(Reposted in part from this entry on Feb. 25, 2010)

After graduating from high school, I actually lost weight during my 4 years of college. I weighed anywhere from 125-135 during high school, and am now currently 118-120. But body wise, I was much happier with myself during high school. I played volleyball and soccer, plus marched in band. My body was constantly worked out and it showed. Now, as I have lost a great deal of muscle mass (and endurance), I’ve really started to miss the abs I once had and how taunt my legs used to look. I have hips, so it’s hard for others to really notice the lack of muscle definition, but I notice it.

I know that with a bit of effort, I can get back in the shape that I want to be in. So I’m making my pledge to myself public in hopes that you can follow along with me and hold me accountable. I want you to offer suggestions and encourage me when I may feel down (also, add me on twitter).

I pledge to:

• Stop wasting my hard earned money on fast food (which will require some forethought to plan out my meals for the day)
• Stop eating foods that don’t satisfy me (i.e. foods that aren’t what I am craving or foods that are just empty cravings)
• Listen to what my body is telling me and try to honor it
• Work out more (I want to do the Komen Race for the Cure 5k this summer)
• Do what makes me happy, not what I think others want me to do (including letting others know when something bothers me)
• Live a more positive, organized life
• Eat foods that are better for me (whole grains, salad, overall – a more balanced diet)
• Go back to cutting down on my caffeine intake (I did so well from about January 1st until January 23)
• Keep in touch with other members of my family (I talk to my mom on almost a daily basis)
• Become a positive role model for others