you've gone up three or four pounds, they want you to get right back on the diet to get it immediately back off again. I let my weight go up ten pounds this past time, and that was too much, but overall I've been sticking to this regime for a long time now, and it really works. May we all start the new year off with joy in the way we're now eating. Good luck to all of us in 2009.

Til later.... Linda