So I’m trying this new thing? Maybe you’ve heard of it? Diet and exercise.

Okay, Susan. Why do we care? We’re all dieting and exercising.

I have never been that woman. I have taken great pains to prove that I was happy with my body while everyone around me obsessed about how that sugar-free gelato was going straight to their hips. I scoffed at margarine eaters while I poured butter on my food.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not obese. I know that. I’m 5′1″ and 150ish pounds. I weighed 120 in high school. After I had Max I was 138 (thanks breastfeeding). Since then I’ve gained a bit.

It never really bothered me. I hated that large girl t-shirts got snug after a few washings. That lycra didn’t do my body right. But I dealt. After all, asking me to commit to exercising more than once a week and – gasp – watch what I ate was really asking too much.

Then I saw a photo of me in my swimsuit. I had bulges. I did not like.

I had to swallow my pride and admit to myself that no, I’m not okay with myself at this weight. I have to do something.

And so I am. I’m on a plan where I walk 5 miles every day and don’t eat carbs or sugar for 6 weeks. Every week I get an Anything Day where I eat, well, anything. The walking was tough the first few days but well into Week 2 I enjoy it and look forward to my walks. It helps that I’ve found a walking buddy.

The food part is harder but not impossible. I realize how much I was addicted to carbs. I felt I needed them to be full, while now I get full on protein and veggies. I’m learning to respect vegetables in a whole new way. Carrot chips are wonderful.

And the best part is: I feel great! No, really. I’m no Suzanne Somers, but not having carbs gives me more energy. On my Anything Day I gorged on these delectable pumpkin pancakes (so good) but 10 minutes into them I needed a nap. It was crazy how quickly my body reacted. The next day, after my nachos/alcohol/pancakes binge I felt hung over (I actually might have been, but the food did it too).

So I’m learning that yes, even I could stand to work on my health. I’ve lost 4 pounds so far, and am aiming for 20. I know I can do it. After the 6 weeks I hope to find less reason to have carbs and more reasons to pick healthier choices.

Wish me luck!