This is the beginning

Okay, so I've decided to start a blog to help keep me on task while I struggle my way through the process of losing weight.  I am not a writer, I am a Home Stager.  I'm a horrible speller so you'll have to excuse my many mistakes as we move on.  I also tend to over use :):):), so I'm sorry if that bothers you.  I'm going to lay out my plan to lose weight and try to track my progress, downfalls, and successes along the way.

GOALS:
     Be Healthy - with heart disease on both sides of my family (Mom and Dad both have heart problems) this is very much on the forefront of my brain, and since I have the tire around the tummy, it is very likely in my future if I don't change something soon.
     Lose weight - according to the guidelines I need to lose somewhere between 40-50 lbs.
     Like what I see in the mirror
     Not Break the Bank - I know I need to be healthier, but I also need to be out of debt.
     Set a good example for my kids - I figure by being healthy that helps my kiddos.  One they will have a good role model for their lives, and two I will be here in the long run to support, love and cherish them.

So here is my plan:
Food -
I am a mom of three and I can't say that I'll never have another slice of pizza or an order of fries, in fact I would rather stay over weight than say that :).  However I can say that when cooking at home I will make choices that will promote the overall health of me and my family.  Here are the guidelines I plan to follow:
     Low Fat - which means 93% fat free ground beef, leaner meats, low fat sour cream, and cutting fats whenever possible.
     Low Carb - not no carb, but LOW carb.  I will choice whole grains, less sugar, no high fructose corn syrup, and any other carb I can get rid of
     Low sodium - I have Heart Disease in my family, and since I'm not one to add a lot of salt to anything but french fries anyway (which I shouldn't be eating), this should not be an issue.
     Tasty - I have to make sure things taste good or I will FAIL.  I love food, I spend much of my time thinking about food and when it doesn't taste good I will cheat. 
      Kid Friendly - Everything I make must ultimately pass the kid inspection.  I don't plan to make them eat broccoli every night, however I also will not be making two meals so if I make broccoli it will likely be accompanied or combined with something they will eat like CHEESE :)  I can then disguise it enough for them to eat it. 
     Less Processing - So the more I read, or watch about healthy eating I am buying into the less processed, more whole food theory.  I can't say I'm going to personally prepare every item on my menu, but I will be very aware of the things that I buy. 

Exercise -
Okay so exercise is NOT my favorite thing!  Maybe I should say that again, EXERCISE IS NOT MY FAVORITE!!!  However, I do enjoy Zumba (I was a dancer when I was a kid), but since our current budget does not allow for our gym membership it's not as fun without the class.  I do have one of the DVD sets though, so that will help.
So the plan is to exercise 3-4 times a week.  I am hoping to get the p90X for my birthday in February, but I will work on my Zumba.  That being said I can not start exercising  until January 13th (due to Dr. orders after a minor surgery in December).  I also would like to do better at walking outside, and riding my bike.

Not Breaking the Bank -
So every time I am at the grocery store and try to chose healthier choices, I tend to spend more money. Well, recently I have been doing really well price matching sales at Walmart, and combining with coupons. I can't say I'm a coupon guru by any means, or that I've been "paid" to grocery shop, but I have noticed a HUGE decrease in my grocery budget. So my plan is to continue to use these strategies but towards leaner meats, fresher fruits and vegetables, as well as for the other stuff (shampoos, soaps, etc.)
I also don't currently have a gym membership.  I had one for 5 1/2 years and cancelled it in December due to budget constraints, the reason for all of this not to break the bank.  I have not plan to get a new membership as we didn't really utilize it effectively anyway.  So I'll have to use my DVD's and the great outdoors for my exercise program.

I will also NOT be joining a weight loss program.  I have contemplated it, and looked into several however they cost money.  Money I don't have.  Which brings me to this blog.  I need some accountability.  I also need ideas, and motivation and most of all someone to tell about all my struggles. 


So there you have it, the goals, the plan, and the reasons.  I hope some of you out in the World will follow my jouney to keep me accountable and maybe we can help each other if you happen to be on a similar road to a lesser you :):):)