Clean Slate...New Beginning

I read about a study yesterday by the National Weight Control Registry on 5,000 men and women that were able to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off for at least 5 years (average weight loss was 66 pounds). What they found that in 91% of the time, participants in the study had tried multiple times to lose the weight before finally getting it right. In fact, the average weight loss (and re-gain) by individuals is 561 pounds!

This was pretty much exactly what I needed to read, since I am starting over today. Yesterday, I had a session with a Total Health and Fitness counselor, who put me on a diet and exercise problem. To quote my brother in law, it's not a diet as much as it is a total change of lifestyle. It's eating rather normal foods, but in the right proportions of carbs, proteins, and fats.

I'm not sure how many reminders I need that I need to drop my excess weight (currently back at a stocky 250), but yesterday my Dr called and informed me that I was in the "dangerously high" level of cholesterol, and I had 2 choices... Either 1, diet and exercise, or 2, meds. I choose the former. No sense becoming a walking pharmacy at age 33.

So I'm back at the beginning. I need to keep in mind that most people try this thing over and over before they get it right. This is a balanced plan that involves a moderate amount of exercise--which is already part of my lifestyle. I have the support of a great couple of friends that work out with me every morning. All I need to do is stick to the plan.

I meet with Susan a week from Friday. This is day one. I already woke up and worked out. I feel great... Now I just gotta stick to it. One day at a time.