The Carlsons get healthy...

Nick and I have been talking, and we have decided that 2012 is going to be the year that the Carlsons start taking a healthier approach to life. From food to activity to everything. We are both overweight, and we are tired of being this way. It is such a hard thing to take control of, but I know we can do it.

I have been in serious need of weight loss for a long time now. It's pathetic to blame it on anything other than myself and my love of eating. I often find myself eating when I am bored, sad, etc. NO MORE. I can't be truly happy with myself this way, and I haven't been for awhile now...even before I got pregnant. Pregnancy just helped me hide it. It is such a shame that I can't be one of those people who can "eat whatever they want" and still be skinny. 32 years later...I am finally coming to grips with it and truly acknowledging it. Sad, but true.

Losing weight is a difficult thing to do, as many of you know, but it's necessary for me RIGHT NOW. I come from a family with heart disease and diabetes to start with, and if that's not enough, we also have cancer and hypertension among many other things. I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome...look it up) before my pregnancy, and I had gestational diabetes. Can you say scary?!? That should be the only wake up call I need to hear. Don't you think? But...there's more.

I also know that Ryker deserves to have parents who can keep up with him and not feel tired all the time. I can't wait to run and play with him. Take him swimming. Play soccer. Ride bikes. Be more active in general. I am also ready to want to clothes shop again some day and feel good about it when I leave the store and when I wear the clothes I bought. It's been quite awhile seen that's happened for me. Not to mention the overall feeling better about myself part. Weight loss is such a great ego booster!

I started back on Weight Watchers about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and I have already lost 7 pounds on it. The Points Plus program is a bit different from what I was used to from 2008 when I did it, but I am adjusting and enjoying feeling healthier already. It's nice to be hungry before a meal. :) I am also trying to add in activity most days of the week...mostly walking with Ryker. Today we went on a family bike ride, and I have also been doing some Country Dance on the Wii. I have a long way to go, but it's a start.

I would appreciate any support, helpful tips, words of weight wisdom, and healthy recipes anyone has to pass along. Hopefully next time you see me I'll be looking healthier, happier, and hotter. :)