Hello everyone-

Hi, I'm Melissa. I've been married to Wayne for 4.5 years. We live in Iowa with our 2 dogs and 2 cats. We've been trying to conceive for about a year, which is why I've decided to get healthier. I've got some health issues that could make pregnancy difficult and I'm hoping that losing some weight could ease that a little. Overall I just want to adopt a healthier lifestyle before we bring a baby into it. I have lost 24 lbs since the end of October and have a goal to lose another 36 lbs by my birthday in June and then probably another 30 or so pounds. I've lost weight before, but always as the result of an illness or a side effect of a medication. I've never had to work for it before which is why I KNOW I'll be successful this time, I'm working way too hard for this not to be a lifestyle change.

I'm not following a specific plan, I'm just watching(and measuring) what I eat and exercising. I do cardio 6 days a week, either 2+ miles on the treadmill or a cardio dance DVD(for you DWTS fans, I look a lot like Billy Ray right now not graceful at all!!) at home, and light weights Mon, Wed and Fri. My fitness goal is to run (OK, jog) two 5k races this year.

Good luck everyone. Remember tomorrow is another day, if you "fall off the wagon" today get back on it tomorrow and don't beat yourself up for it.