Beginning with a Struggle

So today is day one of my plan. I can not say that it didn't start off with a struggle. I got up this morning and my first instinct is to pick up a bowl of cereal and start munching. It took me a moment of me looking in the fridge for the milk for me to realize that at the moment I'm supposed to be on a strict diet.
For the next two weeks the "Do Not Eat" list is pretty large:
1. Margarine
2. Sugar
3. Oils or Fats (except Flaxseed Oil)
4. Grains, Bread, and Cereal
5. Starchy Veggies like Potatoes
6. All Dairy
This is definitely going to be a challenge for me. Eating sweets has never been a huge desire for me but all the sudden it's like because I know that eating them is a sin, I want it even more. Even now I have the temptation to lunge over at the brownie bites that my mom's boyfriend keeps near the computer... Don't worry though, I will restrain myself  and wait to eat till my next meal time... haha.
As for exercise I've already done my set ups and "girly" push ups (I have to work myself up to being able to do them regularly again), Billy Blanks 30 minute workout, and I plan on taking a long walk later in the day. Overall, I think it's been a great start. We'll see how I hold out for these next two weeks :)

Time For Something New

Dear Readers,
     I think I am finally to the point in my development In Christ to be confident with the person God has created me to be. That being said, I would like to inform you of a change of pace in my Blog entries. As of Monday, I am beginning a new stepping stone in my life.
       I am 21 and will be turning 22 in February, 5'8 and currently weigh in at 380lbs. I am not ashamed of this as I have not let this affect my life style. Also, even though many Christians believe that part of being a good Christian is taking good care of your body (as the temple… which I am not entirely opposed to when the bible verse isn't being used to condemn)  I have a strong belief that your weight is NOT a reflection of your faith and who you truly are. Let me be clear… only God can be the judge of the matters of the heart. My reasons for wanting to lose weight is mainly for health reasons.  I have realized that  at age 25 my metabolism will start to slow down which will make it even harder to lose weight, then harder still once I start having children. Also, a wide range of health problems including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes run in my family. I have none of these but would like to avoid having to deal with it when I get older.  According to the Military, the healthy weight for someone my height is 160 lbs. I have estimated that in the course of 3 years I need to lose 220lbs.
Why am I telling you all this?
     I will begin chronicling my journey to a healthy lifestyle. I will share both my struggles and my triumphs as they come along and pictures of my progress once a month. Part of the reason for me blogging my journey is for accountability and to encourage myself and others who might be going on the same journey. My problem with changing my lifestyle is never knowledge, it is always implementing the information.  I hope you will support me on my journey  as it will definitely be a difficult one however rewarding.
     I will be doing this as healthy and natural as possible. I will also be doing this WITHOUT expensive dieting programs such as weight watchers. I have found that they are a complete waste of money especially when you have all the tools you need at home. All the information and resources are out there, you just need to know where to look. For me, I will be using second hand books, work out videos (Billy Blanks Boot Camp, Pilates with Denise Austin,  or whatever I find on the internet), and I also have TCC's gym at my disposal.
The Plan!!!
Reading materials I will be using:
1. The Fat Flush
2. The Eat Clean Diet
Exercise routine:
1. 1 day off a week (Sunday)
2. Everyday will start off with stretching, push-ups, and crunches (no matter what I'm doing)
3. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Cardio
1. Running, Jogging, or walking
2. Pilates, Yoga, or Swimming
4. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: Weight Training
1. Tuesday: Upper body
2. Thursday: Both (main focus is the core)
3. Saturday: Lower Body
      Now that you know my plan, I look forward to blogging again on Monday… Until then, God Bless!