I've struggled with weight ever since I hit puberty. I grew four inches and innumerable pounds in the span of one summer, going from a skinny twig to pleasantly plump so quick I don't think it quite struck me until it was too late. I kept eating in the manner of a teenager with their first real job, lots of fast food and gallons of soda, which pretty much set me into my habits for the rest of my life.
I've been 200+ since high school when I actually really started paying attention to my weight, and struggled with my will power and habits, as well as fad diets. I've done Atkins (terrible idea), the "Don't Eat Past 2 PM" diet (even worse idea), vegetarian (which might have worked if I'd done it right), and many others.
The thing that I found truly worked was getting a job at Goodwill (Walking laps around a floor for 7 hours a day, fixing hangers and organizing clothes), watching my calories, and eating three small meals with snacks in between, along with generous portions of fruit, veggies and water.
I moved to Colorado in 2009 following my divorce, weighing around 220. I worked really hard and by the time I moved to Las Vegas nine months later, I was around 195 lbs. The first time I'd ever been under 200 since I started noticing my weight.
There I started seeing my boyfriend, bad habits crept back in (not to mention amazing Las Vegas retaurants) and now I have blown past the 220 mark (my previous heaviest) and all the way up to 260. I am mortified with myself for allowing this to happen.
I am getting back on track TODAY. I know I can lose weight, and I know I can eat healthily. I am going to do this, and I am going to change my life.
I have lost no weight.
I'm trying not to let it discourage me, because are there several contributing factors. My period is coming up, I wasn't very active, and while I was estimating calories a day, I was not keeping strict track.
I'm going to start doing that this week. Everything that goes in my mouth is going to be accounted for. I'm also considering walking home from work every day. My boyfriend and I work a few blocks away (Las Vegas blocks, which are pretty lengthy, but it's not too bad) and I'd like to start bringing my athletic shoes and just walking home.
Overall, I think I could stand to lose an even 100 pounds. 160 for my height is on the higher side of the healthy BMI range, and I've always liked even numbers. I think I'm going to break it up into mini-goals of 10 lbs each. So 250, here I come!
