My name is Melissa; and this blog is to record my continuing weight loss/self improvement journey.
I am 35 years old, and my whole entire life I have been fat. Never got to shop in "normal stores," never felt comfortable in my own skin.... I've been in the two hundreds since maybe 6th grade or so? It's been so long I can't remember.
In May 2008 I had several major turning points occur almost simultaneously: I graduated nursing school, my husband of almost 6 years moved out (3000 miles away pending our divorce- a good thing mind you I was glad to be moving on), and I went on the last diet I will ever go on. For a couple of weeks I went on the Medi-fast diet at home- kinda at least. I was so miserable that I threw out what I had left and decided that what I needed to do was change my complete diet- lifestyle change like everyone always says, you know? Well, I did little bits at a time small changes that I was able to stick with. I didn't deprive myself of anything, but I discovered moderation. And between that and about 4 months later after working 12 hour shifts at the hospital 3 days a week for a few months I had lost about 30 pounds. And then I would plateau; for months....I didn't worry too much because I also didn't gain. Then I would get motivated and lose another 20-25 pounds and then stall again.
At this point I have lost about 70 pounds from my weight that May of 2008; but for a couple of months I have been going up and down the same ten pounds. I have also gone from a size 24-26 and 2-3x top to size 14 pants and regular large size tops. My new favorite place to shop is Old Navy because they have great sales! LOL And for the very first time in my life I can walk into a store and pick out clothes and bring them home and they actually fit.
But, the truth is that I still have about 70 pounds until I reach what doctors would consider my ideal weight. Being that I have never in my whole life been at a healthy or ideal weight I have no clue what my real goal weight will end up being. Once i thought that I might be lucky to get down to a size 10 or 12.... and I am on the cusp of those numbers now!
In recent weeks I had finally broken down and joined twitter and discovered something I hadn't been expecting. A new source of information, encouragement, community, and challenge. I have been moved and felt "normalized" by reading other people's blogs who have struggled with many of the same issues that I have. It has been a relief to see many of my own emotional, exercise, and food issues spoken about by so many people.
I also found the KICK MY ASS super challenge. #KMASC Starting May 1 and ending August 7 being run by @dolifedifferent. I had to come up with goals for myself for the challenge.
My goals for the 14 weeks are:
1. Lose 30 pounds.
2. Restart and complete C25K.
3. Ride my bike at least 15 miles per week.
4. Drink water every day (ounces based on weight).
So Sunday is the big weigh in day. I'm excited and looking forward to getting started and working hard towards reaching my goals!
Melissa
