Preparation Stage of Change

I'm in the Preparation stage of change, transitioning into Action.

My husband told me I looked like I was gaining weight, my newest fat pants (size 16 are tight), and I'm getting winded after the slightest activity.  I'm not healthy.

It was scary but I finally stood on the scale and took my measuring tape out.  I knew I was fat, but I had no idea just how bad I'd become.

Weight:  199.5
BMI:  34.2 (obese)
Waist:  44 inches
Hips:  48 inches
Thigh:  25 inches (I remember when my waist was smaller than this!)

My BMI of 34.2 has me at moderate obesity.  Only four more pounds would put me at severe obesity.  I need to lose 25 pounds just to be considered overweight.  And I need to lose 54 pounds to be considered a healthy weight (but at the upper limit).  Ideally, I should lose about 75 pounds.

I need to make the following changes

1.  Be active - 30-60 minutes of moderate intensity cardio 4-6 days per week plus resistance training 2-3 days per week; starting with low to moderate intensity intervals until I can get my stamina up.  Include AMT, Zumba, walking, and cycling.  Also incorporate flexibility training - try YRG for flexibility and muscular improvements.

2.  Eat healthy - eat things made in nature, try to eliminate processed food.

3.  Drink water - stop the sodas and switch to water.

4.  Sleep - in bed by 11pm, at least 6 hours, preferably 8 hours of sleep

5.  Reduce stress

These are basic changes.  I'm not going to stay up and write out long term and short term goals right now.  But I do need to change.

1.  I signed up at Big Vanilla.  It's probably the most expensive gym around here, especially at $20/kid/mo for childcare but it's close and right next to my school.

2.  I ordered the Yoga for Real Guys (DDP Yoga) DVDs to do at home.

3.  I stopped buying mountain dew and junk food and I'm drinking water.

4.  And I'm in bed now, ready for an 11:30pm bedtime.  Still later than I want, but better than nothing.

I didn't do a lot today.

3 sets of 5 - pull ups, dips, (assisted at level 20) and push ups.  Sadly, these went to failure - 5 wasn't just an arbitrary number.  I had the maximum assistance and I could barely do 5 of each exercise.

How I feel:  moody, irritable, tired, lazy, poor concentration, overwhelmed - but still happy overall.

Physical:  headaches, breaking out like crazy, bloated, skin rash, cough, winded easily, heart pounding

Cravings:  mozarella cheese balls with italian seasoning, olive oil, and tomatoes