Hi! From Stephanie.

StephanieStaffordMead

This is the intro from my blog sorry if it is long. I enjoy connecting with other like minded people and helping others find their motivation.
I had a lot of emotional things that started to surface when I was in my 20's. I was unprepared when it came to dealing with those things and so I turned to food. I steadily gained weight all through my 20's. I maintained my highest weight for several years, making attempts to get healthy but never succeeding. My emotional eating soon turned into food addiction. I would see an add on TV for a specific food and I would need it. There were times I would go out in the middle of the night to get it. I hide my food issues from everyone I loved.

During these times I started to feel controlled by the food. I felt crazy because I couldn't make it stop, I couldn't take control of my eating or my life. I was searching and searching for the answer and help. I knew exactly what I needed to do.

Last year I started having health issues. I couldn't sleep on my back because I felt like I was choking to death. I felt like my body was 80 years old ( I was barely 30). I was tired all the time and I didn't have the energy to get off the couch. I was killing myself with food and my lack of caring. What is worse is my little boy was becoming very active at this time and all I could tell him was sorry honey mommy can't play.

It was BULL$%IT and I knew it. I needed to make changes.

I was out shopping for a dress for an upcoming wedding. I found a really pretty dress and when I went into the dressing room to try it on I saw myself. I felt fat, depressed and ugly. I didn't even try that dress on. I told myself this is it, NO MORE! I made an appointment with a doctor to get a health screening to see where I was at with my health. Mostly to see if the damage could be undone.

It had been years since I had a basic health screening. I was scared that I had let myself go to the point of no return. I sat there with my doctor to read the results. She didn't sugarcoat it. She said IF you don't change you will DIE! You are lucky as hell right now because you don't have any major health issues, but you are pre-diabetic and you have cholesterol problems. You need to lose weight.

It wasn't until September of that year that I really got it in my head that I could change. I started making major changes in November. I am down 35lbs with a goal of at least 50lbs by my birthday in September.

I became got certified in Fitness Nutrition to help myself and to help other. I know the struggle and I know that people need support. I am also getting a degree in health studies. Focusing on nutrition and activity related classes.