Hi all!

I was first brought to this site while I was looking online for some exercise and eating tips and so far, it's been a huge help. :) I enjoy being able to look up calories to all the random foods that don't really come with them like bananas, apples, etc. It's exciting!

Why I Joined? I joined this site because when I found out I was pregnant, was laid off my job for being slow because of back problems due to my pregnancy and weight, and gained even more weight sitting around the house doing nothing, I became very depressed. I had High Blood Pressure, High Cholestrol, Back Problems, I simply loved cooking and therefore eating it all and my depression got severe enough I was turning to self-mutilation to make myself feel better. Knowing I was going to be a mom I had to step back, change those horrible habits, and become better before my baby got brought into my little world of pain and depression. I wanted to become the mom that was not hindered by fatty arms and legs to the point I didn't want to go out. I wanted my baby's firsts to be their firsts and not the day where I wondered how many people looked at the size of my hips and butt. I wanted to be able to bring a baby up with healthy dieting and living as well, so that they did not have to go through the same thing I was. If not for me, I knew I had to change for my new baby on the way.

*UPDATE* April 14, 2009

After getting closer to the end of my pregnancy, my baby is starting to gain weight too slowly. To make sure I don't have an underweight baby my doctor has told me to go back to being lazy and stop the calorie counting, eating when my body says to eat. I have no problem stopping a calorie counting diet for my unborn baby, of course, who doesn't? So over the last month or so, March and April, I have gained back all my weight. This has hindered my self esteem but seeing as my hubby is trying to help me through it and growing more and more supportive, I just look at it as, "The more I gain back, the more it's helping the baby gain, and it's more I can loose later. I'll feel that much better about myself, my diet and my story." The baby looks like it should be here within the next two weeks and I'll be back full force! but for now, I'm removing my dates on my goals reached and I will start over after the baby. I don't have forever to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Starting stats:

269 pounds, size 24-26 (US Sizes),  as of April 2009

BMI= 43.4 (Morbidly Obese)

Current Stats: (as of 03/17/2009)

___ pounds, size 24-26 (US Sizes)

BMI= ___._

Goals List

I'm going to put my larger goals in BLUE and when I completed them in RED. I'm going to put my mini goals to keep myself motivated in GREEN and when I completed them in RED.

• Get below 270 pounds
• Get below 265 pounds
  
• Get below 260 pounds
  
• Get past Morbidly Obese BMI (260 pounds) 
• Get below 255 pounds
  
• Get below 250 pounds
  
• Get below 245 pounds
• Get below 240 pounds
• Get below 235 pounds
• Get below 230 pounds
• Get below 225 pounds
  
• Get below 220 pounds
  
• Get below 215 pounds
• Get below 210 pounds
• Get below 205 pounds
  
• Get below 200 pounds
• Get below 195 pounds
• Get below 190 pounds
• Get past Severely Obese BMI (190 pounds)
  
• Get below 185 pounds
• Get below 180 pounds
• Get below 175 pounds
• Get below 170 pounds
• Get past Moderately Overweight (170 pounds)
• Get below 165 pounds ( OVER ONE HUNDRED POUND LOSS)
  
• Get below 160 pounds
• Get below 155 pounds
• Get below 150 pounds
• Get below 145 pounds
• Get past Slightly Overweight (145 pounds)
• Get below 140 pounds
• Get below 135 pounds
• Get below 130 pounds
• Get to my goal of 125 pounds
  
• Get into that sexy little dress
• Get into that sexy swimsuit
• Picture time with those sexy new outfits!
• Get a tummy tuck to remove icky excess skin
• Find a stable calorie intake and exercise program
• Maintain a new self-confidence and weight - A never-ending battle