Friday, December 26, 2014

Oh crap. How did that happen?

Well here we are (or here I am) on the day after Christmas. 2 1/2 years into a journey of weight loss and maintenance. Looking back, the weight loss part seems easy. Ok, no it wasn't EASY, but I got used to it. I learned it and lived it. Became a Weight Watcher leader as I was so passionate about the lifestyle change. And now, here I sit, 12 lbs above my goal weight at 162 lbs. One word, Sh*t. Maintenance is REALLY hard.

Ugh, so it begins again. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of cookies on my counter right now. Maybe thousands is too much, but it feels like it. Frosted gingerbread, frosted sugar cookies, cinnamon roasted pecans, banana nut bread, coffee cake, popcorn (cheese and Ranch flavored). It's insane. I cannot stop snacking. CAN NOT!

My plan is to do my best the next couple days. We have our delayed Christmas with my husband's Mom on Sunday. I'm making the turkey....and potatoes, and stuffing. Do I even bother to start now? Yes, because you can always start fresh. One bite at a time. One meal. One choice. One day. It all adds up. I'm ready.

I guess more than anything, I'm back. I mean, REALLY back. The last year has shown me I'm no different than anyone else. I've fought my will power, gave up, eaten like crap, experienced heartburn again (NOT FUN). I'm ready to fight again. Fight to get these 12 lbs and maybe some more off again.

Starting on 12/29/14 at 5:00 am, I will begin another round of T-25. This is almost the same weight and size I was when I started last year. Went from a size 6 (almost a 4) to a Size 8 (almost a 10). Need to get back, need to be healthy. Especially since I GOT MY OWN MEETING! Saturday morning, 9 am in Waterford. My meeting starts on January 24th, 2015. Cannot wait!

So, until next week or maybe sooner. With this, I include 2 family pictures. Taken in October. I can see the gain in my face, but I am still SUPER happy with the pics!



Wednesday, July 16, 2014

It's been 2 years and 2 days....

2 years and 2 days since I decided to change my life. I don't think I fully understood what I was taking on. To be honest, I don't know if I believed I would be successful. But as my husband, Jason would tell you..."Just tell Michelle she can't do something, that'll make her show you."

So I guess I did it, I showed myself! On July 13, 2012 I left my house and stopped at McDonald's. I ordered a breakfast burrito and a McGriddle, sausage McGriddle. After eating those, I walked into my first (3rd attempt) Weight Watchers meeting. My leader, Angela was a thin, very pretty blonde woman with smart looking glasses. She was kind and sincere. There was something I connected to and I left the meeting feeling empowered.

My tosies
As I share how it happened and a lot of my journey here, there are a few items I have noticed I do now, that I did not before.
For example:
I don't go into Handicap stalls anymore. I don't need all the extra room. 
When I get into my van next to my husband, I don't put my purse or diaper bag over my belly. Used to try and hide it!
I shave my legs once a week now (luckily I'm not a hairy person!)
I can clip my own toe nails now. Not that I couldn't before, but it was a struggle and my hubby used to help. 
I paint my toe nails again! See?


Side by side- 3 years!
I never thought I would wear a 2 piece swimsuit again. I used to be uncomfortable in any swim suit. I would hide or usually avoid any activity that required a suit. This "before" picture in the side by side was taken by my parents and included a bunch of people. The "selfie" was me last Sunday. I was not feeling well but decided to go lay in the sun and get some Vitamin D. I put on my suit and smiled. Do I look awesome?  No. BUT, after 2 kids, I'll take it!


So when I break it down, I am maintaining the weight lost. I waiver from 151 - 148 lbs. At 9 months pregnant with my #2, I was 279 lbs! I'm now within my healthy range.  I'm happy with that. I am 3 weeks into T25 again. Taking this week off as I have been super sick, but may even jump back into the saddle tonight. Overall, if anyone is reading this, you can do it. I did!

Or maybe if I tell you, "You CAN'T do it"....you will

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

My success story video

I meant to post this a long time ago, for those of you who were not local and unable to see my TV debut!

After my last post, I was asked to be a part of our local news station and with the support of my amazing leader, Angela Wein, I think it turned out pretty good.

What do you think?

My leader, Angela and me


My Success Story!

