Female, 47, "mom" to 6 rescues: 4 cats, 2 dogs (yes, I'm one of those "crazy cat ladies down the street").

Quit smoking November 8, 2007. I can breathe again!!!

Early months of 2008 I developed a pinched nerve in the lumbar region, which has caused anywhere from tolerable to excruciating pain, and, by April/May, an inability to walk or stand for more than a few minutes at a time.

In July a routine physical blood test determined that both my cholesterol & blood glucose were high.

Wake up call !!!!!!!!!!!!

I've always been thin but stocky; thin but with meat on my bones and strong muscle. After turning 30 my weight pretty much leveled off around 132-135, which suited me well and so there I stayed for a very long time...

...and then middle age & too many years spent (improperly) sitting behind a desk took their toll.

At the "height" of my back pain/inactivity my weight had climbed up to 162 lbs. This was a huge shock, and I could feel the drag that the extra weight put on my body. My clothes didn't fit, my cheekbones disappeared, my confidence drained, my motivation fizzled.

After the wake up call I began pulling books from the library, and read several on nutrition as it relates to blood glucose and weight loss, proper form & posture, and back-strengthening exercises. I now faithfully follow a healthy diet based upon a combination of thought processes: Good Carbs, Good Fats, Good Proteins, Glycemic Index, GL Load, and plain old common sense.

Thanks to regular & back-strengthening exercises, better posture, and painkillers I now take my dogs for a long hike each day, get things done, function! I'm discovering new healthy foods, combinations & recipes, and having fun in the kitchen. I don't miss the junk, and gave 99% of it away to my neighbors (kept the peanut butter & ice cream). The excess weight is coming off steadily, my clothes are starting to fit again, I feel better I feel determined I feel focused.

It's working :)