Well , i’ve made a huge decision and i’m taking on some major life impacting changes.

I have signed up for the Biggest Loser Kamloops. Its a program at Kamloops fit center. It is not televised but it is designed to be like the show.

I start tomorrow.

I had to write a letter on why I wanted to join, what my goals are and why I should be chosen and send a “before” photo.

The requirements to be accepted where :

• Must have a significant amount to weight to lose (minimum of 25 lbs but the program is aimed at those with 50 lbs or more to lose)
• Must be healthy enough to participate in a progressive exercise program
• Must be willing to make lifestyle changes to a healthier way of eating and regular exercise

So I am making it my goal for 50 lbs. I currently weigh 184 lbs. This is a huge problem for me, and even worse to share it with you all. When I met Cole i was 112 lbs. I was to skinny and malnutrtioned and sick with high levels though. I dont ever want to be that skinny again. I am making it my goal to be healthy. I want to be active and in good physical shape.

I have thought alot about this and I have a year plan. My year plan is to loose the 50 lbs, either in the program or using the program to teach me how to do it right, safe and healthy. To start me on the right track so if i don’t meet the 50 lbs, i can continue on my own . I hope to be in better physical shape for the summer so I can finally enjoy myself and not let my low self esteem hold me back from trying activities , sports, and being out doors. I am not even comfortable in a bathing suit and I love to swim.  I want to be able to be more active with Cole and take part in activities he likes , like bike riding and hiking. instead of holding him back because I cant keep up.

If I can loose the weight , I will also feel more comfortable traveling. We have wanted to go to either: Mexico, Caribbean,  Cancun, Cuba, Barbados, Hawaii or some where tropical. I want to snorkel and swim all day, boating, swim with turtles, hike through myan pyramids,  hike mountains and through the rain forest, go horse back riding and feel comfortable enough to feel pretty, and to lounge around in a bathing suit all day. I don’t want to be ” fat anymore”

not just for the reasons lifted above, but also to be healthier, I worry about my heart health, getting diabetes or high cholesterol and other health issues associated with being heavy. I get winded just going for a walk, or any physical activity.  Not to mention , I suspect loosing weight will help with my chronic pain, depression and anxiety.

My goal for the year is not all about weight loss. It also includes over all health , lowering my levels and maintaining them under 6 mm/dl , as the new guideline suggests. I would like to eat more green, healthy and organic. I will be growing my own garden again and now that I have learnt to can and preserve foods I hope to be able to eat healthy all year round.

The next step in my goal is to get off all my medications. The Gabapentin, Tramadol, and others.

If I can achieve all of these goals, perhaps it would make it possible to be able to have a healthy and successful pregnancy the year after! I have always wanted to have a baby by the time I am 30, so If i can meet my goals, enjoy myself and feel comfortable and confident enough to travel then have a baby, i would feel fulfilled. It would also give me a better quality of life. It would change my lifestyle so when I do have a baby , I will be a better parent for it and would not get gestational diabetes or post postpartum depression.

I hope to learn a lot and take away a lot from this program. It starts tomorrow and its going to be a huge change for me. I am very nervous, I really hope I can stick to it be consistent enough. That I don’t let being tired or sore stop me from going.

specially since I work night shifts. However luckily they open at 6 am most days so I can go right after work. On Saturdays it starts at 8 am and I wont be getting home till about 11 am. That will be the hardest adjustment due to working nights Thursday nights to Sunday nights 11 pm to 7 am.

The program is :

• Twelve week diet/exercise contest providing you the tools to eat properly and exercise regularly
• You will receive a customized diet program and receive the support you need to stick to it
• Participate in individual and group personal training sessions with certified and experienced personal trainers
• Enjoy group classes and challenges
• Unlimited access to cardio equipment
• Choose when and how often you workout (minimum of 3x/week)

So The decision is made and I am going in to register tomorrow. I have already spoke to them, and the nutritionist is familiar with PKU and is willing to work with me and my clinic. I will be sure to keep you all posted how it does.