The first meeting

Hello, everyone. My name is Megan Sprague and I am a writer for the Lake Norman Navigator.

I've never been one of those Hollywood stick figures, but lately I have been feeling unhealthy and out of shape. I decided, after months of feeling chubby and panting up the stairs to my third-floor apartment, that I would pick my bum up off the couch and do something about it.

I am now a proud member of Weight Watchers. My first meeting was Monday night, and it was inspiring. I was worried about starting right before the dreaded holiday season, but learning the rules and portions helped a lot. I can still eat everything I want, but just in smaller sizes, and I'm cool with that. If eating less and counting points allows me to fit into my favorite jeans again, I'm in.

This will be a big change for me ... I've never owned a scale and my version of exercise is getting up to change the TV channel manually. I'm hoping to lose 30 pounds in my journey and I am eager to start Pilates, which seems a little less threatening than going to the gym and staring blankly at weight machines that I have no idea how to use.

Added to this new way of life is a brainchild of my editor. A fellow employee, Jess, is doing a weight-loss boot camp and now we are pitted head-to-head (or stomach-to-stomach, if you prefer) to see who loses the most weight. I am a ridiculous cut-throat competitor that often makes children cry at board games, so I fully intend to kick butt and drop some pounds.

I can't believe I'm about to post this, but my starting weight is 177 pounds. I am allotted 26 points a day, with 35 weekly points for splurges (so I really can have my cake and eat it, too!)
In Weight Watchers' infinite wisdom, they also give you several helpful guides for eating out (which is good for a busy reporter!) and tasty-looking recipes (so your significant other isn't tortured as you shed a few pounds).

Well, really, that's about it! I hope you continue to read about my journey into the wonderful world of dieting and lend a sympathetic ear when I want that Double-Doozie and walk away with a Diet Coke.

*Editor's note* The author does not really make children cry at board games. Sometimes their eyes well up, but she quickly hand them a tissue and pretends to let them win.*