Background and Day 1

I haven't always been overweight.  I've never been super skinny either, but I was a comfortable size 8 until I had my first child.  I worked out throughout my pregnancy and after I had my first baby, my body bounced right back and I walked out of the hospital in my pre-pregnancy clothing.
The problem for me started somewhere in the months after I had my daughter.  I slowly started gaining weight and even with exercise, it didn't want to come off.  Over the past 8 years and two more children, I've gained approximately 70lbs.  My weight as of right now is 220lbs.  I am not a fan of what I see in the mirror.  I want to lose weight, but am easily discouraged and require motivation and someone to hold me accountable and to push me on.  That is where the idea for this blog came about.  I figured if I can get a few people reading and following, then I will be held accountable and hopefully motivated to keep on keeping on when days get tough.

The battle so far:
I have joined up at Spark People, which is a great website that tracks your food intake and your exercise as well as having weekly weigh ins.  You can follow their food plan, or create your own.  Right now, I am kind of looking at their recommendations and making similar choices.  I like that it tells you how many calories you have left for the day as well as the fat, protein and carbs consumed.  You can also create fitness teams so maybe if a couple of you are interested, we can create our own!
Yesterday I started the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels.  I completed day 2 today.  Day 1 was much easier than day 2.  I felt pretty good about it yesterday after I finished.  Then I woke up this morning.  I was sore from my toes to my fingertips!  I am sure I looked like a 90 year old woman walking around WalMart with my 8 year old daughter this afternoon.  Probably sounded like it too, with my "Oh!", "Ouch!", "Ah!" with every step I took.  Finally my daughter told me she was tired of hearing me complain about my sore muscles.  I told her I'd remember that when she started hockey training camp.  Anyways, the 30 Day Shred is a no nonsense, intense approximately 25 minute workout.  I can't get by with the excuse of not having time, because 25 minutes is nothing.  So, that's where I am as of today, day 2 of the Shred and in pain, but proud of myself for doing it for 2 consecutive days!!!

My goals:
In a perfect world, I'd like to lose all 70 of those lbs I gained, but I am going for more short term goals for now.
By January 1st, I'd like to get under 200lbs.
I'd like to complete the entire 30 Day Shred, as in work out for all 30 days consecutively.
I'd like to become more mindful of what I'm putting into my mouth and to make better food choices.

Tomorrow, I will put up my before photo.  I will weigh in weekly on Fridays and try to figure out why and how I am doing well or poorly.  I'll report on my progress with working out, how I'm feeling, etc.  Feel free to join me on weighing in on Fridays or just cheer me on and give me any tips you have!

Here we go!