Well, the first week did not get off the ground. I could list all the reasons why it was a bad week to start, but it will all sound like excuses. Rather than try to explain, I just want to try starting fresh.

I don't know if it will happen this week or next. I'm hoping it will this week. I may not get started Monday, but better late than never right?

For what it's worth, I've switched to diet drinks. That is something!

I'm still trying to work through the reading material I feel I need to have completed before I begin. I may just start with what I feel confident about before completing the reading. During the reading, I can continue adding changes.

We'll see how this goes...

Here We Go...

I'm not sure if this is going to be a success or if this is going to be a source of humiliation for me. The purpose of this blog is to journal my progress, or failure, in trying to become physically and emotionally healthy.

I've struggled with my weight for years. I first became overweight when I was in about the 2ND grade. I also struggle with emotional eating and eating out of boredom. I'm limited to what I am able to do as far as physical activity because of a knee problem. I also have asthmatic symptoms which are exercise induced. My hieght is 5'1", and my weight is 195 lbs.

My family has a history of heart disease. Some in my family have had heart attacks and strokes at young ages, late forties and fifties. My grandfather died in his fifties of heart failure. I have high cholesterol myself.

I struggle with my emotional welbeing a great deal. I won't get into the details of that just yet, but I do want to say that I have anxiety and depression. I highly suspect that I have ADD. I'm currently taking Lexapro. I'm planning to see a psychiatrist this summer, possibly as early as May.

As far as the physical part of this goes, I'm working toward weight loss and becoming physcially strong. I'm about as wimpy as they come! My back is weak and I have very little arm and upperbody strength. We won't talk about my abs! I had considered trying Weight Watchers, however, I have decided to attempt another weightloss program I have tried in the past and was not successful. Perhaps in another posting I will explain why.

The one I chose is called First Place. It is a Bible based weight loss program, based on a balanced diet and regular exercise. It involves Bible study and Scripture memorization. I plan to begin on Monday, because that is how the Bible study is laid out.

Tommorrow I plan to enroll in a local fitness center. They have an exercise and weight room, as well as an indoor swimming pool. I've been told that swimming and water aerobics is good for people with knee problems because it is not stressful on the knees.

So, why blog it? Part of the reason is because the Bible study is supposed to be done in a group for accountability and encouragement. There is not group here in my town. Part of the reason is I want to be able to receive input from others. I also hope that in some way others could be encouraged by reading this.

I have some reading to do for the weight loss program before I get started. There is a members guide and some other materials. I need to begin preparing to eat healthy this weekend, so I will be ready to start Monday.

I want to be whole. I want to be healthy in all areas of my life.

So, let it begin...