Wow, it is almost 2010. For the last 2-3 years of my life I have been searching and battling for a way to lose excess weight and maintain the loss with ease, without being deprived. Through my reading and research (and I have read many many diet/nutrition books) I have come to believe in controlled carbohydrate living. I don't believe anyone but God could change my mind about the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle. I am not afraid of fat, saturated fat, or living without grains and starches.

The problem is that I have a hard time being consistent. I can start a plan and follow it for a few weeks and then I fade. So, I've had to change my attitude. Instead of trying to do it all by myself I've enlisted the use of some tools that I previously never wanted to use: keeping a journal and being accountable to someone (my husband).

Right now my goals are pretty basic and simple because I'm expecting a baby (my first). Since I was overweight by 50 lbs when I conceived, the thought of losing a few a pounds or not gaining 30 lbs during this pregnancy does not scare me. I don't think that a healthy diet becomes unhealthy because a person is pregnant. On the contrary, I think that a controlled-carb diet will create a healthy, happy baby.

I must admit that for the first part of this pregnancy I haven't been a good girl (I have 3 months to go). I have not consumed as many carbs as I once did in my life but I have indulged more than a few times with things that aren't healthy. I gave in to cravings. And I felt terrible every time. The sugars and carbs made me sleepy and lethargic. I know I was not doing my body or my baby any benefit by eating grains, no matter what popular pregnancy books and articles stated.

So, here I am on the cusp of a new year and decade. I want and need to get my weight under control for myself, my health, my baby, and my husband. I am not just doing this for me. I have other people to consider because I love them and they love me and want the best for me.

Small steps will get me to my destination.

My January goals are to:

1. Write down what I eat daily
2. Avoid grains, sugars, and hydrogenated oils
3. Walk every other day

I am not expecting to lose weight during this pregnancy. My goal is to make healthier choices. Once baby is born I hope to choose a weight loss plan and follow it to my ideal size.