My sweet husband and I are finally embarking on a journey to healthful habits. Over the past couple of years our health has plummeted. I mentioned earlier my new overall cholesterol level is 222...up from 198 just 6 months ago. High cholesterol is just one of a few health concerns that run in my family from both sides, so I really need to be careful now. After the birth of our third daughter, I was able to get my weight back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. It's actually kind of interesting that each pregnancy I started at the same weight, gained the exact same lbs (37), and got back to the exact same pre-pregnancy weight. But, since last summer, when I did get back to "normal" I have gained about 6 lbs. It may not seem significant but to me, it has changed the size of clothes I wear and I am seeing things I don't like. I want to be in good physical condition, don't get me wrong here, I'm not being vain. I just want to be of good health and fit the clothes I have. I don't want to have to go buy a new wardrobe over 6-10 lbs!

So, today was day #1 for us. Our initial goals are to drink water all day, limit coffee & other caffeine, eat mostly vegetables at meals, and limit snacking. We also are trying to do more physical exercise than in the past. We have a treadmill in the basement, but it rarely gets used down there. We would love to buy an elliptical for our living room but haven't yet done that. Eric has ran outside but it is so hard for him to get the motivation to do that. I enjoy riding my bike and will do that as often as I can.

I plan to weigh myself every Sunday and take my measurements just for the fun of seeing progress. I really only would like to lose maybe 5 lbs and build my muscle back up so feel more able to play around and be a little stronger.

Here are the menus we plan on having over the next two weeks...

For breakfasts we are having either a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter, fiber one cereal, or oatmeal. For lunches we are having large romaine & spinach salads topped with dressing & raw sunflower nuts, assorted side veggies, yogurt, and maybe a fruit.

Monday ~ Grilled Trout, Rice, & Veggies

Tuesday ~ Chicken Noodle Soup, Bread

Wednesdsay ~ Chopped Steak, Veggies

Thursday ~ Baked Chicken, Rice, Veggies

Friday ~ Lentil Joes, Veggies

Saturday ~ Cilantro Lime Chicken Cacciatore, Rice, Veggies

Sunday ~ Leftovers

Monday ~ Curried Chicken, Rice, Salad

Tuesday ~ Chicken Fajitas, Veggies

Wednesday ~ Marinated Grilled Venison, Potato Wedges, Veggies

Thursday ~ Chicken Paprikish, Veggies

Friday ~ Turkey Meatballs, Noodles, Veggies