I am a 54 year old professional female focused on self-improvement. I started working on myself from the inside out. Now that I'm focusing on the "outside" I realize it's time I looked at my diet and overall health.

I'll never weigh what I did in high school but I can certainly be healthier, smaller, have more energy, and feel better about my body.

I feel totally ready to take on the challenge of losing 50 lbs!

I've done a lot of research and had consultations with many different weight loss programs, as well as talking to my doctor, and I've decided to focus on some very simple thing...things that I can sustain and even enjoy moving forward. It's not about quick weight loss for me; it's about being able to maintain a good weight.

* Focus on high protein and low card meals.
* Eat more vegetables and fruits.
* Try not to consume more than 1500 calories per day.
* If I do consume more than 1500 calories make up for it the next day.
* Try to have "brown" versus "white" (bread, rice etc.)
* No sweets except in very small quantities and occasionally.
* No alcohol (I'm in recovery so need to stay away from that anyways).
* Praise myself when I lose weight but don't bash myself if I don't.
* Remember that I didn't gain it overnight so I won't lose it overnight.
* Improve my exercise as is comfortable in many small ways.
* Try to have fun along the way. Stay social. Don't isolate.
* ENJOY FOOD!

Here's to fatsecret helping along the way!