So I've started this DietBet thing, and I guess I'd better introduce who I am!
My name is Alena, I'm 35, and I've always, always been overweight, but I've also always been pretty active. I love healthy foods, but my downfall is stress eating things like chocolate or chips. Or boneless wings. Mmmmm.
I have a wonderful husband who taught me long ago to love my body for what it is, so that when I think about weight, it's about the health aspect and not the looks aspect.... though especially when I have to go shopping for clothes the negative self-regard certainly sneaks in. I also have two amazing sons born in '08 and '06 who constantly remind me that I'm beautiful no matter my size and that true beauty is in the heart. But I'm also constantly reminded by their presence how much I want to still be around and active in 50 years.
I love walking. Love it. I used to bike a lot, but haven't really had a chance for years. However, I recently started a walking group where I go walking in a different place every day. I also try to walk my kids to school (2 miles there) daily. My goal is to be a 100 and still be active and moving around! The walking group is helping because it's keeping me accountable to actually get out even on days when it's really, really hard. I struggle with various health issues, and especially chronic fatigue, and there are definitely days when it's almost impossible. So I try to give myself a bit of grace and get going again when I can.
My daily goals are 20k steps, 8 miles, 2777.7 calories (based on BMR), 120 minutes of activity, 5 servings of fruits/veggies, and 115 oz of water. When I'm on top of it, I'm pretty good at making my goals, and it helps me feel healthy even if I am large. And when I'm not on top of it... Well, I've been working hard at not letting myself give up and picking myself back up again. That's been a big accomplishment for me, as I am an all or nothing person.
I also enjoy doing DDP Yoga, though I've not been terrible consistent lately. But it's a great program that anyone can do no matter what size. And again, it's the kind of thing I want to be doing when I'm 100!