I'm going to make a statement:

I'm a yo-yo dieter. All my life I have seemed to gain, lose, gain lose, gain, lose... you get the idea.

I have struggled with weight all my life and recently made the commitment that by the time I was 40, I would be my ideal weight. Well........ that hasn't happened-yet.
I turn 41 this September and I'm joining my sister in the journey down the path of en-lighter-ment. <----- get it? "Lighter"-ment... (giggle) I have my NutraSystem to finish up, and by then Ill have this 'buying local' and 'organic' thing down pat. I'm reading up on great dishes, and (it may sound funny) I made a Rachel Ray dinner the other night and the whole family loved it! It couldn't have gone better! I'm pledging to: *stick faithfully to my weight loss plan *buy at least $10.00 worth of local produce weekly (FoodRoutes.com)
*research recipes to try- and have my kids help more with making it! (they love to cook)

I'm going to make it easy on myself so that I will stick to this. The more I add, the more overwhelmed I get. I need Simple, Easy, Manageable Chunks.
This is my famous Cod Cakes and Smashed Potatoes recipe from Rachel Ray! And on our 9th anniversary, no less! We had dinner by candlelight and fresh flowers! (My flash made it look bright) Anyone can join me and "pledge" to work on something! Maybe you've been meaning to write a letter to an older relative, maybe go visit someone special, maybe exercise more, could be anything!
Come join me and let me know what you want to "pledge" for the summer! I'll keep you posted on my progress and you can too!

Confessions on Day 22

I wasn't sure when I would come out and tell you all...but no reason why I shouldn't today.

I am excited to say I have joined Nutrisystem.

Yes, the ones Larry the Cable Guy, Marie Osmond, Tony Orlando and other celebrities have joined.
Reasons why I joined were numerous:

• get my body back in shape
• back problems getting worse with so much weight on me
• want to have more energy
• help my knee out
  
• want to be active for Cope and Tierney
• want to feel sexy, alive, energized, young...again
• want to wear the cute clothes I have, not the 'fat shorts' and oversized t-shirts that cover up my fat
• be able to go to any store and buy any clothes and have them fit
  
• want to be able to wear a bathing suit and feel good, not embarrassed
• want to fit into a M/L shirt, not L/XL
  
• want to try skiing, water sports and hiking again
• so I won't have to wear sweats again because nothing else fits! <--you all know this is true!
  

So, I started last Thursday (yes, before Easter) and just finished up my first week on the program. I will say the food is great, filling, and already made for me! The program comes with a food log and you include fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein and of course dessert! I haven't eaten anything I don't like yet, and that is the truth!
The Nutrisystem website is literally chock full of great recipes, ideas, helpful hints and most importantly- people going through the same things I am. (I sound like a commercial!)
So....I will also be posting my progress on here every now and then, as well as our family news.
Wish me good luck!
Here is a 'starting' picture of me-UGH.