Day One

So this is where I am now. These photos were taken a few weeks ago, Tanner and his friends and I went on a brewery tour. I don't like the way I look in these photos, and I'm going to change that.

I am 5'8" and weigh approximately 236 pounds. I'm not going to worry so much about my weight as much as my waist line, Dr. Oz points out that belly fat is what makes you unhealthy. So tonight at 10:00 p.m. my waist was 48 inches, that's a size 20 woman's jeans. I gained three pounds or so over the holidays, but other then that I haven't gained any weight since August. I get winded walking uphill across campus. I've never been strong, but since I broke my foot in September I feel like I have been less active and become weaker physically.

I am ready to stop doing this to myself. I gained the weight in China and the months following my return to Seattle. I was homesick and then became depressed about the fact that I was homesick and the choices I had made. But I haven't been able to lose the weight. I am not experiencing any health effects, but I know the longer I carry the weight the more likely this will become.

I am moving to Japan with Tanner in August or maybe September. I am a big girl to begin with and I feel that I just can't be fat in Japan. I won't fit anywhere! It would make me feel uncomfortable in many places. I will also be done with college and ready to try new things, and to work full time. I need to be fit and have more energy.

So I'm going to lose the weight. I know a lot about nutrition and how to lose weight. I am also following some great blogs written by people who have lost weight naturally. And also some blogs about women who lift weights. I can do this. And since I'm on the computer all day, I might as well use this as my journal. I will be able to look back and see how I'm doing and to show everyone my accomplishments.