Hello everybody

Thank you for inviting me to be on your Gettin' Thin blog. My name is Brenda Keefer and I am about 45 pounds overweight. I have a small frame and am only 5'0" tall. People tell me I don't need to lose weight, but I can feel the extra weight and I don't like it. all my extra weight is in my tummy, thighs and hips.

If I could shed just 20 pounds I would be much happier, feel better and look better. Most of my problem is lack of exercise. I own my own business and don't always get an opportunity to walk like I want to. Sitting at a desk all day doesn't help.

I hope that I can learn from others experiences as to what helps and what doesn't.

One problem I have is junk food. I have a weakness for Junior Mints and for Hershey's Kisses. I have always kept candy dishes on my desk in case I need a pick me up. Since a lot of my work is done via computer, I find myself reaching for the candy dish on a regular basis.

I have moved the dish off my desk, but as I'm walking through the kitchen I will stop and grab a handful. I know that is bad. I lack self-control. I think it is mostly habit.

I love to write. So I have decided that I'm going to buy a journal. Instead of writing what I eat, which will just make me hungry, I'm going to jot down a thought every time I have the urge to snack. I'll keep the journal and a pen where the candy dish was. Then instead of reaching for the snack, I'll reach for the journal and write down what made me want a snack. For example, an entry might read "Have been answering emails for two hours and needed a break to stretch." Then I will stretch and relax a moment. Think I'll get a relaxing fragrant sachet that I can sniff to relax when I go to write in the journal. I'll let you all know how it goes.