Resolution Challenge

38 % of Americans make a New Year's resolution to lose weight. The number 1 resolution every year is for a form of self-improvement. Well my friends, I am about to become just another statistic. This decision was a long time coming. Back story...
My whole life I have been an athletic, in-shape, and always up for a physical challenge. Thank goodness my parents found the perfect outlet for all of these desires, soccer. I have played soccer since I was 4 years old and never once questioned my love for the game. I loved to run, be pysical, and part of a team. This love took me all the way through high school and turned me into a college athlete. My life in college consisted of class in the morning, keeper practice at 2, practice from 3-5:30, and then to the weight room til 7; just in time to get back to my place to shower and head to study hall. True, all student athlete's lives are very centered around the word "student." But, to be honest, I really took more pride in "athlete." I mean how could I not be, five hours of my life a day were committed to this awesome sport. I played soccer and pushed myself everyday to become a better player. These five hours a day became just a part of my life.

I had no idea that Auburn University was not only giving me the gift of an education, but also of a structured personal trainer everyday. It was not until three years after graduation and standing on the scale in complete disappointment that I realized how much I took this for granted.

I ran quite a bit the year after I finished, then Bill and I decided to make a wonderful addition to our family. Now when I say I loved being pregnant, that is an understatement- IT WAS AMAZING! I was able to eat whatever I wanted without any remorse of gaining weight, not to mention I was carrying the most amazing little girl in the world. I was supposed to gain weight for the health of my child. I did not know if the weight I was gaining was Ryan's head getting bigger:) or the three pieces of cake I just ate. I just knew I was pregnant and I would work it all off once Ryan got here.

Ryan got here and six months after her birth I started working out so I could get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. At first, I was doing really well while completing Jillian Michael's, "Shredded." I got back down to my pre-pregnancy weight, 138. I knew this was not the weight I wanted to be at, but it was better than 180 (final weight before birth).

Anyways, long story kind of short, the holidays hit and I guess I just resorted back to my pregnancy ways and ate food like it was going out of style. Which leads me to my current weight of 144. This is the biggest I have ever been, without child. I knew it was time for a change.

So, here I am, challenging myself to lose 14 pounds by March 4th- Ryan's 1st birthday, back to 130 (my consistent weight while playing at Auburn). This is my New Year's resolution challenge. I would love to be back to my "Glory Days" figure. The biggest challenge of weight loss is self-control and accountability. I plan on holding myself accountable by blogging about my diet everyday. Now, I know there are going to be days where I am unable to, but I have to be 100% honest. If I slip up, I gotta record it. If I do not exercise, I have to journal about it. Here we go...

Tomorrow is day one! Wish me luck!