New Me--Let's get real

There are SEVERAL things that I am so VERY proud of and thankful for in my life.  My family, my husband, my kids, my jobs.... and my faith.  There are also a few things in my life that need a makeover!

For starters, I'm tired of making excuses for the weight I gained while pregnant with the kids and never lost.  I'm sick of avoiding fun gatherings because I don't feel comfortable in my body.  I am certainly tired of being trampled by my own thoughts and attitude about my body image!  SO.... I'm simply DONE with that.  To add a few more characteristics that can go...... I'm done people pleasing by rearranging things that our family has planned to do so--unless there is an emergency, obviously.  I'm setting boundaries.  I am keeping those boundaries.  I am changing the way I CHOOSE to feel about people and situations.  Some people might not make the change to the newer, better version of myself, but I am going to CHOOSE to be okay with that! 

SO... with that said... here goes! 

The Naked Truth.....

I am 31 years old and I am starting a weight loss journey.  It's a journey because it started a long time ago .... and I have been up and down ever since in terms of weight and motivation. 
I am starting off at 176.  I will end up at 155.  I am going to look for a 2lb/week loss.  Friends and Family, please support this--no food pushing ESPECIALLY around the holidays!  And feel free to knock those snickers bars out of my hands :)  Family gatherings do not have to be food based, nor do friend hangouts and catching up.  Let's meet at the gym and burn some extra calories by walking while we chat for 3 hours!!! :)

I have a very specific meal plan in place and I will be tracking my food on myfitnesspal (JSSJRS if you want to be my fitness friend). 

So, now my goals are public and I am excited to stop hiding, stop making excuses, and get serious.  I've been working out for a good 18 months now, but I wasn't changing my diet... AT ALL.  I am now!  I am changing a lot of things--maybe it's a midlife crisis.... but in a positive way! 

I do need to thank a few people for knowingly or unknowingly giving me a nudge.... Annie, Jess, Daira, Analee, Lisa, Taycey, my mom, and my husband.  Annie--thanks for the lifting and workout knowledge!  I freaking LOVE working out with you when you are free!  Complete buttkicking and I love every ounce of pain it brings!  Thank you!!! Jess--Had you not sent that bag of body by Vi, I would have never thought to dig deeper and ask you how you do it everyday! 

Some things are private, and I completely get that, but I'm choosing not to hide this one and that way I am more accountable.  I will track my food better and so on.  I might even post progress pictures.....who am I kidding... no I wont. Measurements, maybe.