Hi all,

I am 47 and have struggled with my weight for years. After our daughter was born (21 years ago) my thyroid gland died due to an autoimmune disorder. I still had quite a bit of the pregnancy weight on me; and considering that the doctor I went to told me if I ate only lettuce I would still gain weight due to the thyroid problem, I didn't really see the point in trying to lose weight.

However, at various times during the past 21 years I have gone on various diets, with some I would lose weight quickly and with others nothing would happen. The only down side to most of these diets was that they were quick fix diets, they had no lifestyle modification involved in them. Most of the diets left me feeling drained and then once I returned to normal eating I would gain back the weight I lost plus a few extra pounds. This viscious cycle continued on and on. It doesn't help that my favorite snack is salty foods such as chips.

A few weeks ago I decided I was tired of being too heavy and having no energy or endurance. I also decided that instead of a "diet" I was going to change my lifestyle to be healthier. I'm not following any specific plan right now, just trying to eat more sensibly. I have to admit that I have not exercised any the last two weeks due to a terrible cold, which brings me to another section of my getting healthy, quitting smoking. I have found that stopping smoking is more difficult than watching what I eat. I have still smoked occasionally even while sick due to nicotine cravings, but if I make it through today it will be my first day without a cigarette.

This morning I weighed and I have lost 10 pounds, that gave me plenty of encouragement. Then I took my measurements, I have lost 5 inches from my waist and 4 from my hips, if I count the inches lost from my arms and legs I have lost somewhere around 15 inches. That was more encouraging to me than loosing 10 pounds. I do have somewhat of a goal in my mind for what I want to weigh, but I'm not that wrapped up in a "goal weight" my main interest is to get healthier.

I look forward to participating here.