Team Beachbody Guest

I was concerned and dissapointed with my weight gain after successfully quitting smoking in July of 2006. I was feeling great at a weight of 125 in a size 8 for my daughters wedding in Sept of 06. Soon after weaning off the nicotine patch the weight started to pile on. I had quit smoking before for 3 years and had a weight increase to 180 pounds. I was bound and determined not to gain that much weight again. I never was a couch potato and always have been very active so I found it even more difficult to lose. In November of 06 I started to walk. I walked to work 1 mile and skipped lunch to walk 1/2 hour and walked home from work. EVERYDAY! When the weather turned too cold, I got on the treadmill - sometimes up to 3 times a day. My feet were really bothering me and my knees started to hurt. I knew that jogging wouldn't be good for my joints at 53. I kept a calendar and added arm weights while I used the treadmill. In March I had stopped gaining the weight when I started walking but could not lose a pound - I could only maintain. At 160 pounds and size 14 I was pretty upset with myself for waiting so long to quit smoking. I was at a time in my life where my metabolism had slowed way down and my muscles were losing strength and elasticity.
I saw the commercial for Slim in 6 and decided to go for it. It looked like something that I could do. My husband was sceptical but I was determined. I haven't missed a session for 30 days except for my rest day. I feel encouraged even though I have lost only 7 pounds, I am stronger. My muscles are harder and I got rid of many of the aches and pains. Specifically the achilles tendonitous is gone and all it took was stretching. The cardio portion of the program is so important and has been great. I also fasted for the first two days prior to starting the express diet in the book. I have been eating healthier and not skipping meals - eating more often to boost my metabolism - following the plan in the book. More fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of water and using a recovery drink. I am a little fearful to start the Burn It Up portion of Slim in 6 but am determined to do the best I can and have learned that if I try my hardest it will get easier.
My other goal is to reduce my cholesterol from 279 to a healthy number. I know that exercise raises the good cholesterol and that offsets the bad. By eating lowfat everything and following the diet I am anxious to recheck in 60 more days.