Getting Healthy

Let me introduce myself...

I'm Rachel. I'm 30 years old and happily married for the last year and a half to a wonderful man. We are nearing the point in our marriage where we are seriously thinking about starting a family. The problem right now is my weight and overall health.

I am 5'3 1/2" and currently weigh 180 lbs...technically obese. I started WeightWatchers Online in January 2011 when I was tipping the scale at 200 lbs! So far, I've lost 20 lbs, 2 dress sizes and a total of 15 inches from my body. BUT I'm still technically obese. I feel like I'm racing against time, because I really would like to start trying to get pregnant soon. I am starting my last birth control pill pack this month and I'm not getting a refill...so the clock is ticking to get myself healthy. My biggest fear/driving force to get healthy is providing a safe environment to a baby. My main goals are to get my weight to a healthy place, get my blood pressure consistently within a normal range and keep both of those within normal ranges throughout my pregnancy.

So why am I so worried about this?
I'm a pediatric physical therapist specializing in working with children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological issues. I see up to 12 children a day living with congenital disorders that may or may not have been preventable with a healthy womb during pregnancy. I know that I cannot control the state of my future baby 100% --that's just nature, but I do know that I can control a lot by making sure that I am as healthy as I can be.

That's my plan. Right now, I'm currently at 180lbs (lose of 20 lbs in under 4 months). My goal weight overall is 145 lbs to get into a healthy weight range for my height. My goal weight to start trying to get pregnant will be 160 lbs. I would technically be considered overweight according to my BMI, however that would be a 40 lb loss since the begginning of the year!

This blog will be written in conjuction with my WeightWatchers Online blog to document my journey from being obese and unhealthy to being happy, healthy and hopefully a mom-to-be!!