Where we are and why now?

 Now that I have shared a little of our history and my perception of where the culture is, I want to share where we are and why we are starting a life overhaul now.

The Boys!
One of my sons started high school this year and the other will begin next year.  My pediatrician had always thought the boys may "magically" drop the weight when they hit puberty.  They have not.  My oldest son went over 300 pounds this fall, and we were both shocked and overwhelmed.  When our doctor told me he could lose 100 pounds and still be considered overweight, I wept.  Also, the boys are asking to lose weight.  They are getting more interested in girls and socializing and yet neither (my oldest in particular) feel comfortable in social settings.  While I never want my kids to think that being popular in high school is important in the big scheme of things, it does matter.  I was very unpopular in high school, and I know the scars never completely go away.

The Practical!
If you have ever tried to seriously diet for a long period of time, you know it is very time-consuming.  For the first time in twenty-five years, I find myself not working outside the home.  I have the time and energy to dedicate to meal planning, grocery shopping, calorie counting, label reading and exercise coordination and transportation.

The Vanity!
While I have never been obese, I have struggled with my weight since my mid-thirties.  Age seemed to seriously change my metabolism, and I have spent the last twenty years gaining ten pounds and losing five constantly back and forth.  Since I lost my job last spring, I have gained almost forty pounds.   Forty pounds in seven months shocked me.  I know I am never going to have the confidence to reenter the work force if I don't feel better about myself.  I need to make a serious commitment to weight loss.  I think it will be a great adventure to all get thinner and fit together. 

The Food!
I spent much of December researching diets, eating plans and fitness programs.  After talking with the boys, we have chosen the Food Lovers Fat Loss Eating Plan.  We saw the infomercial and were all interested.  Although I am generally skeptical of any infomercial product, this seems like a good fit.  There is no special food to eat or order, there is no counting, and it is easy to include or exclude certain foods.  When I got the Food Lovers kit, I realized that the plan is really just a accumulation of the common sense weight loss tips I have heard for years.  What I like about the plan is that it introduces lifestyle changes one at a time, so it isn't overwhelming for the kids.  There is also a lot of support including daily audio tips, cookbooks, snacking guidelines and journals.  We started the plan 10 days ago.  The boys have learned the system and while they make mistakes sometime (we all do), they are getting the hang of it and are aware of what they should be eating.  In addition, I am using Sensa (the miracle appetite reducing sprinkle).  Sensa is not approved for children under 18, so the boys are not using it.

The Fitness!
The boys are both winter athletes.  One is on the varsity swim team and the other is on the middle school wrestling team.  They both have practice for about 90 minutes five days a week.  In addition, they are both working with a youth trainer at the YMCA.  She does a personalized work out with them that includes cardio and strength training.  Also, Richard takes a one hour private tennis lesson once a week and two forty-five minute private golf lessons each week.  By April, he will also be playing at least nine holes of golf at least twice a week.  Jack takes two one-hour private tennis lessons each week and does a two-hour group tennis clinic once a week.  We live on a beautiful residential street and the boys are often playing touch football, pick up basketball, or man hunt on the weekends.  Needless to say, they are incredibly active.

My fitness plan includes two sessions of beginner boot camp at a community center, two zumba classes and one pilates class each week.  I would love to include a walk with my dogs every day, but until spring, I think that is unlikely.

We have lots of rewards and incentives.  The first person to lose 5% of his/her body weight gets a $15.00 gift card.  First person to lose 10% of his/her body weight gets $25.00.  My mother has added the rewards of $50.00 for the first person to lose 25 pounds and $100.00 for the first person to lose 50 pounds.

Our Goals!

All of our goals are four steps and are as follows:

Richard:  15 pounds, 35 pounds, 60 pounds, and finally 80 pounds.

Jack:  12 pounds, 25 pounds, 40 pounds, and finally 60 pounds.

Me:  8 pounds, 18 pounds, 28 pounds, and finally 40 pounds.


Here we go!  Wish us luck and come back to follow our progress.  We need your comments and support to be successful.