Just to kick things off, here's post number one.

Our plan is simple.
1. Try to keep a balanced diet, but stick to 1200-1500 calories each day.

It's tricky at times and occasionally hunger or cravings really do a number on things. We don't believe that you have to give up your favorite things, but some of them may have to be consumed in much more moderation. Moderation here taking on the meaning of "feels like once in a blue moon!" It does get easier and the cravings get fewer and further between. Substitutions are also our friends. We do eat well, believe it or not!

2. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day, but a minimum of 5 times a week.

When we started, He had suffered from an infection that made his leg swell to the size of a tree trunk. Because of the pain and cumbersome bandages, it took 30 minutes to walk just a quarter of a mile. We're at approximately 9 months later and we can go 2 miles in just over 30 minutes.

3. Save money.

Losing weight can be expensive. There are dozens of programs who assure you that you can lose weight if you just fork out the cash. Well, we like to spend our money on cool things like books and games - not to mention new clothes to fit our smaller bodies! While we try to save some money, the bottom line is that eating healthy can cost money. In the end, though, we found that by cutting out the treats and most of the fast food, it freed up money to buy the low calorie foods that are more delicious.

4. Be awesome.

We don't really believe that losing weight will make us happy. We're already happy. If your view of yourself is dependent on your weight, then you have a lot of psychological work to go through before dieting will ever help you. Remember the important things. For us, it's that we have this really awesome daughter and a supportive family. We love each other and stick together through... well... I probably should avoid saying 'through thick and thin' right here. Even when we hate each other, we get along. It isn't as though we've never had rough patches with our appearance, either, but it's a matter of trying to squash out those negative voices and replay the positive ones.

"It's not about losing weight. It's about being healthier. The weight just happens to be fleeing the situation so let it go!" (I use this one a lot when the digits on the scale get stuck.)

"Sure that tastes good and isn't terribly unhealthy, but you've eaten your calories for today so just remember; it will still be there tomorrow."

"Oops. I messed that up. Oh well. Start over right now."

(I'll set up a small album of photos soon so people can see progress.)