First things first, I love food. Not just eating food -- although that's what has ballooned my weight to where it is today -- I love cooking food and reading about food. I love buying new whisks and nutmeg graters. I get giddy when my Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazines arrive at my door.

I also love exploring new restaurants. I'm totally that person, the one who will drive an hour out of the way because a new burger joint supposedly has the best fries in the Midwest. And, yes, I will spend an entire day driving to the middle of nowhere because small-town America is hosting an annual Sweet Corn Festival (the corn was disappointing, but the funnel cakes were to die for!).

Of course, the simple act of loving to eat isn't what got me to where I am today. I admit it. I turn to food as an emotional crutch. I'll grab a bowl of mashed potatoes when I'm bored, lonely, stressed, tired, sad, have a headache. Okay, maybe not when I have a headache, but you get the point. I eat because it makes me happy.

So, today is day one of changing my habits and working toward a healthier me. I'm going to be eating smarter (goodbye, creme brulee!) and working out (hello treadmill!) -- and blogging about it all right here. The ups and downs, the aches and pains, the celery stalks and steamed fish. I'll be sharing recipes and workout tips and hopefully hearing a lot about your journey as well!

Healthy life here I come!

Stephanie