Top 5 Reasons to Lose Weight

Here's another post I've been meaning to put together for a while. Motivation is probably the #1 key to sticking with a weight loss program. If you don't feel any reason to lose the weight, why try? So here are my top 5 reasons for losing the weight (20 weeks and counting!):

1. My health - As I've hit my 30's, I've come to the realization that I won't be living forever (nice thought, huh? :). I know it's not entirely traceable to my diet and exercise habits, but I currently have a high cholesterol issue and a thyroid issue. So this isn't only about looking good, but correcting other health issues as well.
2. AJ - When my dad had me, he was 22 years old and still young enough to get outside and throw the football around, etc. as I grew up. When my son is hitting his prime "play with Dad" years, I would like to be able to do the same with him. Also, I feel it is very important to his health to have positive role models in his parents. Perhaps, if he sees me eating fruits, nuts, and vegetables all the time, he will be less inclined to hit McDonald's as much as I did growing up.
3. Do it now while I'm younger - This is something I've been meaning to do for a while, but each year I realize that my body will be harder to change. I have older friends and relatives that work at this as hard as I do and are lucky to drop a pound a month. So, I better get that weight back to an acceptable range. That way, when I'm 40 or 50, I only have to worry about maintaining...not losing.
4. Looks - I wouldn't be honest if I didn't put this in there. All of my life, I have either been too skinny or too fat. For about 2 minutes somewhere between 19 and 20 years old was my weight in the right range. It didn't stay that way for long, because I was having a pepperoni pizza every other night in college. So, for once, I would like to get my body to a shape where I feel comfortable taking my shirt off at the beach and not wonder if people are repulsed (which is sad because I grew up on LI, NY with a beach within 20 minutes at all times).
5. Energy - It is so awesome to be able to climb a flight of stairs or just get up from the floor without feeling winded. It was very scary for me when I would wake up in the morning and just felt like I was laboring to take a shower, etc. It's hokey to say, but I really do feel the extra energy in my step when I go anywhere now. Perhaps it's the confidence as well, but I really think there is a physical change in how my body stores and uses energy.

So there you have the top 5 reasons why I decided I need to lose the weight. On a positive note, I should be good for a 1 or 2 lbs drop this week, if mid-week readings mean anything. And my pushups are on track as well...giddyup!