WALK THIS WEIGH - September Challenge (CLOSED GROUP)

SunshineKisses_2012

Good Morning Everyone!!!

So I wanted to start this thread so we could introduce ourselves and get to know each other before the challenge begins. What are your biggest dreams? What are your biggest temptations? I will start!

My name is Brandy and I am a 31 year old single mom to a wonderful 5 year old little boy named Gideon. He is an absolute doll, though we do have our struggles. His dad is not in the picture, so I pretty much do this parenting thing on my own.

I have battled being overweight my entire life. I grew up with a mom that would tell me that I'm fat and ugly, my older sister would join in. My dad and I were tight, but that didn't exempt him from telling me I should be more like my sister, which made me feel like the person that I am isn't good enough. My sister was a cheerleader. I ran the other direction. I did track in high school and loved it. I was very fit during track season.

After having my son, my already noticeable curves (hips), became even more pronounced. It's been a battle.

There is a deep history of diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses on both sides of my family. My sister has said that since we are pre-disposed to being fat, we can't change that. I'm here to prove her wrong. Just because the cards are stacked against me, that DOES NOT MEAN I can't beat this. It just means I have to work harder! And I'm here to do that.

I have met a lot of amazing people on MFP and I feel so blessed by each of you. I couldn't imagine taking this journey without any of you, as well as those to come. I am a Christian and I will post scripture a couple of times a week. I encourage people because I need to be encouraged. I truly believe in the Golden Rule - do to others what you want them to do to you. Some people call it karma, I'll stick with what I know.

I am on a team for the August challenge. The first couple of weeks were HARD. I have knee and ankle issues. I cussed Gary's name the first couple of weeks because I would go to bed and get up HURTING, but this week I have found that I'm a LOT better able to do things that I haven't been able to do in a long time without an immense amount of pain. I truly hope that your experience is the same as mine.

I don't want to be thin. I'm not built to be thin. I want to be healthy. I want to be here for as long as God will let me. My body is a temple that I have not been taking care of, and that is no longer acceptable. My biggest temptation is carbs and chocolate. I am trying to find a suitable replacement for the carbs, the chocolate is easy because I am more of a dark chocolate fan and there are a lot of products out now that are healthy that have dark chocolate in them.

I look forward to getting to know each of you and encouraging you on this wonderful journey!

Brandy

rpearce519

Hi everyone, my name is Robin, I'm 36 years YOUNG! I've been married to my wonderful and very supportive husband for 14 years (next month) and we have 2 kids, our son will be 13 and our daughter is 10! We also have 3 dogs, an american bulldog, beagle and minnie pinscher:) I work full time in the magazine industry (mainly advertising) and totally love my job! Needless to say, we are always busy between work, kids and their school, sports, social lives, dogs, house, the list goes on and on!!! But I'm not complaining, I'm enjoying every minute of it!!!

I have never really been that over weight, maybe 10 pounds here and there over the years. My purpose for starting this are many though. Diabetes runs everywhere in my family as well as arthritis/osteoporosis on my moms side. My older brother was diagnosed a couple years ago with diabetes and had to have 2 toes removed right away, it was crazy and a wake up call! I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant, so that right here increases my risk of being diabetic later in life by 40%!!! I've never been much of an exercise person, I find an excuse not to exercise whenever I can. I never played sports in school, except for track for a short period, so I know I'm capable, just been lazy! I've started workout programs only to end them a week later! with the perfect excuse of the kids keep me too busy....that's the other big reason, I want to set a good example for them! My kids are very active in sports and other things, so I can't complain there, but I want to be a good example as a parent and be able to keep up with them! Lastly, so sick of being tired all the time, which then puts me in a mood! I'm sick of having excuses on why I'm lazy about being healthy, I'm sick of the crap we all put in our mouths and then wonder why we feel lazy....I have so much more energy now that I'm eating right and exercising, I love that!

My weakness is CHOCOLATE and SWEETS!!! oh my do I love it! but I'm not totally giving that up, or sweets, just finding better ways to prepare it and just eating a piece of chocolate here and there, everyday, like just a couple hershey kisses a day will satisfy me:) if I deprive myself of that, I'll never make it!!!

Anyway, I think I'm just finally ready for the change, I think you have to be in that place where you are ready for a real change in lifestyle and I'm there! I'm glad I'm there, I don't know how I got here, but I won't ask:) I absolutely love this web-site, love all the people and support I find here, the accountability! I always laughed when I'd read about keeping a food journal, thought that was so stupid, but now that I do it, I'm addicted and man is it an eye opener!!!!

I look forward to helping you all and receiving the support from you all on this journey!

mindy14456

Hi!! My name is Mindy, I am divorced and live in upstate NY. I work 3 jobs and feel like I am constantly on the run, and have spent my entire life making sure that everyone else is taken care of, forgetting to take care of myself or just running out of time to do it.

I have been overweight my whole life, and while super active, I just never seemed to be able to change that. I come from a family of wonderful people, who try to be supportive but really do not get it at all. They all eat whatever they want and as much as they want, while staying fit. My dad was a Marine and I do not remember him ever being a different size, no matter what he would eat. My brother is also a Marine with a huge appetite! My mom is a pixy, and my drill sgt sister in law is as well!! So needless to say, I often felt like I didn't fit in physically, and let the insecurities decide my path.

