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

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.