Observations of my Year on MFP

soccermom004

About this time last year I took a good look at myself and decided I needed to make some changes. My size 8 pants no longer fit and I was struggling to button my size 10's. Nothing fit right and I felt terrible and tired all the time. I dieted for a week before I weighed myself because I was afraid of the number. When I finally got on the scale I weighed 160 pounds, the most I ever weighed, and officially overweight according to bmi.

I am a busy mom with four kids, a husband, and a full-time job. Like many of you I had every excuse in the book not to exercise and eat right. I decided to make it a priority. I set my alarm for 5am and exercised before school. At first I could barely do a 30 walking cardio workout without getting dizzy and feeling like I as going to puke. Now I can run four miles!! I exercise at least 5 time a week and actually miss it when I don't. Do I like getting up at five? No! But I make it a priority. We find time for what is important!! Also I don't have the money to join a gym. You CAN get a good workout without joining a gym and spending a lot of money. A few dvd's and a set of small weights, some decent shoes and your good to go!

I friend told me about MFP and I started logging my food. Keeping track of what you eat is crucial. Now that I am maintaining I don't always log my food but if I see the scale move in the wrong direction I do. Keeping track of not just calories but what I ate was huge. Lots of fresh fruit, veggies, and lean protein!!! What you eat is 80% of the equation, much more important than exercise for weight loss.

Getting a group of sportive people on here is a tremendous help. Sure you can do it on your own but having people cheer you on a for you to cheer on really helps. Use this site to your full advantage.

It took me about 6 months to lose 40 pounds. I feel great and don't ever plan on going back. I still have to work hard everyday but the benefits are worth it. People still ask me how I did it and I love telling them. I have been an example to my own children as well as my students. I am teaching by example. My daughter saw a commercial the other day saying that over 40 you lose muscle mass every year and she said "Mom, I think you have gained muscles mass not lost it" and she is right!!

So here's to 2012. May you achieve all you health and weight loss goals!! I hope to continue to firm and tone what I have and maintain my weight through this new year!!

mathlete99

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. You are right, we make time for what is important. Continued success and growth for you in 2012!

Hourglass25

: You are such a great inspiration, very proud to have you as part of my MFP family :flowerforyou: