The Changes

  There are many things I am doing in getting my body healthier, first and foremost...I'm moving!  I am challenging myself to press through pain and health issues to get to an ideal weight of 175-180 lbs.  I am currently 330 lbs and I am 5'9" and my current BMI is 48.7.  I am not setting time goals for the weight.  This is a life change, so I am going to work the process as long as I need to, to get to my goal.  And of course, even then I will have to keep a plan in motion to stay at my goal long-term.  But right now I am educating myself in fitness, nutrition, and the psychological process.  While I'm doing that I am moving, cutting calories, incorporating new foods and vitamins and minerals.  I am also cutting old habits and cutting back on what and when I eat.   Since I am not working a paid position at this time I am utilizing the track at the school near my house and walking and running.  I am hoping to be able to get a gym membership later, and also to get access to be able to swim.  This first week on the journey I've noticed  lot of pain in my right foot (like a spur pain) and in my left leg above the ankle, which I am sure is the muscles that are being stretched from walking.  I am taking an adult multivitamin, using Bragg's Organic Apple Cider vinegar, and taking 500 mg magnesium every morning!  I have cut out pain sugar from my drinks, and I'm drinking ton of water!

I am using the Accupedo app on my android phone to keep up with my progress of walking.  Although there are times I've gone walking and left the phone at the house or forgotten to turn the app on.  That is usually spur of the moment walks, or days I've gone to Wal-mart or the mall or somewhere indoors.  So far I am really enjoying the walking more than I ever have!  This will help me be prepared to be back on the treadmill full force like I was in Tennessee.  I notice that I'm pushing myself in my workouts and pressing through my goals more than I have before, but I have also been very sensitive to what my body is telling me.  For instance, I am still struggling to get to sleep at night, and still not getting the right amount of sleep each night.  I have been using Tazo tea to help relax me.  So far my favorite are Zen & Chai teas, but I'm going to keep looking at some other options in this area. 

Friends and family have also recommended that I check into getting some Melatonin or Valerian root to help me to sleep at night.  Since my body is desperately needing sleep, and that is essential in my weight loss, I will check into both of these in the next few weeks and see if that helps!  I've also updated my resume and submitted them to many places. In the meantime I am hoping I can lose 2-4 inches before I get back to work (unless one of those jobs opens up right away).  The reason for this being, I have some dress clothes in those sizes that I could use temporarily for interviews and work.  Otherwise I will have to buy some unnecessary clothes for now.  Also I am in desperate need of some new walking/running shoes. 

Even before I was overweight I have always had an issue with walking on the sides of my feet.  I've done some research this week and learned that it's supination of the foot.  The shoes I currently have are completely warn on the sides and heals and a lot of the pain I'm having now is from walking to much in those shoes.  So new shoes is a necessity, but then I need to check more into the condition to see what can be done to keep from causing permanent damage to my body!  I also have a friend who is a Beachbody Coach, and she is working with me to get started with their program and the Shakeology meal replacement once I start working.  All of the changes and taking the time to research, wouldn't have been as easy or happening as quickly if it was not for the group of people I met in line at the Biggest Loser Season 15 - Dallas Auditions.  They and those who have joined us are a wonderful support group, I couldn't do it without them!  We have our first official weigh-in on June 1st to start the journey and then we will weigh in every Saturday to see our results and to keep pushing ourselves and one another.  This is our grocery shopping week here at the house, and the family and I are hoping to make the right decisions in buying the right foods and products to make this lifestyle change.  I am hoping to be able to buy more and more organic foods and to grow more of my own foods and herbs!