I'm 33, 5'5", and I used to be in really good shape. I went to the gym regularly, I ate in moderation and with restraint. I was never super skinny, but I looked and felt good. Then, two years ago, I let the stress of a new job get to me....the weight started to creep on. It was only a few pounds at first, but I didn't do anything about it. Last August I came down with Swine Flu, and with an underlying health condition (asthma) it took over two months for my body to recover. Walking up even one flight of stairs felt like I'd run a marathon. Needless to say, I stopped working out for several months. Even once I started feeling stronger I just got, well, lazy. I started ignoring the scale. And eating ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING I wanted. Do you know that feeling when you know you've put on weight and when you're out to dinner you think, "There's no point in NOT getting dessert." I just sort of gave up. There should be a specific word for that I'm-already-fat-so-I-might-as-well-eat-what-I-want mentality. Defeatism? Circular reasoning? Well, the kicker was really the fact that I stopped having clothes to wear to work. I have an abundant and awesome wardrobe, and I can't wear any of it! So, instead of spending money I don't have on new clothes, it's time to fit into the clothes I already have and, at the same time, feel great about myself again. As cliche as I sometimes think New Years resolutions are, I've COMMITTED myself to this one. Working out. Bring my lunch. Getting more sleep. Not buying peanut butter M&Ms just 'cause. Basically, MAKING BETTER CHOICES. I sincerely hope that this website will help keep me motivated. I have several months of initial hard weight-loss work ahead of me, and I do not want to find myself derailed at any point. I welcome any advice, tips, questions, encouragement, and sympathy! Good luck to everyone out there!