I worked in a hospital for 34 years. 17 years nursing, 17 in physical therapy. I retired last year.

I know the effects first hand of taking my health for granted. I want to have a long and active retirement.

I've never been athletic, never consistently stuck with an exercise plan. I've blamed shift work, kids and all kinds of things, but I know deep down if I make exercise a priority, it will happen. My lower back started to give me trouble the last couple of years and I haven't been able to walk as far as I used to. Arthritis in my neck and shoulders has kept me from gardening, which I've enjoyed in the past.

I want to lose 30 lbs, but at the same time, make the kinds of changes that will keep the weight off. I've never dieted, though lately, I find myself drawn to reading about them. I'm glad I found this group now, because I don't want to get on a diet roller coaster. I bought my Vitamix last fall as a retirement present for myself, and at the time was all pumped to make everything from scratch, drop the weight and magically feel bundles of energy. Instead I found I am getting obsessed with researching everything to death on the computer- what to eat, what new gadget to buy, what supplements to take... The list goes on and on.
I'm so frustrated with myself for not just getting up off my butt and doing something about it!
I guess I've spent a lifetime procrastinating, thinking there will be a perfect time to start. If not now, when?

My husband is a retired teacher, he takes medication for BP and cholesterol. We like to travel, spend time at our cabin in Northwestern Ontario, and go for walks. We live on the river, right on the border to the US and like to go canoeing. We share cooking, and I thought I was the healthier cook, but I've learned since joining Lea Ann's FB Vitamix enthusiast group that I cook with a LOT of processed food. Part of my challenge is convincing hubby to buy more real food, because he does a lot of the shopping and LOVES going through flyers to find what's on sale. (He knows for instance that I loved v8 juice- and he keeps bringing it home by the caseload! Old habits die hard. I keep telling him to check with me first, there a lot of things I can make with my Vitamix )
We have six grown children between us, and 9 grandchildren. My husband likes to keep the house and cabin stocked with pop and juice for them in case they come over. They aren't even a temptation for me, but I'd prefer to give the kids home made Popsicles and smoothies. I feel uber aware now of the junk they are putting into those growing bodies.

Thanks for starting this group, Jeff. Good health and happiness to everyone embarking on this journey together!

Hi everyone,

My name is Laura, I live in Florida but grew up on Long Island like Sandi. I bought the Vitamix a few months ago to help me make healthy foods for myself and my family, including my two daughters, ages 11 and 8. As for my weight, since I have a desk job and only exercise sporadically, I rely on my MFP food journal to keep me accountable. I would love to lose ten pounds for summer to help me look good in a bathing suit, since here in FL we go to the beach a lot! Thanks for starting this group!

I'm Wendy and am currently living in Ohio but will be moving to Florida in exactly 85 days! I started my wellness journey a little over 5 years ago. I was overweight and not happy at all with the way I looked or felt.

I joined a bible study at church called "First Place 4 Health" (biblical approach to weight loss and overall health management, which puts Christ first and improves every area of a person’s life) and that was the initial tool that jump started my weight loss. I have been slowly evolving these 5 years as I have been learning more and more about everything from nutrition to exercise and everything in between. Give or take a few pounds I am at a 50lb weight loss. This past January I FINALLY kicked the cig habit (unfortunately gained 5lbs from it, but that's a small price to pay!)

At this point in my life I am eating clean, NO processed foods! (most of the time) if I don't know what it is and can't pronounce it; I won't eat it. I am getting into natural healing through foods. I am making my own beauty products (moisturizers, lotions, soaps, make-up) because I don't want all those chemicals being absorbed through my skin. I am driving my family absolutely crazy with my quest for health but I have never felt better. I think that might be why it was so easy to quit smoking. I go to the gym religiously, 3x week I do MMA and 2x week I lift with a trainer.

My bible study uses MFP to track but I must admit I stopped using MFP a few months ago.....that is until Jeff started up this group! I'm hoping it will get me back into tracking as I believe that is a VERY important step in losing weight. I allow any friends on here to view my food diary, feel free to comment on my choices...sometimes I need to hear I'm doing it wrong! Good health to us all!

Hello, I am Danielle. I bought my vitamin for Christmas to help me clean my diet up and increase healthy foods. I have a 3.5 year old son and I need to show him how to live a healthy life. I just started a diet bet to keep myself accountable and also enjoy some fun. https://www.dietbetter.com/games/45066

Rachelle, congrats on your success so far!