Here's the recipe for the Mango Avocado Salsa.

Thanks to Skinnytaste for the assist, as always:

Avocado and Mango Salsa
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 5 • Serving Size: 1/2 cup  Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 119.4 • Fat: 8.2 g  Carb: 12.6 g  Fiber: 3.4 g  Protein: 1.3 g  
  • 1 mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1 plum tomato, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 jalepeño, seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients and let it marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Honored and Excited! Can I be a success story???

This week I submitted my story to Weight Watchers as a possible Success Story. I'm hoping I am chosen to represent my amazing leader :-) Here's my application!

My Story:


250 lbs
After having my second child I found myself more overwhelmed, overworked, and more tired than I've ever been in my entire life. In July 2013, I’d had enough and I decided, "I'm going to lose 100 lbs!" I knew Weight Watchers worked and had tried it with success in the past. Prior to that, I’d tried pretty much everything; personal trainers, diet pills, Adipax (phentermine), working out, low carb, you name it, I tried it. I would just yo-yo up and down.  

I had sizes 12, 14, 16, 18, and even 20 in my closet at any given time. Not only was it frustrating to fluctuate like that, I knew it wasn’t good for my body. At 250 lbs I had heartburn every day. My back hurt, my knees hurt, and I would become winded walking up 1 flight of stairs. I had an active 2 ½ year old who wanted me to play outside. I had a newborn that needed me. Mommy was always “too tired”. I was miserable.

Starting weight watchers I made sure I did everything the way it was suggested. I made weekly goals. As each week passed I made that goal a part of my new lifestyle. 5 weeks in, I had a new set of guidelines which were attributing to my healthier life. I attended meetings regularly, I used my phone to track my meals, and when we went out to eat, I made sure to add up points. It was not easy at first, but the weight started coming off and I was so excited I wanted to keep going.

There were so many excuses I could make for not losing the weight. I work full time.  I have two kids, one a newborn. We’ve gone through sickness and stitches, sleepless nights, and every holiday meal. I hated exercise. Though active in high school athletics, it had been years since I really “worked out”. I thought I had to go to a gym and life weights.

150 lbs
After I had lost about 40 lbs, I felt so much better. I had a Wii, so I purchased Zumba and Just Dance. I alternated those work outs in my living room. Completing just 25 minutes of Zumba and 25 minutes of Just Dance the first week was easy. The second week, I did 2 zumba classes. The following month, I was working out 3-4 times per week. With my eating following Weight Watchers and my workouts, I found the losses steady each week.

If I had a craving, I found a way to satisfy the craving either by recreating it in a more healthful way or using my weekly points to splurge. In the 20 months it took me to lose the weight, I never felt deprived. That’s why it worked for me. Recently, I completed a 10 week workout program that included 60 workouts, resting only on Saturdays. That’s not something I EVER would have done before.


My life is completely different than it was before. My husband and I are happier, I play with my kids outside, and I have even been complimented for my positive outlook at work. Things are incredible! I am very happy. 

Photos I submitted are above.

My stat sheet from WW: Join Date, Goal Date, Lifetime Date (hoping tomorrow)


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Sick. Sick. Sick. AND, Sick some more....


 This is ridiculous. I mean, RIDICULOUS! Our little team Dable cannot get well. We cannot! It's driving me CRAZY!
big boy acts brave
My brave boy!
This is my last 2 weeks of frustrations. Apologize for taking away from my weigh loss mommy and going into bitchy mommy here, but hopefully some of you can relate.

Monday- Phone call. Oldest Son fell on the playground. 3 stitches. Trip to Urgent Care.
(Hubby leaves to go out of town Tue-Thu)

Thursday- Youngest son crying in agony. "Mommy. Ear. HURT." Another quick run into the Urgent Care, Antibiotics for an ear infection.

Friday- Back to Urgent Care to remove the stitches. Wound is healing great! Time for Mederma

Fri night- Hubby home, happy weekend. All seems great!

Monday am- Oldest son wakes up sneezing, coughing, etc. "Mommy- I am too sick for school." Stay home.

Tue- Hubby leaves again- gone until Thursday....

