This is how it happens. January comes, resolutions to finally do something about your health, about your body, about your weight.

Mid-January hits, and the pounds aren’t falling off as fast as you’d like, only 1 or 2 pounds in 3 weeks? Bah. Most people want a quick fix. Spend January losing what you spent the whole year of 2005 gaining - and get discouraged that it just doesn’t happen that fast.

I know. I’ve been doing it for the past umpteen years.

It’s not about the “diet” - what kind of diet are you on? Body for Life? 6-week Body Makeover? Atkins? South Beach? Honestly, does it matter? That’s a nice temporary fix, but what have you learned? Have you learned how to combine foods in such a way that you will have continued energy, that you won’t even crave the stuff that’s bad for you? Have you opened up your mind enough to understand the chemistry and math involved in proper nutrition, your own metabolism, and what you need to do every day to maintain your own personal fitness? Do you really want to make that change, that permanent change?

I kept thinking I wanted it, I wanted it permanently. I kept making changes, and dropping them a few weeks later. Oh I’ve been yo-yoing for years, so I’m not throwing insults around at anyone - I’m just sayin’. I’m serious about this change. Dead serious. Serious as the heart attack that’s going to kill me if I don’t stay serious.

Today, I purged. I purged my kitchen - from the freezer to the pantry. There’s not ONE item left in my house that is over-abundant in sodium, doesn’t require a stove to prepare, or is saturated with simple carbs. Gone. I cleaned the cabinets, I scrubbed my fridge, and January is almost over.

This year has just begun for me. Regardles of what I’ve lost in pounds or inches already, I’m not near where I want to be. I want to know without thinking about it exactly what my body needs and not be tempted by anything.

Today, I went to the “Y” and spent 2 hours learning the circuit training equipment. I’ll begin strength training 3 days a week on Friday, in addition to 30-45 minutes of cardio a day through swimming and treadmilling.

Today, I pulled my :rant: back when I got home from my orientation, so I’m even more irritated and determined to get rid of this excess. (BTW, I have advanced degenerative disc disease, bah.) I’m even more driven to build my lean muscle so that I can better protect my spine.

Today felt like another start to me, and when I saw these stats I had to wonder, how many of our members are really with me on this? How many of you are growing discouraged? Given up?

I love Yoda’s line… and I totally agree. Do, or Do Not.

There is no try.

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Being serious about weight loss does not mean that you should go and look into various weight loss surgery options. There are other ways of losing weight. In la weight loss is usually attempted via south beach diet recipes.