Getting healthy -- my goals

Okay, I outlined some of my goals in part 1. Now to put them out there in a bit clearer order.
1) Make smarter and healthier choices when eating, but not give up everything. Not gonna happen -- chocolate in smaller amounts is one things, giving it up completely will get me on the news for murdering someone!
2) Get back into exercise mode -- I used to walk everyday for an hour. That will be my lunch break most days. Also get out and bike or skate with my daugther. Work my horse more.
3) As the weight comes off, get rid of the larger size clothes! If they arent there for me to wear on a "feeling fat" day, I will have to keep on track.
4) No stress eating! Easier said than done I know, but I am doing my best. I have taken to telling myself before I go to sleep at night "stress will not cause me to eat!"
5) On the flip side, no over eating at family get togethers or company functions -- just because food is there and a lot of it, does not mean I have to try everything.
6) "Reward" myself with things like a new book or cd after I lose 10 lbs. -- something that I want but wouldnt normally buy for myself.
7) Use the tricks that I read about in various magazines and see which ones I like and will stick with.

Getting healthy, part 1

Okay, getting healthy........where to start? This is about me and my weight issues. Specifically, the extra weight I am carrying and will be getting rid of this year. Why? To be healthier. To live longer and be around for my family and friends. To enjoy life to the fullest and all that goes with it. How much weight am I talking? About 45 pounds.......so no, I am not the heaviest woman on the planet but I have battled with my weight for years and have decided to do something about it. I just turned 35 -- not old by any means but getting to where the longer I carry it the harder it will be to get rid of. I am 5 feet, 5 1/2 inches tall. I do have quite a bit of muscle -- I am a cowgirl -- so packing feed, bales of hay, saddles and just handling my colt do give me a bit of a workout. But it's time to do more. I have started by getting smarter with my eating choices -- less junk, more fiber, more fruits and veggies. Also, just less in all respects. I don't have to eat every bite on my plate. I am trying to do this the smart way -- not the quick way. Which is hard; I want results and I want them now! I drink lots of water all day long. I haven't been exercising as much as I should but now that the weather is starting to improve, that WILL change. Out for walks on my lunch hour, walk my dog after I get home. Those are just a couple of things I will do to get healthier. I am lucky in that I am pretty healthy, although my weight is more than it should be. No high blood pressure, not horrible cholesterol. More to this later.......