lose weight/get in shape

I actually got bought a scale, not for me but to weight the cats so I can properly medicate them. I had to weigh myself so I could have a starting point, and I weight 195 lbs! I’m 5’4”, so that’s about 60 lbs overweight, more or less. Not good. Obviously, I didn’t accomplish the goal I set in November of last year, as my birthday is in 21 days. This goal is still near the top of my list. I feel it’s attainable in the next year, and very necessary.

I’ve been doing a lot of work in front of the computer, so I haven’t been getting as much exercise as I should. But I have been drinking more water and eating better, so it’s just a matter of getting more active. I’m going to be renovating the house as soon as my roommate moves out, so between that and the privacy to work out on my own I should start to see some improvement.

I finally got someone to take my measurements. Looking at them, I know I have a lot of work to do!

Height: 5 foot 4 1/2 inches
Bust (widest part of chest): 45 inches
Ribcage (narrowest part of chest): 38 inches
Waist: 34 1/2 inches
Hips: 45 inches
Thigh: 27 inches
Arm: 14 1/2 inches

My goal is to lose at least 2 inches off my ribcage, 8 inches off my waist, 7 inches off my hips, bust, and thighs, and 2-4 inches off my arms. I’d like to accomplish this by my birthday next year (December 2009). We’ll see how it goes.

Historically, winter has been a bad time for me and weight gain/muscle loss. I have a tendency to sit around a lot, bundled in a blanket watching TV, playing video games or reading a book, while munching on crackers or snack mix or other stuff. At least I’ve succeeded in quitting soda, now I drink water and Emergen-C and juice and milk.

I love to bake, and while I don’t eat something just because it’s there, I do take small samples while I’m baking to make sure they turned out right. Then, I try to give them away as fast as possible to avoid temptation.

I need to set a time to work out every day, and I need to make sure I have a good breakfast, as I tend to either forget it or eat quick ‘freezer food’ (hot pockets, lean cuisine, or pizza rolls).

I also need to record all my measurements so I have a solid starting point.

Well, I tried on jeans at the store today. I normally take size 14, but I tried on 12’s and they actually fit! Now I just need to keep on track, I have a dress I’d like to be able to wear on my birthday.

I would like to lose about 50 pounds, or at least get to a size 8, so I can be in less pain, more flexible, and can ride my horses without feeling guilty.

So far I’ve cut down on soda, I’m eating a salad a day (easy in summer), and hope to start belly dancing again.