Reality check

I've been telling myself for a few months that I have to get myself back in shape. In 2007 I lost almost 40 pounds and felt GREAT! I was working out daily and could see a definite difference with the shape of my body and was able to wear my so called "skinny jeans" again.  I was about half way to my goal when during the summer of that year, I went through some emotionally tough times, mostly involving my career and turned to my friend Mr. Food for comfort.  Before I knew it, I was where I am now, borderline obese with high cholesterol. 

Back in 2007, during my times of motivation, I found this really awesome website to use as a tool; http://www.calorie-count.com/ . This site let you track your food consumption, totals your calories and you can even log your exercise and it tracks the calories burned. It helps you set target goals and recommends the amount of calories you should consume and burn each day to reach your goals. The good thing is, it's set up to give you realistic goals so the weight loss is gradual and healthy.  You can even add food facts from labels or local stores not already in their database so you can have an accurate accounting. For example, here in the PA area, we have a convenience store called WAWA (named after a dairy farm in the town of Wawa PA which used to deliver milk door to door and it's heaven on earth).  If you have nitrition information, you can add it to the website so the next time you stop for that Wawa coffee in the morning, or that shorti italian hoagie with pickles and light mayo (YUMMY), you can log it all in!

Yesterday, I logged on to this site for the first time in about a year, telling myself I needed to do this again for myself. I need to mindful of every bit of food I put in my mouth. And let me tell you, it was a complete REALITY CHECK. I had packed my lunch yesterday and planned dinner, and had absolutely no idea how many calories I had arranged for myself to consume until I saw it, written down on from of me. Goodness! No wonder I've been feeling FAT (not PHAT), sluggish and just down right in the pits! 

Today begins the realistic goals....planning in advance.....and getting up off the couch and moving!  I have to do this for myself and for my family. Mostly for myself.  I can do this...I can succeed, I've done it before.  I have the tools, I just have to stay motivated. 

So if you are like me and struggle with your weight, or food, or exercise or you are healthy and just want an additional tool to help you maintain your weight and exercise routine, give this webiste and try and let me know what you think of it.

I'm off to have my tomato soup with low fat croutons for lunch....255 calories thank you very much, not to mention DELICIOUS.  I'll be sure to post updates as my transformation continues....