Hi there, I've visited here many times and I think it is my time to join the WISH challenge. I know I don't have to give so much detail, but it will help me to be honest, if you can bear with me.
I'm 28, 5'4", and 158 lbs., up from around 148 lbs. this summer. I am the pear-i-est of the pears, very small on top (six 6-8) and more like a size 12+ in the thighs and legs. I'm *very* weight loss resistant, but I am also *very* done with feeling badly about that.
I'm reasonably fit and have a lot of good muscle mass, thanks to my best friend and fiance Keith and some serious time at the gym. Keith inspired me to check out the gym years ago when we were only buddies at work. I was at my all time high weight of 185 at that time, around 1998, following my big sister's death, college, and a whole lot of stress!
I lost weight at that time just from working out, and maybe even a little from stress. Honestly I had no real diet plan.
By this past summer my gym habits had become really, uh, relaxed and I began to resent the gym a great deal and feel sorry for myself, including that Keith is a VERY athletic, competitive cyclist whereas I have a hard time gaining fitness no matter how hard I work. This came to a head in August when I somehow injured my knee and hamstring. It took 3 doctors, one who just said I was crazy, and $$$ of physical therapy but now I am feeling better and I am DONE with the attitude that I couldn't seem to get over this summer.
I'm back at the gym in "rehab" phase. I used to do an hour on the treadmill (walking, not running, since my stress fracture from years ago---yes, I have TERRIBLE legs!) or ellipse trainer plus weights, but I am only at about 15 minutes on the ellipse trainer right now before pain sets it---but that is GREAT progress! I do serious upper body weights for toning and strength, two sets.
I'm trying to figure out my goal weight. I think that 140 is reasonable. I have to talk to my doctor more though. I have put on a lot of muscle (not bulky, but a good amount) in recent years, and I never have gotten below 145 where she thinks my body is really comfortable. I will say 140 for now though, because I feel like that is where my body feels right.
I say I am weight loss resistant because I can work out 5 times a week (and active, on my feet, up and down stairs 20 times daily at work too) and eat a diet with controlled portions of whole grains, fruits, veggies and meats, low in sugars and refined carbs and....stay exactly the same.
My plan is to be at that gym, enjoying it, with consistency, every week now.
My plan is to stop believing that I just can't lose weight. I think the mind is very powerful, and if I keep believing this, I will not succeed.
We eat a very reasonable diet, which I plan to continue with, but I plan to keep on keeping my food and exercise journal (which I keep in iCal on my iBook!).
I'm ready! I want to do this, and I can do this. I want that little banner!