In April I turned 40, and I started listening to myself. I could hear myself saying "if I was 50 lbs lighter I could do this or I could do that" or "when I lose weight I will...." while never doing anything to make that happen. And I do not want to grow old with regrets. So I decided to take charge of me and my future. I want to be as proud of me on the outside as I am of me on the inside. I started and stopped diets and workout programs more times than I can tell you. I tried every diet pill on the market at one point or another, but I never had the follow through to make things happen. I think part of me was hiding behind the fat, so that I didn't actually have to live my life to the fullest. Easier to fail without trying than to really try and maybe still fail at things.

So here I am. Down 27 lbs and feeling so much more secure than I ever have. Excited for each day, for each workout, and for the constant changes my body and my soul are taking. Getting fit is almost an obsession now, and it is an addiction that I am thrilled to have! I still have a way to go to reach my final goals, but I now feel like there is nothing that will stop me.

So excited to be in this challenge with you girls, and taking this journey together!!

lablovr108

Good morning everyone!

My name is Christi, and I'm 34 years old. I live in Mentor, OH (right on Lake Erie, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland). I am a CPA and work downtown for a large financial institution in the Accounting Policy/SEC Reporting area. For the most part I like my job, but the months after quarter/year end are very hectic with a lot of hours. I'm single/divorced and live with my two black labs, Chelsea (8 1/2 years old) and Mindy (1 1/2 years old). They are my babies - yes, I am the crazy dog lady!

I was diagnosed about ten years ago with hypothryoidism. That is when my weight gain began. Before that, I was a size 5/6 through all of high school and college. It was around that time that I was also working in public accounting, crazy hours, traveling a lot, eating out all of the time and not exercising. I also went through a divorce from my high school sweetheart. My weight just gradually increased until this past spring when the scale said 178 and I said enough! My family booked a cruise for March 2012 and I found MFP! I became completely committed to eating healthier and being more active, without giving up everything that I love. Just finding better, healthier ways to still enjoy those things from time to time.

So here I am! I have met so many wonderful people on this website and have learned so much. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you girls better. Wishing you all a fabulous day!

Christi

rowmoor

Hi my name is karen...aka rowmoor.. iam a young 53 in october...I have 2 chidren the eldest is 30 my daughter, and a son , he is 26.
I live in the uk , stoke on trent with my partner...stephen weve bin together 21 years ( off and on ) lol....he is a prison officer and works at the scrubs in london, My 14 year old jack russell, chip., and 2 cats.. I work full time with people with learning disabilities, and manage a flat( their home ).
Both my children are fitness addicts , my son is an amature boxer, next fight on the7 oct, hes doin really well and up to now has won all his fights. My daughter just loves the gym, and is there when ever she can, she trains me when she can.
I was a fat child , slim up till i was pregant in my20s and then constantly struggled to maintain a healthy weight. Ive cracked it a few times but not been able to maintain it.
I love to exercise when i do can go a bit over board cause I know that thats the real key to losin weight...keep active..I love doin classes and will try anythin, my favorite is step. not so popular now though.
I love a challenge and now ive found this site and new friends that are like me I am really excited. Bring on this challenge and hope we can all work together and win.......Happy days :happy:

TamaraGraceS

Good Morning everyone! My name is Tamara. I am 39 years old. I got married last October. My husband and I met 22 years ago. I moved away. Our families stayed very close. We married other people ( I was very unhappy and ballooned to 247lbs). He had a daughter and I had a son and daughter. We both divorced the same year. We went out for a short time and stayed best friends. So alone I raised my kids, went back to school, took over my life! Totally Mind, body and soul. I have made mistakes trust me. But failure is another word for experience. I became a Christian. Then three years ago my husband and I got engaged. We had our daughter in January. Dec 27 before she was born i had an aneurysm. But the Lord and I talked and I said I was not ready to go She was born Jan and with complications for me NOT her Thank God. severe surgical hematomas from my C-section which caused he to bleed from my stomach for 7 weeks. See why not feeling so pretty!

My sisters and Mom were all models. I modeled for a stint but found it disturbing. A) your only as good as your picture I hate make up C) people stop hearing you.

My one sister got really heavy. And as a teenager I would hear your getting a little chubby like "s" My worst fear was looking like "s". I remember my mom pinching me and saying your starting to looking like "s" ......WOW then the eating disorders came along. Water pills, binge eating..... You name it I tried it. 20 years later I can't eat grapefruit. ( The grafefruit diet...drink and eat only grapefruit! EWWWWWWWWWWW) Update on sister she had a bipass surgery and is the size of me now and i get to hear all the time look how great she looks. I am so proud!

With my x husband. He led the life of a single man and I worked and took care or our daughter. Then after our second child I started to work out and get healthy. Then I started talking and he didn't like what i had to say LOL

I have been told by my Dr and went to see an endocrinologist that it was genitec. Stop trying that this was as good as it was going to get! I got a fair amount of muscle so I weigh more than people think. But my goal is to loose 100 lbs by my 40th birthday. I have only 38 lbs to go. I would love the support of people cause hearing you can't SUCKS!