Tue NIGHT- Pick up younger son from daycare and he seems fine. At bath time, I notice he has a few bumps and a slight rash. Before my eyes, it doubles. AGAIN, go to Urgent Care. It would appear he has a reaction to Penicillin..... New antibiotics.

allergic reactions or viral infection
Poor little man! 
Wed- Pick younger son up from daycare. Rash is SO bad he can barely see out one eye. Call my Dr. they say he should be seen. AGAIN, Urgent Care. They say, "Well I don't want to say the Dr. last night was wrong, but....this isn't an allergy. This is just a viral infection. BUT, he needs Steroids".... UGH!"

Thu- All good BUT younger son refuses to take medicines. I tried hiding it in Ice cream, yogurt, chocolate milk, you name it. NO DICE! He's too smart for my games.

Fri- All good BUT after our friends leave at 12:40 am, I realize I am not feeling so good, so I take Ny-quil. Next thing you know, my OLDER son gets up at 2:30 am. He threw up, EVERYWHERE. Change the sheets, snuggle him back in, give him a bowl. good, right? NOPE. 3:45 am- "Mommy, I frew up again". Cut to another sheet set soiled and put him in the guest room with me next to him. Poor guy up the rest of the night. Moaning and in pain. Mommy- NO SLEEP.

Sat am- YOUNGER son wakes up. Having labored breathing. Seems to be very lethargic and not better at all. Hubby takes him to EMERGENCY ROOM! 3 hours later, a chest x-ray and breathing treatment, he has a Viral Infection which just has to run its course....Great!

Sunday- Mommy sick all day. No rest for mommy.

Monday- Mommy still very sick, but needs to be at work. Boo.

Tuesday- Feeling a little better- still at work.

Wednesday- FINALLY better. 45 minute walk on my lunch break! I'm back baby!

I didn't weigh in last Saturday (you know the whole ER thing) and I am nervous at my number this coming week. In guessing, I think the last 2 weeks added about 3-4 lbs.

I have this week to make it up. Back to my healthy eating and get my workouts completed. Hope you all have had a better couple weeks than me....

Monday, April 7, 2014

Next challenge accepted

T25 is done. I finished it a week and a half ago. After 10 LONG weeks, I am able to share that I went from 155.4 to 148.4 lbs. I also lost a total of 9 inches from my chest, waist, arms and thighs. Went from a size 8-10 to a size 4-6.

It was HARD work. I've never committed to 10 weeks of anything in my adult life. I always thought the people on infomercials were fake. And maybe some of them are, but DANG! This worked. I gained muscle in places I never knew existed. I toned my legs, butt and arms. I can see clearer definition in my abs and I definitely lost some of the apron-y fat which sets in front of my tummy.

So, I took a week off. I deserved it, right? Whew! Let me tell you. I ate and ate. And ate some more. I went out to eat 5 DAYS IN A ROW! I dined on Chicken Teriyaki wrap with Sweet Potato chips, a bacon cheeseburger with an egg on top and fries, a plate full of Chicken Marsala from Calderone Club, a grilled ham and cheese panini with FRIES (again). I haven't been this mean to my body since before I began my journey.

Interestingly enough, the scale wasn't too cruel. I had lost a little weight, but I am a little nervous to see what happens this weekend. I am on Day 2 of 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. This is a 3 DVD set I bought on Amazon for $8.50 or something. It is meant to do DVD #1 for 10 days, #2 for 10 days, #3 for 10 days. I believe you're supposed to rest on Sunday so it's a 33 day challenge. This one seems much more do able for me right now. I don't think I could commit to another 10 weeker! Whew!

I'm back on track with eating and I have discovered a new food line which is 100% organic that I'm excited about! It's been Yummy and Healthy! Will keep you updated. Stay tuned for my 10 week photos. I am a bit delayed, but I still look pretty good!

Monday, March 10, 2014

I just have to share this!

If you follow me, you know I don't go to the gym....I get my workouts in at home. This video below is PROBABLY why I avoid....It's funny! Enjoy!


Thursday, March 6, 2014

I had stopped trying

I realized the other day while I was in the shower shaving my legs, my life and overall being is in a much different place than it was 20 months ago. The reason I thought this was the fact I was shaving my legs and it was SO much easier to do! No grunting or hard work, just easy peezy!

