Let's get healthy

OK- I just have to post a little bit about getting healthy- since it is something I am trying really hard to focus on this time in my life. I had my body fat tested earlier this week and EEEK- it is way into the overweight range, and I am about 40 pounds overweight! I also went shopping for a new swim suit (it had been almost 6 years since I had gotten a new one . . .) and that was extremely depressing. So- it is time for me to take matters into my own hands and REALLY do something about it. I have never been good about diet and exercise- it ends up being hit and miss for me. I have been doing a step aerobics class for the past two months pretty regularly- (as I said in an earlier post), which is making me stronger, but I am not really loosing weight. One of the instructors started a challenge for March and I am all fired up about it! She acually runs a weight loss center and did the testing for free- and will check me every week to see how I am doing. She helped me set up a diet of how many servings of each food group. I have been keeping a food journal and counting calories- - truly that keeps me on track. Already, just in this first week, I feel a difference. I am not sure if the pounds are coming off, but I feel good! And I have also found food TASTES better. It kind of makes me think of the philosophy of you can't know good without the bad - - because I am limiting myself, when I do eat -boy it is GOOD. Those every once and awhile treats will be extra special, instead of every day. I feel lighter and freer (is that a word?). So- on my bad days- I need to look back at this and think of how wonderful it will be to be more healthy. I know many of you have done really good in this arena- so any other tips would be great!