Living a healthier lifestyle in 2010

One of my biggest goals for 2010 is to begin living a healthier lifestyle including changing my eating habits and incorporating a regular routine of exercise into my schedule.  In December 2009, I prepped for this change by signing up for a 5-week kickboxing course at a local gym which would start on January 4th.  I figured this would give me time to make it through the holidays and have a fresh start in the new year.  I would be remised if I didn't mention that before I had kids I was the picture of health & fitness!  Not only did I work out twice a day, but I watched every calorie I put in my mouth and lead a very active life.  But as every mom knows, once you have kids that mostly changes.  The kids become top priority and there's little time for mommy.  And considering how close in age my three little ones are we've mostly been hibernating in the house for the past two years because it's been almost impossible to take the boys, who are 10 months apart, out for activities without later asking myself, "why didn't I just stay at home."  So my lifestyle has become very sedentary in recent years.  I've had a desire to get healthy and fit again but there's always been an excuse or reason -- I'm too tired from working all day, I need to spend any free time I have as quality time with the kids, a membership at the gym is too expensive, I don't like doing workout tapes at home by myself, I prefer to take a class and there aren't any late evening classes.... blah blah blah.  Well, my excuses were finally halted when I discovered a late evening kickboxing class at my local gym.  The class is two nights each week from 8:45-9:45pm.  Now most people ask, "well aren't you exhausted by that time, and more tempted not to go back out of the house."  My answer, "of course, but there's no REAL excuse."  Taking a class that starts at 8:45pm affords me enough time to get home from work, pick up the kids, get home and give them baths, feed them dinner, and do homework... and still get out of the house in time to make my class.  What more can a working mommy ask for!  So, over the next few months I will post pictures and keep you updated on my progres.  Naturally, I'm a bit hesitant about posting "Before" pictures because I'm not sure what's really going to transpire over the next six months, but I figure it will be more incentive to actually work hard at losing my goal of 60-70 pounds... YES, THAT MUCH!  LOL

Below you will see my "Before" picture and some of the healthy eating habits I've been trying to incorporate more consistently, along with the new workout tennis my wonderful hubby bought me to help motivate me in my weight-loss mission.  Enjoy this journey with me!

Cheryl