It's Commitment Time

Today, July 27, 2011, marks Day One of my effort to lose 115lbs and get healthy. I used to be an athlete, now you would never know it. This journey will challenge a lot of my inner demons along with getting a greater quality of life back. I'm also committing to this blog to keep myself honest. I plan to track my food and exercise here.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Background

I have topped out at a whopping 255 lbs. I am really sad about that. I've been on a roller coaster ride with my weight for years, but seem to be stuck more on the upward trend than downward. I can blame several things for this, but what it truly comes down to is me taking responsibility for myself and my health. I used to be an athlete. I raced downhill skiing and played a lot of tennis back in the day, but due to injuries, my job, stress and a plethora of other excuses I have settled into this sedentary way of life that just can't go on. I want to have a fuller life. I don't want to be a statistic. I don't want diabetes and the other diseases that can occur with excessive weight. I want to be happier. I've committed to myself to lose this starting today, to see where I can get in a year. I have just started an exercise program at Jim Karas Cardio Free Studios in Chicago. I will also be tracking my food. I'm planning to post daily on my exercise and food intake and general feelings of the day, checking in on the scale once a week. I am facing a lot of my inner demons with this as I feel like I am in a "safe place" with the weight, which is a weird way to feel. I do know that by losing this, I will be healthier, my knees will thank me, and I will most likely be a happier person overall.

Wish me luck! :o)