It sounds silly, but something like that is a pretty big deal. Not only was it easier to actually shave my legs, I was DOING it! I had pretty much stopped caring about those maintenance and upkeep items of my life over the last year and a half. The upkeep of ME didn't exist! Shaving, having my hair done, putting on lotion, brushing my hair at night. Little things I had always done as part of my beauty regime, but had stopped because I no longer felt good about myself. Why bother, right?

In thinking back, not only did I give up on my diet and exercise and my beauty routine (because let's face it, I never liked looking in the mirror) I had given up on everything. My clothing consisted of XXL comfy pants and XL t-shirts. My "going out" clothes were a pair of jeans and a sweater. For work, I wore the same 3 pairs of pants because I didn't want to buy anything larger.

I never took much time on my hair. I wore it in a bun a lot of the time. My makeup was very minimal and I just used plain soap and no moisturizer. Again, why did it matter? I didn't feel pretty. I didn't feel desirable. Why should I even try?

NOW- I notice I am taking much better care of myself. My whole self. Working out, eating healthy, SHAVING my legs....Even making sure to moisturize my face and body (I have all this extra skin that needs tightening- it is our biggest organ, right?) Flossing my teeth and working on a cleaner, brighter smile :-) I also LOVE shopping again. The only problem is now I have to actually decide which looks the cutest, because overall things look pretty good. Hope that doesn't sound conceited...All of these things I had stopped doing- Why? If anything I made myself feel WORSE because I wasn't taking care of Me!

I am now. I am still a mom. 100% . All the time. My youngest has pneumonia and I took 2 days off work to make sure he had tons of snuggles and felt better. I made sure to continue my smart eating and my workouts. A little lesson- don't have crap food around the house and when you feel like snacking- YOU CAN'T. HAHA!

Week 10 of T25 is almost over- I've not taken final measurements or pictures, but I will on Sunday. That was 10 weeks of hard work. I feel incredible though! Weigh in at Weight Watchers Saturday and hoping to be back to my Goal of 150 and MAINTAIN!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

I just don't want to.

Not every day is perfect. I don't always feel like eating the right way, and working out, and going to my meetings. This was my thought recently.

(Inner dialogue Saturday morning....)
I don't want to go to Weight Watchers this morning. I really don't. It's honestly the last thing I feel like doing.

My husband is out of town in Minnesota and was supposed to get home yesterday but he still isn't home and now I am sitting here with my two small children thinking I really don't want to go to Weight Watchers. 

I put my car into a snowbank yesterday and had to wait 2 hours for a tow truck. I am tired and just wanna relax! Ugh.

Turn it around, turn it around. My negative attitude won't win this morning, there are some major reasons I need to go to Weight Watchers today. The first being, I haven't gone the last two weeks. Oops.

Second, I have not been eating as well I had planned and I haven't been able to make it up yet. (you know when you delay going to a meeting because you figure "hey I'll do really really good next week and then it'll make up for this week"). 

Well that didn't happen,  I had to go out to eat 3 times this week. In some cases I made good choices but I also ate more than I should and not ALWAYS the BEST choices....

Finally, last time I went I actually gained 2 pounds and that completely deflated my spirit as the week before I finally hit my goal of 100 pounds! Urph. Get your ass to the meeting, Michelle!!

Well, I loaded up my guys into the car and I went to WW on Saturday. I was down .8 lbs. My goal weight is set at 150 lbs. I was at 150.4 just 3 weeks ago, but now I am 151.4 which means, only 1.4 more lbs to go to hit my goal weight....I am 151.4 lbs and 5'6". Why am I stuck on the idea I should be 130-140 lbs?

My new thought process is all about non scale victories though. I managed to finish ALL my T25 workouts - 8 weeks completed- 2 weeks to go. I bought my FIRST ever SIZE 4, yes, SIZE 4 skinny jeans at Gap. Overall, I am feeling good about me. Still a work in progress, eating one bite at a time. 

My new 1/2 way through T25 photo!
5 weeks into T25

Monday, February 10, 2014

My version of my fav- Pasta Fresca

There have been some awesome developments with my journey, but also with work I've been too crazy to share. That being said, I do not have time to write and share all the fantastic news right now, coming later today or tomorrow! I did want to share my new favorite at home make over recipe....

Noodles and Co Pasta Fresca copycat
PASTA FRESCA = PASTA DELICIOUS!

