Insanely Genius on a Mission!

For the past 3 years or so, I've been on a rollercoaster when it comes to weight loss (and as of late, weight gain). I've tried every diet on the planet, all sorts of supposed weight loss miracle pills, diet supplements, workouts...you name it, I've tried it. But ultimately, the only thing that TRULY ever worked for weight loss was simply: eating clean and regular exercise. Seriously!

For over a year I would workout at the gym - sometimes 7 days a week, for at least an hour or two. I lost weight, but very slowly (if at all) because I didn't really watch what I ate. It was as if I negated my hard work by eating a chocolate bar or ice cream afterwards. Then I started experiencing panic attacks at the gym. The doctor said it was anxiety and gave me Xanax to take before working out. The stupid drug only made me worse, so I stopped taking it after 10 days...and ultimately stopped going to the gym. Needless to say, I haven't had any panic attacks since! (knock on wood). However, I have gained a LOT of weight since then. 240.6 lbs. Yes, that is what the scale said when I stepped on it on Sunday. When I tell people my weight, they are shocked and a lot of them say, "No way! But you carry the weight well!" Ummm yeah...on my @$$, hips, thighs and tummy! I developed plantar fasciitis and now my back is beginning to HURT! :s

My firm recently issued a company-wide 12-week Health and Wellness challenge where the grand prize for individual weight loss (and fat loss, I suppose) is $1000. There is also a team prize of another $1000 for the team that does the best. I was somehow elected team captain, and now my job is to make sure my team eats at least 5 servings of fruits and/or veggies a day. I think that having an entire group of people motivating and encouraging one another to live healthier lives will help me become more motivated to workout and eat right again.

An old saying goes, "He who fails to plan, plans to fail." This time...I have a plan. I am going to log EVERYTHING that I eat and drink. I will measure everything I eat. I will eat CLEAN as much as possible (no more sodas, processed foods) and make most of my meals. I will exercise at least 30 minutes a day; whether it be walking, a workout video or what not (yes, I will build up the courage to go back to the gym again), I will do it BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

I know it's going to be a long hard road, and the 12 week challenge is just the beginning. By next year, on my birthday, I want to say that I am half of my current self! Go Me go! :)