The Starting Point

This is where we are now. In an effort to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles, Dann and I have decided to start this weight loss blog. Both of us need to lose at least a total of 100 pounds to be closer to a healthy weight. Together, we hope to lose a combined total of 200 pounds through diet and exercise.

I have personally, never been in "great shape." I have never been a very active person, even as a child. Finding the motivation to go workout will be my biggest challenge, especially in the cold winter months.  I did enjoy taking long walks this summer and fall outside, but unless I find a way to brave the cold, it looks like exercise will be indoor only. Luckily, our apartment complex offers a small  workout room with a couple of treadmills, elliptical, and weights for free. It isn't fancy, but much better than paying for the price of a gym membership that always seems to go unused. If Dann and I can get into the habit of working out on a regular basis and start seeing results, we will consider upgrading to a nicer gym membership, but we need to instill the habit first.

I have been able to lose a considerable amount of weight before through diet, so I am not worried about that. My problem, like others, is maintaining a healthy weight after weight loss. I lost a considerable amount  of weight the summer between middle school and high school doing the Atkins diet. However began slowly gaining that weight back. After beginning a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle change about two years ago,  I lost about 40 pounds, but after stopping that last year, I have gained that weight plus another 30 or so back. I am now that the heaviest weight of my life and I am ready to make a change for good! I am so glad that I have Dann on my side, making this change too!

Initial Weigh-in and Starting Photos

December 4th, 2013
Starting Weight: 272 lbs

I probably could have taken the time to comb my hair for these pictures.