Day 1 - Mission to get healthier and lose weight

Well...today marks the first day of Phase I of my South Beach Diet. I have had continual issues with my blood pressure since just before Parker was born. We've monitored it and then about 3 months ago my PCP decided to put me on a VERY low dose of a water pill to see if that would help. It did a little, but didn't take care of it completely. My OB/GYN decided she didn't like it where it was so she sent me to a Nephrologist friend of hers who specializes in blood pressure issues. I knew what he was going to tell me.....I knew what I needed to do....had known for a while but had just battled against doing it.



He told me just what I knew he would....Laura, if you lost some weight, your issues would probably go away immediately. You just need to exercise and lose some weight. You need to get healthier.



I KNOW!!!



I don't want my son growing up overweight the way I did. I wouldn't wish that on anyone! Now is the time that I start modeling good behaviors - healthy habits that he can begin following.



So, today I start the South Beach Diet again....I did this diet a few years ago and lost 40 pounds....but then gained it all back when I went back to eating in my familiar way. My goal is to lose 50 pounds....then I'll weigh less than I have.....well....in a LONG, LOOOOOONG time. I can do it...it just takes preparation on my part. I have to plan meals. I have to plan my lunches and snacks. I have to have my breakfast prepared ahead of time so I just grab and go. I have to make it easy on myself to eat healthy or I'll be making it easier to eat bad.



I did a modified version of the diet last week....meaning that I cheated some....and could already feel a change in my pants. But here goes nothing....I have nothing to lose but a bunch of flab! And I have so much to gain - more years with my son, more energy to play with my son, a healthier outlook, and looking positively amazing! ;-)



I'll keep myself documented on here, using this to keep myself accountable.



Oh...and here's a completely fab picture of my little man enjoying some mac and cheese yesterday at lunch:

I mean, seriously! If anyone can find the kid's wrists somewhere, I'd appreciate it! Oh...and how can one not obsess over a baby belly? He has the most amazing round belly!! :-)