Why the Frugal Weight Watcher blog? (an introduction)

My purpose in blogging as the "Frugal Weight Watcher" is because in my searching of the internet, I have not been able to find many sources for information about the combination of weight watching, healthy lifestyle and frugality.

Let me introduce myself and give a little bit of background as to how I came to this point in my journey. I am a wife and mother of 2 boys- ages 6 and 20 months. I work full time as an elementary library media specialist here in Virginia. My husband stays at home doing freelance work as he keeps our toddler. We are actively involved in our church.

I have struggled with my weight since my teen years. Last year when my peak weight hit 231 pounds (size 22 inching towards a 24), I decided it was time to go back to Weight Watchers. I first began WW 7 years ago( Jan. 2001). I was successful in losing 25 lbs. in 8 weeks. My doctor says that is why it was easier for me to become pregnant with our first ds(darling son) after 1 1/2 yrs of trying. Needless to say, pregnancy (a wonderful time in my life that I would not trade for anything) put my weight loss on hold.

Now 2 children later, I began WW again in July 2007. It was my birthday present. I asked my dh(darling husband) and in-laws for that as my birthday gift. So they gave me the 10 visit passes.

Successes thus far:
1. Losing 47 pounds from July 2007 top Feb. 2008
2. Moving more--progressing from barely running 1/10 of a mile in Sept. 2007 to running my first 5K in Dec. 2007
3. Adapting my WW routine to a much tighter budget
4. Going from a size 22 to a size 14

Struggles thus far:
1. Plateauing for the last month (dealing with the same 1.5 lbs over and over again)
2. Having the flu this winter which threw my exercise routine out of wack
3. Trying to find time to exercise and get enough sleep amidst my hectic work, church,
family, and housekeeping schedules
4. Trying to find ways to eat to lose and feed a family of 4 on a $50/week or
$250-300/month budget (veggies, fruit and lean meat don't come cheap)

My Goals:
1. To lose 30 more pounds by my next birthday
2. To fit into at least a size 10/12
3. To finish my next 5K (not come in last, run the entire course and finish in less than 37 minutes)
4. To plant a frugal, successful vegetable garden this spring
5. To continue to consistently exercise through the Virginia summer
5. To run a local 10-miler race in September 2008

My BLOG Goals:
1. To post menus, recipes, etc.
2. To post money saving/frugal practice ideas
3. To link to other related blogs and websites
4. To document my journey