I have decided that I am not happy with my body. I am all rolls, soft flab, and extra chins. I used to love my body, and it wasn’t so long ago I fit into regular sized jeans. Jeans that were NOT from the “fat ladies” store. You know, THAT store. The one in the mall that only carries plus-sized clothes. I am telling myself and the world that I have had enough. I deserve a body that I can be happy with. A healthier body, a non-double-chinned body, a body that I am not embarrassed to wear a bathing suit in, a body that is less rolly and more curvy, a body that can function better because it is carrying around less weight, a body that can be a more efficient machine.
“But how will you miraculously no longer have this body and suddenly have the body you want?” you ask.
I’m glad you asked that question.
It will not be a miracle but rather months (years) of hard work, excercise and self-restraint.
You want the “What, Why and How”?
What: I started a Couch to 5K program. This is very scary for me. It took all the courage I had to commit to it, and then to share this openly with others. Couch to 5K is a program that helps folks like me who mostly lead sedentary lives to take action and slowly over several months, build even stamina to run a 5k. (They have a website here. ) Hopefully this will help me along my weight-loss journey.
Why: According to most weight charts, for my height, I am morbidly obese. Oh god, just saying that out loud is shocking. My short-term goal is to lose 15 lbs. Once I meet that goal then I will set a new goal. Ultimately, I need to lose between 70 and 80 lbs when everything is said and done.
How: I am walking with friends once a week (at least 2 miles), doing Zumba once a week, and running/jogging by myself 3 times a week (starting with 2 miles and adding more as I build stamina). That is my plan for exercise. My plan for calorie restriction is to tract my food using the LiveStrong website ( click on over and check them out here). I am allotted 1500 kCal a day. I have logged my food for the past few days and it has really helped me become more aware of what is going into my mouth everyday. Did I mention it’s free? There will be a future post on how much I love the website and it’s features.
So that’s my plan. I know with the holidays right around the corner, I will be tempted to eat pie, stuffing, cookies and candy canes. And honestly, I know I will give in every now and then. But at least I have a plan in place. Wish me luck. .

Go Team Sew Rad!!! You are amazing. And you can sooo do this. And I’ll be working it out right along with you.
Go Team Sew Rad, Go! I am so glad we are doing this together.
Couldn’t ask for more encouraging team mates and friends!
That’s awesome! You will do great!!! I’m very tempted to join in and get back in shape. I ran in high school and felt so good then. I think it important for moms to care for themselves physically, nutritionally, and emotionally. Have fun with this =)
You can do it, Carolyn!! I know how hard it is to be at a place where you are ashamed of your own body. But it takes some serious stones to not like the way something is and to work hard to change it. I have so much respect and admiration for anyone with that amount of self determination! I can’t wait for you to start seeing the changes you are working so hard for.
Congrats girl! I know you will do amazing! Good luck! Im rooting for you!
Let me know if you ever need a jogging buddy!
I would love a jogging buddy! Does evening hours work for you? I will message you!
Carolyn, I am so happy for you and honored to be part of your plan!!
1500 calories does NOT have to mean hungry or deprived! While my 1500 is always satisfying & nutritious, it also always includes some chocolate!! 
By the way, remember if you ever want another set of eyes to help with your daily intake, I am happy to help there too.
See you ‘on the dance floor’ Friday! <3
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