got soda and fast/junk food out of my life. I live alone, and cooking for one sucks, but my 'diet' had gotten really out of control, and I was suffering for it. It has been about 3 1/2 weeks, and I am down about 20 pounds. Granted, a lot of that was all of the water I was retaining from the sky high sodium in my system, but it still is a great start. Got myself a Fitbit to keep myself on track. I'm eating about 1500 calories per day and maintaining a healthy balance, and I'm burning about 4400 each workday. I'm five pounds lighter today than I was 8 days ago.

I know my weight loss won't keep up at that pace, but I feel effing fantastic with absolutely tons of energy. My chronic insomnia has returned with a vengeance, but I'm sure that will iron itself out as my body adjusts back to healthy living. Even if it doesn't, it is a small price to pay to feel this good.

My first goal of 200 lbs is projected by Fitbit to happen in May, with the 1000 calorie deficit I have chosen, but with all the walking I do with my job, it will probably be more like February, and reaching my final target of 175-180 lbs around Memorial Day next year is not out of the question.

I'm back to cooking all of my food, not snacking on junk, no carbonated beverages of any kind, and digging every minute of it. Four Nalgene bottles are in constant use and my water filtration pitcher is being used so much it is starting to billow smoke. Looking forward to being fit and trim at next year's bitchin' Phish festival, wherever it may be.