Losing Weight

So I'm the process of creating a "new me."  I used to really care about what I put in my mouth, and I used to exercise ALL.THE.TIME.  In fact, I lost a lot of weight once upon a time, and I managed to keep it off for two years before getting pregnant with Son #1. 

Here's what I want to look like again:

Ok to be fair, that's what I want to look like minus the hair and 8 1/2 years older.  Plus, I don't really wear makeup, and I won't ever wear a wedding dress again (hopefully!).

I plan to achieve my weight loss in two ways:
         A)    Be more active
         B)    Eat smaller portions of healthier foods

Yeah, I know, this sounds like a no-brainer to all of you guys who were blessed with the motivation of not stuffing your mouth when you're feeling emotional, or exercising like a fiend every day.  I'm a little obsessive compulsive, and I wish I could be that way about exercise but unfortunately it doesn't come to me that easily.  At the end of the day, after all the crazy logistics of my life, all I usually want to do is sit down on the couch, watch TV, blog, or have a class of wine.  I literally have to force myself to be active.

I'm achieving this by doing something that I like to do.  I started taking taekwondo.  I actually started taking this, because I thought it would be a fun activity for Son #1 and me to do together.  Plus, I was pretty much dragged into it by a close friend, not naming any names though!  Son #1 has since quit, but my awesome friend still takes with me.

This sport is amazing.  There are tenets about leading a better life: Honor, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Courage, Community, Strength, Humility, and Knowledge.  I've learned to defend myself.  I've gained the courage to walk around bald, as my true self.  I've made great friends there too.  All of these aspects have led me to desire exercising, because now I find it fun.  I'll still never be a star athlete, but at least maybe I can get myself into shape (preferably not a round one!).

As far as eating better, I've started tracking my food at myfitnesspal.com.  This makes me accountable for what I stick in my mouth.  I'm proud to say that I've lost 13 pounds in 3 weeks, simply because of this site.  I'm making other small changes too.  I've started putting my food on a salad plate at dinner time.  This makes me limit my portion size.  I'm also beginning to cook on the weekends, because while I really appreciate that my hubby makes dinner every night during the week, sometimes our dinner choices are not so healthy. 

There are a few other recipes for success, mainly dealing with attitude.  I have the willpower and the confidence to reach my goal.  I want to be around a long time for my children, and I want to be a good example for them.