Hi readers (aka myself, for the time being)!
I signed up for this program two days ago after having experimented with quite a few other nutrition/food logging/calorie counting/exercise tracking sites. Most of the time I was into the idea for a few days and then quickly forgot about all of my goals that I was "determined" not to give up on. I'm hoping this time it will be different.
I am an incoming junior in college-- 20 years old, 5 foot 4, 140 pounds. Not necessarily what someone would call overweight. My BMI is the top of the normal range for my age and height and I don't feel like a "fattie" (most days!). In general I am content with the way I look (although who wouldn't love to always have a flat stomach and skinny legs?) however I do know that over the course of two years I have gained the "freshman 10 or 15". So this is my secondary goal-- to lose what I gained and go back to my 125-130 pound senior-year-in-highschool self.
My PRIMARY goal, however, is not to simply lose weight. I want to make lifestyle changes that can last and make me feel like an overall healthier person. A few of my friends are already living this way (vegetarian or eating lots of fruits and vegetables, exercising frequently, etc) and I want to feel as if the choices I am making in my life and the things I am doing are helping me become better, not worse.
Growing up I danced four days per week and didn't have to worry about what I ate. Now that I am not dancing as frequently (especially in the summer when I don't have my dance club to attend) I am finding it difficult to stay motivated on an exercise plan for more than a few days. I took a step today though-- I went running! I'm not too good but I have gone a few times this summer and it is really something I want to keep doing as much as possible before I go back to school. Once I return to school I plan on using the gym machines more simply because campus is hilly and I would feel more comfortable inside. I also want to try spinning at school and pilates (which I attended last year and loved!) however at home it is more difficult to find these classes. I do have pilates videos at home that I plan on pulling out one of these days. I am hoping that I will be able to find the motivation to start exercising regularly, even though I am busy (in the summer, working three jobs and at school, juggling a nursing program, being an RA, studying, classes, work... the list goes on).
As far as nutrition goes, I am still learning. I have cut out soda from my diet (most times I don't even want it anymore) and try to drink juices very sparingly (I am learning to like water more and more). I do drink, maybe once every week or two, which is something I want to try to make healthy choices about because those things are a lot of unnecessary calories. I am determined to start eating more fruits and vegetables and less "crappy" snacks. My only concern is that I am unsure if I have a dairy or gluten intolerance and so along the way I will also be trying to figure out the deal with my stomach issues. I just want to eat the right things and get into better shape.
PHEW.
So that's my background, I guess. I plan on this blog being a way for me to document the ups and downs, my great successes and when I "fail"... I'm really hoping I won't just give this up. Today I feel motivated and I'm hoping that tomorrow, and the next day, and the next... I will too. We'll see! I doubt anyone as of now is reading this so it's going to be just for me to write and reflect on, but if anyone is reading and wants to give me hints or tips, encouragement, anything-- feel free! I'd appreciate it =)
Peace!
