I am so sick of feeling bad about my body; catching a reflection in a shop window of my hammy arms; not being able to buy that cute dress because my back fat sticks out; having to cross my arms over my flabby tummy every time I sit down. I am sick of feeling un-feminine, of feeling bad around my thinner friends, of having to wear trackies because my skinny jeans no longer fit. It's time for a change!

My goal is to lose 17kg in a year...a reasonable goal I think. I have never embarked on a weight loss challenge before, so I do admit, I am more than a little bit scared that I will fail. My current weight is 73kg, my goal is to get back down to 60, and then 56. I'm only 161cm, so this is a good weight for my height. I would be a very tiny person (and was once) naturally without all this weight on. I'm going to aim for a 1-2 kilo loss every month, which again, seems reasonable. I am going to cut out junk foods, and start eating breakfasts and lunches again, as I usually only eat dinner and healthy snacks inbetween. I am also going to get up at a regular time each morning. I am pretty sure I will be able to achieve all of this, what worries me is the exercise. I'll admit it, I'm a tad lazy. I am also very unfit; I'm ashamed to say that running, even for a few meters, will puff me out I've tried gums, but lack the motivation. I am going to try powerwalking and swimming as my main forms of exercise, as well as incidental exercise, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, and walking instead of busses and trams.

I am ready for a new, healthier, happier me I feel that when I start taking better care of myself and my body, other good things will follow too. So if anyone wants to join me on this journey and help keep me motivated, as well as getting some motivation in return, please feel free to join me! If anyone has any advice/stories, that would be most welcome too. By this time next year, I WILL have reached my goal weight