14 Sharaf 166 B.E. (Baha'i calendar)
Soundtrack in head:  M.A.R.R.S., "Pump Up The Volume"

Today marks the third anniversary of my mother's passing.  She died of ovarian cancer at the young age of 64.  While cancer can kill anyone at any age, it is also noteworthy that she had a number of other health issues, including some related to being overweight.  My grandmothers lived to the ages of 88 and 84 respectively, and my grandfathers to the age of 83 and 78, so longevity is in our genes.

Since my mother's death, I've thought quite a bit of my own mortality. I'm arguably the one in the family most physiologically similar to her.  And like her, I've had significant weight issues.

Two years ago, on the one-year anniversary of her death, I started a special diet.  After reading the book "Going Against the Grain" by Melissa Diane Smith, I decided to start a grain-free diet.  In six months, I lost fifty pounds, and I've kept it off. I did this despite not developing an exercise routine.  But I did plateau, and over time, I've become less strict with myself vis-a-vis grains. 

Today, I am re-starting my grain-free diet.  And I'm combining it with my resolution to exercise more often.  I have a membership at Snap Fitness I haven't been using.  I've observed how hard it is to force myself into the habit of going to the gym, so I'm going to start by going to the gym once a week, then after a few weeks increase that to two and then to three.

Wish me luck and put me in your prayers.  If I stick to it, I know my health will improve no matter how much weight I lose.