First things first, here is the AWESOME Pasta Fresca recipe. It's a copycat of Noodles and Company, but I'm more inclined to make this at home as it's only 9 points. Add some grilled chicken and voila, only 11 points! AND you made it at home. Much cleaner (less preservatives and such) and much more delicious. Noodles and Co. regular version is 17.



Past Fresca Recipe:

Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups pre-cooked penne pasta
1/4 cup cubed roma tomato
1 tablespoon diced red onion
2 dashes kosher salt, and
cracked pepper
1 ounce baby fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh garlic

Fresca Sauce:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 T. sweet white wine
2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
Sauté Instructions:
In a very hot sauté pan, add: extra virgin olive oil, pre-cooked penne, roma tomatoes, diced red onions, kosher salt & cracked pepper.
Sear noodles, stirring occasionally until steaming hot.
Add: baby fresh spinach, fresca sauce.

Toss to combine, serve with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Meatless Mondays- trying something new

Planning my menu board
LOVE my menu board!
I decided this year I am going to get further into my menu planning. I've made (Yeah, so my hubby made it) a board where I post my weekly menu. I've got it down to 5-6 meals per week where I have EVERYTHING on hand in my fridge and pantry. Recipes at the ready, too. If I decide I don't feel like eating a certain meal that evening, then I can trade it out! It's been a blessing. It also helps my hubby know what to get started should he beat me home from work.

This photo was right after I made it. Before I had decided on Meatless Mondays. However, I am on week 2 of Meatless Mondays. Tonight is Pasta Fresca (copycat version from Noodles and Co) and I'll let you know how it turns out. 

However, I have to share the recipe I made last week! It was simply awesome! Not too hard, but even my kids had 2 servings each! It was Whole wheat linguine with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto.


Recipe as follows:

1 cup sun dried tomatoes - not in oil (produce area)
1 T. Olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (not the powder stuff- buy real and shred!)
2 medium cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups basil (FRESH)
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 t. sugar (I added this to offset acid)
Whole Wheat Linguine Pasta (Or high fiber pasta)

Place tomatoes in a heat-proof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let sit until softened, about 20 to 30 minutes. Drain tomatoes but reserve tomato liquid.  

Place tomatoes, 1 cup of tomato liquid, oil, 1/2 cup of cheese, garlic, basil, salt and red pepper flakes in a food processor; process until smooth. 

Add more tomato liquid, if desired, and adjust seasonings. 

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water; drain pasta. In a serving bowl, toss pasta with pesto and about 3/4 to 1 cup reserved cooking water, depending on desired consistency; sprinkle with remaining cheese. 
Yields about 1 cup pasta, 1/3 cup sauce and 3/4 teaspoon cheese per serving. 

I served it with Steamed Broccoli, sprinkled a little more Parmesan on top of the broccoli. Yumm! 
NOTE: There was a lot of Pesto left, so I put it into a Tupperware container and have been using it as a spread for my turkey sandwiches and egg sandwiches in the morning! 

Oh, and I also figured I'd share my new license with you! The picture on top was me 1 month after my 2nd son was born. I was 250 lbs (I lied to the DMV- oops). I don't even recognize the woman in the picture.... Making the little changes can make an AWFULLY big difference, huh?

Thursday, January 9, 2014

What if I can't do that yet?

I am 2 weeks into T25, it's literally kicking my butt! I can feel the pain, people! Good news is, I already see a difference. My plan is to post after 5 weeks, so you can see it too.

Something I've been wanting to write about was deemed necessary when I ran into someone at work who had also purchased the workout. I was going on and on about how much I loved it, when she told me...She hated it! I was surprised. It got me thinking why it may just not be the right fit for her.

She's in the early stages of her fitness journey and may not have been prepared for the kind of exercise it offers. It reminded after we finished the first routine and my husband asked me is there was some sort of pre-requisite before starting T25? He is doing the program with me and he was dying.

Don't get me wrong, it's extremely hard. BUT I am struggling through- mostly using the modifiers when I have to. Even those moves can be difficult. So, how did I do it? How did I get to the point in my journey when I wanted to tackle this challenge. Let's list what I've done in general over the last 1 and a 1/2 years.

#1. I completely stopped eating fast food. I haven't had it since July 2012.

