So here I am tipping the scale at 269pounds.  Tomorrow I am starting a rigorous health plan with the goal to lose 50 pounds by Christmas 2008.  I hope others can gain something by following my highs and lows.  I also hope that some can offer encouragement or stories of their triumphs as they may have done the same as what I am hoping to do. 

I gain confidence looking at those slim arms!

Tonight I have my last beer as the South Beach Diet (my new eating plan) has no allowance for any beer.  The reasons I am so large:  #1. I love to eat . . . #2. I love to drink beer . . . #3. I hate to exercise. (Well i don’t actually hate exercise, I just can’t find the time to work it into my schedule)

Tommorow – all that changes.  I know the first couple days will be the hardest – no carbohydrates, no beer, no pizza, no, no,  no!!!  I have many challenges in the coming weeks including a wedding and a week long holiday at the lake.  I am doing this for my health and for my family.  I am diabetic with excellent control but the doctor tells me the weight and lack of exercise are my biggest problems.  I currently give 6 needles per day to control my diabetes.  With this new program I hope to reduce that to 2-3 injections only.

I am very lucky to have a wife so supportive and encouraging as mine.  Right now she is creating meals specifically designed so I can eat a lot but not go outside of the South Beach Program.  Lasagna with no noodles, kiesh, chicken – its all going on the stove at once so that starting tomorrow I don’t have to reach for something bad in order to make myself feel good.

What am I in for?  How am I going to get through the “beer times” and the holidays with friends?  How do I resist the cravings for the taste of a hamburger with fries or dear sweet chocolate?  At this point I don’t know but I am excited to get this started.  I wake up at 7AM tomorrow to start with 30minutes on the stationary bike – followed by a litre of cottage cheese for breakfast.  I have attempted neither for a very, very long time…