Accountability starts with a statement of intent.

jmmcm7

Hi all, I am new to MFP and this is my statement of intent.

I haven't been a regular to diet or exercise for about 3 years and I haven't been a regular at a gym for almost 9 years.

I have decided that changes! 7 days ago I downloaded MFP. I quickly realized by not caring what I ate I was easily eating (and drinking) 2500+ calories on many days. By knowing what I eat, it is easy to eat intelligently instead of to glut. I feel better already.

I also joined a gym again. I travel a lot, and used the fact that some months I will hardly ever be home to utilize a gym as an excuse not to try. No more. On the road I can do plyometrics in the hotel, I can use the hotel gym, I can run up and down the stairs. I believe the important part is starting the habit. Now I have. Yesterday was my first day in a gym in 3 years; I did cardio. Today I am going in for a guided 'total body' weight training circuit.

I have watched the scale creep up for a long time. I am tall, and able to carry it well enough, but even that doesn't protect me from years of indulgence. Once I could see my 'spare tire' even when clothed I got down on myself. Instead of taking control, and taking action I ignored it or tried to deny how it made me feel about myself. No more.

At my best, right after college I was working out 5 days a week and eating a very lean diet of healthy food. I was 6'4'' and 195 lbs and felt great. A couple weeks ago, after a great night of friends filled with too much drinking and snacking I was 237 lbs. I was finally ready to address the problem head on.

That's where my journey starts. 237 lbs and generally unhappy with the way I treat myself, my own body. My goal is not hit and maintain 195 lbs again. For now I just want to drop to 200. I think I could get back to 195, and maybe as I get closer I will decide to try, but for now I understand I don't have the same time to commit to diet and exercise as I did back then. I don't want my health to rule my life but I want it to be synonymous with my life, a full partner if you will. I want to be healthy because it's a part of who I am, what makes me happy, and how I chose to live fully.

*Edited to ad* When I was in high school I did suffer from an eating disorder. I was 6'4'' and 155 lbs. I thought I was fat (ha!). It was so long ago I don't think it's pertinent to my current goals anymore but I firmly believe there should not be a stigma about discussing these things. If you think you even may have a problem seek help. You have friends, family, counselors, forum members that care. Being healthy mentally is just as important as being fit physically.

jbudzinski

Love the the idea of stated intent. Not sure I can put it it as eloquently as you did but I will do so none the less

__TMac__

Excellent. You determined the problem and have charted a realistic plan. All that remains is to execute and make it habitual. Best wishes!