here we go.

Action is required. I have big goals and they're not just going to happen. Wednesday, March 3rd I joined a large chain gym with a branch very close to my job. It's convenient and they had a special offer that sealed the deal. I am not a treadmill kind of girl. I enjoy taking classes and having an instructor guide me through a workout.

On Thursday (yep... the very next day!), I headed off to Pilates. The class was a great size and the instructor really explained everything really well. In college, I did tons of Pilates so I was thinking it might be a bit too beginner... but I think it ended up being a great fit for my current body. It was an hour and offered a lot of abdominal work, which I really need. I woke up Friday morning fairly sore in my deep, lower abs -- yay! Friday I also met up with my online friend, at the gym and we took a Body Flow class. Holy Moly - THAT was a workout. We did arms, abs, back, squats, and everything else under the sun. I left drenched in sweat and feeling great!!

That is two workouts this week, and I didn't start until Thursday! I feel totally confident that I can get 3-4 workouts in each week... and really enjoy them.

Now, check out our yummy dinners!
http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/fishandseafood/r/salmonasparagus.htm

(link above) Salmon and Asparagus: This one was very very easy and good! Cooking in foil packets is awesome - and you can't beat the clean up time. This husband felt the salmon could have used more spices, but I was very happy with it. We also made a serving of whole grain instant rice. All in all, I'll give this one at A-. I'll certainly cook it again, but maybe add more flavor before cooking. Check out how healthy this looks!

We made this on Thursday night for dinner: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Honey-Grilled-Shrimp/Detail.aspx

These were great too! It required a bit more setup time... but they turned out beautifully. I steamed the asparagus we didn't cook on Wednesday and made more whole grain rice. Yes, the sides were the same... but why change a good thing. This meal was in my belly before I remembered about photography.

I think I'll be posting numbers on Fridays (weigh in days). This is very difficult for me. My husband doesn't even know these numbers... (and I may not let him read this) but here goes nothing:

Current Weight: 163.5
Goal Weight: 133

• My first goal is 20 pounds, which would put me at 143, and I would still be overweight. Sigh.
• Long term, I would like to lose 30 pounds and stay around 133 pounds.
• Based on this website, it says my 'ideal weight' should be 115 pounds (being 5'2''). However, my healthy weight could be within 10% of this (up to approx 126 pounds). I think I would feel incredible at 133, and I really feel confident putting my goal at that number. Once I meet my goal - I'll re-evaulate based on how I feel.

I've been at this 2 days and I'm feeling great! Please comment if you have any questions, suggestions, dinner ideas, anything! I'm hoping this can create a great accountability for me and I'd love to help you too.