Why I Started My Weight Loss Journey

Day Four

The main reason I started this journey is to become the healthiest version of myself that I could be.  My family has a host of health issues along with obesity affecting their lives.  There is heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and numerous other health concerns just on one side of my family.  After being diagnosed with PCOS and arthritis in my foot, I decided I didn't want to have to deal with that and the other genetic health issues that so many of my beloved family has to deal with.  After a few set backs, I realized that I needed to fully commit to a brand new healthy lifestyle and not just a diet.  That was a year ago and I haven't looked back yet.  I've lost 75 pounds total and have become the healthiest I have been in a long time.  I'm looking forward to see what I can accomplish in the future.

Favorite Motivational Quote

Day 3

So there it is.  This is one of my favorite quotes.  When I was at my heaviest and had the epiphany that I needed to do something about my health, I saw this quote.  I really was making myself miserable, sad, depressed.  Now, I'm trying to put as much effort or even more into becoming a better me.  I will never go back to that old Jana.

Where I Want to Be 3 Months From Now

Day 2:  Where do I want to be in 3 months?

Three months from now, I would love to be at least 15 pounds lighter.  I also want to look back at my calendar and see that I've worked out at least 5 days a week.  (I put start stickers on my calendar to show I've exercised)  Another thing that I'm working on is having a regular weekday schedule.  I've worked from home the past 5 years and also pet sitting part time.  So, my schedule is a little off kilter.  I really need to work on this.   Financially, I'd like to have saved some money.  I signed up to become a beachbody coach and I'm hoping that by the end of March, I'll have made a little bit of extra cash.  I'm trying to be extremely frugal this year.  :)

31 Day Blog Challenge

Thanks to my WWsendthelove group, we're doing a 31 Day Challenge, so here goes:

Day 1

I'm Jana.
I'm a librarian by trade, I love animals, cross stitching, halloween, and horror.  I'm a little bit on the geeky side.  I've always had weight issues.  I recently reached my highest weight and decided I had to do something to become healthier.  I started weight watchers and am now 75 pounds lighter.  For the last two months I have been incorporating Beachbody programs into my lifestyle and absolutely love the support I get from the health groups.

Now for the fun part.

20 Facts About Me:

1.  I have a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science.  I only worked as a Librarian for 1 year after I graduated until I had to move out of state (SC) with my husband after he was transferred.  I now work as a Pet Sitter while I'm in the process of changing careers into the Health Administration/Medicial Coding/Billing field.

2.  I love reading.  Lately, I haven't had as much time as I'd like to read recreationally.  It's all textbooks for right now.

3.  I am a Southern girl living up north.  I'm originally from South Carolina, but have lived in New York for 3 years and now live outside of Philadelphia.  I want to move back South SOOO bad!

4.  I currently cancelled my WW membership and am going to try and do it on my own.  I have all the tools and know what to do.

5.  I just signed up to become a Beachbody coach.  Although I have not reached my goal, I want to help people who are struggling with their weight like I am.

6.  I really wanted to go to mortuary school – I’m fascinated by the human body and am afraid I missed my calling.

7. I have OCD. I really do. I count things and twist/pull my hair although not as bad as I used to. I actually had a bald spot at one time.

8. I love animals!

9.  I have extreme empathy. I feel other’s feelings. If I see someone crying, I start crying. If I see someone embarrassed, I become embarrassed. It’s really weird

10. I have arthritis, chronic ankle instability, and peroneal tendonitis in my feet, especially my left one. I am always worried about falling for no reason and have to watch where I’m stepping constantly. It also make walking long distances especially difficult. I am in pain quite a bit and sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning. It also makes working out difficult.

11. I have been married for almost 5 years; we met online.

12.  I grew up in the church but do not go anymore. I don’t believe in organized religion.

13. I’ve never really been sure if I wanted kids or not. They say if you’re not sure to not have any – my choice however is pretty much taken away from me since I have PCOS. I don’t want to try fertility drugs or anything like that – thankfully, my husband feels the same way. I knew this when we got married – we were both on the fence about kids.
14. I love Halloween, horror, gore, goth, the macabre, anything dark and scary!

15. I grew up in the South and miss it terribly.

16. I have three tattoos, however one has been lasered and I’m trying to figure out a cover up for it.

17. I HATE drama/dramatic people…they’re my biggest pet peeve.

18. I grew up in a single parent home. My dad left when I was four and my brother was 3 months. I still saw him regularly but it wasn’t the same

19. My mom is my best friend and confidant. I seriously don’t know what I would do without her.

20. I like to collect things and I’m always scared I’m going to become a hoarder. ;)

My Favorite Christmas Song

Losing 72 pounds

I've lost 72 pounds!!!  It's been a constant battle and it seems to be getting harder.  I also have a food addiction.  Many people will say that this is not a real addiction.  But, I beg to differ.  There are numerous scientific studies on food addiction and how people are struggling daily with the addiction. I'm definitely an emotional eater; I eat when I'm sad, happy, angry, depressed.  Now, instead of going to a pint of ice cream, I reach for the veggie sticks or some raw veggies with some fat free dip.

I'm starting this blog mostly to keep myself accountable for losing the next 70 pounds.  But, if it inspires people and I can meet some more wonderful online buddies, that's just an added bonus.