Stag asked me what my plan was to lose the 30 pounds that I need to lose. Plan? You mean I should have a plan? OK, fine. Here is the plan as it now exists; subject to modification over the next couple of weeks as I implement it and find what works and what doesn't.
First -- Let everyone I know that I'm working on this. I want myself committed to this goal and I intend to incorporate all my friends into helping me achieve it (plus, it has a side effect of putting me on the spot if I don't actually follow through (something I'm notorious for)). While I won't post my actual weight or measurements (I weigh more now than I ever have in my life and I'm simply too embarrassed to post that!), I will post the changes on a weekly basis.
Second -- Modify my eating habits. I am taking no really drastic steps here, at least not initially. It is my objective to simply cut back on the sweets, the alcohol, and the fats as well as portion size in general. I will supplement with vitamins. I will use a web-site that I found to help me count calories, monitor progress and record exercise.
Third -- I will exercise regularly. My class schedule is such that I should be able to fit in 90 minutes a day for exercise. That's not to say that I'll exercise all that time, that also accounts for travel time. I will likely join a gym by my apartment so that I can employ a personal trainer. This has two benefits for me: 1) it keeps me motivated (I pay her and I don't want to waste my money or schedule something that I can't attend) and 2) muscle burns fat (I don't want a lot of muscle, but right now, I have only the bare minimum to keep me upright when I walk and manage my autonomic functions). I will utilize the personal trainer 2 days a week and I will employ other aerobic exercise 3 days a week. I will give myself Monday and Tuesday off each week (my busiest class days).
So, there you have it -- at least as it currently exists.