#2. I cut WAY back on alcohol. Maybe 1-2 drinks per month.

#3. I don't eat past 8 pm. EVER- OK, rarely :-)

#4. I have not stepped foot in a gym. My workouts are ALL done at home(with the exception of 1-9 round excursion).
Work out progression:
25-30 min of  Wii Zumba 2-3 days per week
35-45 min of Wii Zumba or Wii Just Dance 3 days per week
45 min of Zumba or Just Dance 4-5 days per week
45 min of Zumba or Just Dance 3 times per week, Elliptical 2 times per week = 5 times per week
Now: T25 5 days per week- follow each workout with 20-25 min of Just Dance or Zumba

#5. I get up early to do it. In bed by 9:45, up by 5 or 5:15 am

#6. My day for eating go as follows:
6:45: Smoothie (most mornings)
10:00: Popcorn snack
Noon: Lunch (brought from home or something sensible if outside office)
3 pm: Fruit snack (apple, grapes, kiwi, strawberries, etc.)
6:30 or 7:00 pm- Dinner (again at home)
7:50 pm: FINAL treat (piece of chocolate)

Remember- It's taking it one meal at a time. Don't ever blow off a whole day because you ate too much at breakfast. Every minute counts. :-) My first 80 lbs came off with eating alone, exercise came later, so make eating your #1 priority.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

One year - Side by Side!

My video camera has been with our family since October, 2010. Feeling nostalgic, I plugged it into the TV today so I could watch the videos we have taken over the last few years. WOW. What an eye opening experience. I mean, WOW!

The majority of the videos, I was behind the camera. Narrating the happenings around me, to my husband's horror, and never showing my fat ass on camera. I know it sounds harsh, but I knew I was big. Heck, I was 250 lbs after my first was born. A whole YEAR after he was born, I was still 250 lbs. No excuses, just loving food and avoiding exercise. It wasn't baby weight, it was lazy weight.

So, back to the camera, the videos that do include me are horrifying! I am appalled at the person who was on that video. It wasn't me. I was huge! I never saw myself as the person featured. Sitting with my son, Myles helping him open his gifts, there were literally ROLLS of fat and my arm was huge! I am pretty sure my voice even sounded lower. I know why I avoided the camera as much as possible. Eek....However, the camera does add 75 lbs, right?

When we got to the video which was taken just a few weeks ago, I was sitting happily with my baby boy, Joel (who's now 18 months) helping him open his presents. The woman in that video was who I had always seen in my mind. NOT the large lady who was in those other videos. It made me so happy! Until I saw my little roll that hung over... UGH! I guess at least it was 1 roll and not a multitude.

It's been a rough road. Losing weight has not been easy, but it was VERY necessary. 2014 will be a whole new ball game for me. Now I've lost the weight, it's time to feel better about me. I'm re-focusing myself to Weight Watchers. I plan on attending meetings religiously again. I am even hoping to become a leader in 2014 or 2015.

On another note, which I'm on day 3 of T25 which is a workout regimen I've committed to for 10 weeks. It's really brutal, but I'm hoping it will help me tone and tighten. Seriously, it's only 25 minutes plus a 2 min cool down and it's QUITE the workout! I'm already writing a bit about how I'm feeling through these workouts, so expect to see some of that in 2014!

Overall I am happy with where I am right now. Happy for the first time in my adult life. I weigh 153 lbs, am wearing a size 6 pants and size small sweaters. I'm not completely satisfied, I want to look in the mirror and not see the extra skin. However, when I look at my beautiful boys, that skin and my stretch marks are reminders of them.

I'll definitely write more soon, but I just wanted to post some pictures and give anyone out there who is afraid they cannot do it some advice.... and I know everyone says it, but "IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU!". There's nothing special about me. I don't have extreme will power. I fight cravings. Chocolate and french fries are still part of my diet, just not every day. PLEASE reach out to me if you want to know more or if I can help. I'm a real person.

Take a look and see what a difference a year can make.

January 12, 2013
    December 31, 2013






I never EVER thought I would feel good enough to post pictures of me in a sports bra. In fact, I HATE most women who do this, but I am now committed to making these photos from yesterday my NEXT "before" pictures. I'll post those in 10 weeks.