30 before 30 Challenge - Why?

      I am realizing that the older I get the harder it is to lose weight and get in shape. However, it is becoming increasingly easier to put weight on! Literally, I sniff a donut and gain an inch around my waist. I have been told and have read that yes this is a biological response to our hunter gatherer days when women needed more fat cells to survive. Well someone needs to tell my body we are in the 21st century in America, I'm not in danger of starving to death anytime soon.
     I have an old college friend who made a list of 30 things she would like to do before she turns 30. That idea inspired me to also do a 30 before 30 plan for this next year. In my case though, I will be working to lose 30 pounds before the big 3-0 birthday next September (2013).
     There are several reasons that I am completing this challenge. My family history of illness and heart related problems is staggering. Here is a list of problems from my family history:

*Joint pain
*Arthritis
*Asthma
*Allergies
*Migraines
*High Cholesterol
*Depression
*Anxiety
High Blood Pressure
Blood Disorders (related to clotting)
Hair loss (men and women)
*Mitro Valve Prolapse
*Heart Murmur
Heart attack
Cancer
Underactive Thyroid
*Poor Vision
*Dry Skin
 
     I have placed an * next to the items I have already noticed in myself and I'm only 29!
This is no longer just a cosmetic goal, like weight loss has been for me in the past, but it is an investment I am making in my future. If I don't get to a healthy weight before I turn 30, I am setting myself up for battling with my health as most of the above conditions are worsened with obesity and weight gain.

 

IT IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2012, AND TODAY STARTS MY 30 BEFORE 30 CHALLENGE!