Well, I have been doing this for about a month now. I dont want to call it a diet because it isn't...it is a new lifestyle. Besides losing weight and becoming healthier, my biggest inspiration is my daughter. She is the light of my life and she will be one next month. I want to be a good example for her. I want her to grow up knowing that eating right and exercising should be a way of life so hopefully she will never have to struggle with dieting and weight. She is the reason that no matter how many times I cheat or gain a pound, I know that I will not give up this time because she is worth it. When I got on the scale this morning I weighed 178. I want to lose at least 30 pounds by the end of the summer (more would be great, but I want to be realistic). I want to be able to put on a bathing suit this summer and take my daughter swimming for the first time. I am doing a combination of calorie counting and working out. I walk for at least 30 minutes per day, but often for an hour. I also do ab training with my fitness ball and resistance training. Hopefully I have found a place to help make things a little easier.

[SIZE="3"]I don't know about easier,but it makes it bearable to share your failure(because we all have them from time to time!) and your good times! I hope you will find what you are looking for on here. Everyone is great. The support is awesome and really helps me keep going. Visit everyone's diary too. It helps. You get different ideas and helpfulness. Plus it's fun. Welcome to the forum!!

Alicia welcome.......

There is a great group of people here to help you along........... You plan looks great. 30 pounds by summer; here that starts about June so thats about 6 months away. So 5 pounds a month is very obtainable. I see you doing it in much less time as long as no major weight loss plateaus jump in your way. I guess the main thing is the smaller you get the harder it will be to lose so don't give up; been there done that........

Welcome again and hello to little one.....

Hey Alicia,
It's good you started a diary
Welcome to the WLF and good luck to you as your reach your goals!