Week 1

As I start my journey today I am 279 lbs. and have a 51" waist. I am currently taking medications for diabetes and cholesterol(recently doubled my dose). My long term goal is to get down to 190 lbs. which was my weight after I left boot camp. I also want to get off the diabetes and cholesterol medications. I am also trying to referee Division 1 youth soccer games so I need to improve my physical conditioning to do that. I have put on about 30 lbs. since I separated from my ex-wife 8 months ago.  I have included a crappy photo of me and plan to post more as my journey moves along.
My plan is to start tracking the food I eat and make sure I include a salad or some other type of non-starchy vegetable at most meals and include fruits and a protein source for snacks. I have quit drinking alcohol and now it is time to start eating healthy. I will also make sure I include some form or cardiovascular exercise 5-6 days a week. Once I lose about 20 lbs. I will start lifting weights again also.
My short term goal is to lose 7 lbs. this month. I hope by tracking my exercise and eating daily, tracking my weight and blogging weekly and my measurements monthly I will be able to succeed. If you happen to read this I hope it is a source of inspiration and either gives you the resolve to start or continue your own personal journey of self-improvement.