Setting an example.

So anyone who has known me for any length of time knows that I have always been overweight. My life has been punctuated by times of less obesity, more cardiovascular fitness and times of morbid obesity and couch potato comas.

People who know me also know that for several years I wanted nothing more than to be a Mommy. That dream realized, it certainly doesn't come without its own set of hardships. For me one of the biggest difficulties is the lack of sleep. This deficit starts an avalanche of unhealthy circumstances. Less sleep equals less energy, less brain power, more carelessness, and ultimately a zombie like existence. I am almost heavier now than when I was nine months pregnant. I've been sick with colds or stomach bugs 3 times in as many months. It's getting real old.....

I have lost weight in the past with moderate success on Weight Watchers. I've always favored that plan because no food is off limits. The plan teaches portion control and that has always been a big problem for me. As a child, I was never really led down a nutritional path that called for actually stopping eating before your belly is so full you need to unbutton your pants. In childhood I learned to associate that feeling of over-fullness with peace and satisfaction. In adulthood I've used that feeling to help quell my anxieties, of which I have a bunch. Weight Watcher's plan helps me to know when I am truly physically full.

The key to making Weight Watchers or any weight loss program a success is planning. Nobody can gain victory over unhealthy eating without a plan. Meals must be planned. Time must be allotted for exercise. Easily abused foods can't be allowed in the house. Now throw in being a new Mom with a 10 month old and you can see where this is going.

So here I am. I am back on Weight Watchers. I am trying my darnedest to stick to the plan. I know that this time around I am not only doing this for myself. I have an example to set. It is very important for me to provide my son with the healthiest life possible. Part of this provision, is for his parents to set an example of what healthy eating truly is. I don't blame my parents for my obesity, but there are definitely things they did that I have no intention of repeating. Part of my militant breastfeeding regime is my belief that breastfed babies are better at being aware of their physical fullness. That doesn't mean my son will never know the joys of junk food. That time will come soon enough whether I want it to or not. But in my opinion, when it comes to eating healthy, failing to plan is definitely planning to fail.