So today is January 7th and I can honestly say that I have been soda free all year, LOL.  I have incorporated a 1 1/2 mile hike on 4 of these past 7 days.  Today is different however because I started thiinking of my meals more.  I started my day with some oatmeal, blah..I put in a 6 oz dish (1/4 cup of quick oats, 1/4 water, 1/4 cup lowfat milk, drop of vanilla extract, a teaspoon of maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon/nutmeg) For my lunch/snack I had a rolled up slice of deli turkey and a 200 calorie tortilla chip/quac snack pack from Sprouts.  For dinner I made beef and brocolli (no rice side) and doubled my brocolli portions.  The family enjoyed it, oh and lots of Water.  Then I went with my kids to the beach for our after dinner hike.  Now for my weigh in.  Why am I doing this diet bet?  I am 41 and weigh more than I did at 9 months pregnant with twins...oh and that was 17 yrs ago they are graduating HS in June.  My goal is to get into a size 12 dress.  75 pounds to go!  Fingers crossed that this diet bet works