Obese

Obese.

That folks is the verdict after my weigh-in and body mass index(BMI) calculation at Jenny Craig. I am still trying to wrap my mind around it.

Obese.

Obese.

Now, I know those of you that know or have met me in real life may be reading this and thinking - no, you are not obese. But friends, I am obese. I've known my BMI was in the "obese" range for awhile but I never really paid it any attention because I was in denial. Yes, my husband likes the extra "junk in my trunk" but after four years of marriage and a baby the pounds have piled on(and on and on). At first I refused to buy "big girl" clothes. And then I looked in my closet and absolutely nothing fit. There was no choice. Big girl clothes were in order. I purchased a few throw away inexpensive clothes because I just knew I would not be wearing "this size" for very long. I continued to grow rounder and purchased cute clothes in even larger sizes because if you have it flaunt it, right? Hmm, oh I wish I was still "this size" and instead I am obese.

What does this mean? I am on track for poor health outcomes in the future. And that ladies and gentlemen is unacceptable. I used to be a fitness fanatic - if I gained ten pounds it was a travesty. Now, I wish I only had ten pounds to lose. It is more like 50. Yes. 50. I am owning it. I will not deny that I am fat. Not some cute acronym like PHAT but straight FAT. FAT. More specifically, OBESE.

Now. The question I ask myself is "What are you going to do about it?" I'd already answered this question by agreeing to participate in the EA SPORTS Active More Workouts Challenge in August. And when I went to California at the end of September to visit the Nestle headquarters, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Jenny Craig is owned by Nestle. I walked up to the table, swallowed my pride and admitted to the representative that I was ready for change and wanted to start the program. And now my friends, I have started Jenny Craig and hope to experience success like Valerie Bertinelli and Phylicia Rashad. Wait, I take that back. I KNOW I will succeed.

The combination of exercise and a healthy diet are going to work this time. I must admit that it is helpful to know that I have a support system. Admitting that I am struggling despite my past participation in fitness challenges is liberating and also motivates and inspires me to do better. I am tackling this over the holiday season because I figure there are a few days that I may indulge but that doesn't have to hinder my progress.

I started working out on Friday and I am getting it in. Even if I have to break my workout up into two or even three parts because of a hectic schedule, I am doing it. Jenny Craig is providing me with support. Once weekly meetings, meal plans and food which I supplement with grocery produce is helping me to eat right. The counselors are extremely supportive and I love that the program is a holistic approach to losing weight and not a diet. I must admit that even with the discount that I am receiving for blogging about my experience the food is pricey. However, I see this as an upfront investment with the ultimate goal being preparation of food on my own. And the program is designed to get me to that point.

I start the meals today so I am not sure how they taste but I've tried the snacks and if they are any indication I think I will like the food. There is so much food in fact, I think I will have a hard time eating it all but since I haven't been eating properly or enough, this will be a welcome change.

Today I have laid it out on the table. One last time, I am obese. And hopeful that soon this word will no longer describe me.

Disclosure: I am receiving 3 months of free consultation and discounted food from Jenny Craig. All of my opinions about the program are my own,