New to MFP -- my intro...

I've never been the athletic type, through high school, my exercise was working on my parents farm, no extracurricular activities other than a couple of clubs. I've NEVER been trim (even in childhood), and now that I'm approaching the big 5-0, it's perfectly clear that while I've been healthy (nothing chronic, no meds etc.) I need to pay attention to my body a bit more. In 2001 I dropped the smoking of 20+ years and never looked back.

I've always been relatively active around home, but not what I would call "in shape". I built our home (literally) so I guess that would make me be an extreme DIY'er. My father had quad by-pass surgery in his early 70's and most of his family has had cholesterol and heart issues. He had heart issues in the military and was discharged with disability. Up to 70ish he worked HARD on the farm and kept most health issues at bay. Mom has had cholesterol issues as well...but for the most part she's pretty healthy. (knock - knock, health issues calling....)

In the past couple of years I've participated in kick boxing classes and found it was not sustainable with my family's schedule. My goals are to get into better physical shape and find some thing that is sustainable into the future.

Through work we have a group that's tracking our fitness progress, and find it really helps to have just a little bit of accountability to others doing the same thing. I've been watching what I'm eating, cut out all sodas, and choose not to eat nearly all fried foods. I'm adding tons more fruit and veggies into my diet and find that I LOVE green smoothies for breakfast. There is a place locally where I can exercise 3 days a week during lunch time and the best part is that it does not impact my family time. It included a full blood work up (all indicators came back in range) and a full stress test. I now have a plan to move forward....so off we go.

Things are going well and here's to a healthy future!