I love popcorn! LOL would knock an old lady down for some So would my golden retriever! I want my kids to know that their body is a temple. You can do it even when others don't believe you can.
Thank you for listening to my story .
Feel free to add me. I could use more people who wanna see me do this!

Tarheelgrl4life

Hey ya'll! My name is Ragen and I'm 26 years old. I'll be 27 in October of this year. I live in a small town in North Carolina called Liberty.....we have like 4 stoplights..I LOVE it. I work as probation officer, have been doing so for almost 2 years. I enjoy what I do, but not all the time. I enjoy helping people, but sometimes its hard to do that when people don't want to help themselves. I have been owerweight most of my life. When I graduated from high school in 2002, I weighed 289lbs. I could barely walk up a flight of steps without being winded. I knew that this was not how I wanted to live the rest of my life. I wanted to feel good about myself, I wanted to date and wear a pair of jeans that actually looked good on me. So in the summer of 2002 before starting college, I joined ww. It worked great for me at the time. Gave me freedom to eat whatever I want and being a busy college student that helped. Sadly though, when I got older it didn't work as well for me. I was eating too many low point foods that weren't good for me and then not getting hungry so then I would eat more and then go over points. This is my fault, not the system, it just didn't work for me anymore. I was 215lbs in a size 14 and somewhat happy with that so quit worrying about it. Well we all know what happens when you do that, the weight began to come back on slowly and before I knew it, I was at 250lbs again. I thought to myself I did NOT work hard to loose it just to gain it back again. Then my best friend and the love of my life proposed to me in June of 2010 and I had a great reason to lose the weight for good. We set a wedding date of October 2011 so that gave me over a year to lose the weight. Well life happens, stress from work, stress from being a full time graduate student, and family drama! Had all of this going on, and food was always there to make me feel good. So instead of going down, I went up in weight and got to 275. What in the world! So here I am. I lost a few lbs before joining this website, but now I am here for once and for all to get this weight off and keep it off for good. I do NOT want to be fat for the rest of my life. I want to see my kids and grandkids grow up. I want to grow old with my future hubby to be. Thanks for reading and thanks for all ya'lls support.

SeasideOasis

Hello my fellow "Walk This Weigh" friends!! My name is Summer. I'm 25 years old and live in Mayfield Hts (SE suburb of Cleveland), Ohio.

My current reasons (besides the obvious health factor) for wanting to lose weight:
1.) I want to feel like I'm in my own skin again.
2.) I begin doing more traveling in the next few months than I have in years and what to look/feel great.
3.) I want to feel comfortable in pictures again.
4.) To get rid of some of some of my current health issues.

I was burned (3rd degree burns from the waste down) in an accident as a kid. Due to skin graphing, I have what looks likes bands across my leg that have gotten very tight due to my weight gain in the last couple of years. Growing up, I have always been very trim and petite. When my Endometriosis kicked in at its worst, around Summer of 2007, after treatments all stopped working, I ballooned from 120 to 160. While my skin graphs are not usually a 'health concern', with the weight gain it makes me VERY nervous. If I can get back down to my healthy weight through 'life style changing' versus 'dieting' I will be VERY excited.

I'm very charismatic. I'll talk to anyone. I'll try anything once. Karaoke is one of my all time favorite activities. Cooking healthy meals has turned into a favorite past time.

I'm very fortunate to have an awesome support group. My current MFP friends are ALL top notch. My boyfriend is uber supportive (yells at me if I get lazy, which I need every now and again) in making sure I workout (or stay active at least) and we make healthy choices a majority of the time when we grocery shop.

I have been at this whole 'losing weight' thing, forever. I have lost inches, but cant seen to get the scale below to stop moving from 157-159 for MONTHS now. Gemma, our fellow teammate, brought this group to my attention and I JUMPED on it (almost literally) in hopes that a good challenge might be exactly what I need!

I don't really have just one food I crave other than Chipotle. I already have that under control, as I don't allow myself to eat it more than once a week, and lately, I've been pushing it to once every couple of weeks. I usually kill myself playing tennis or at the gym after those days thought haha I eat out a lot frequently, so thats something that I will always have to watch over. However, the choices I've been making lately, even when going out to eat have been much better. Like skipping the friend and eating my fresh fruit at Chik-Fil-A :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Lets kick some weigh-in butts!!

marneymac

Hi All;

I've read each of your entries and we definately all have our own personal challenges and we're all very unique. I'm so glad I found this site and I'm thrilled to be involved in this and I feel like I know you all.

I am 48 years old. I live in Toronto Canada. I have 2 sons who are now adults -I had my kids very early in life. I went through some rough times in my life, including a divorce. I raised my 2 sons mostly on my own.
I re-married in October 2002 to a wonderful man and we are very happy.

I've managed somehow over the past few years to gain a bunch of weight. Not only did I gain weight but I also got very unhealthy.

I really don't know why I allowed myself to go that way. All I can contribute it to is that I always look after everyone else and although I always seemed to be surrounded by lots of people, it was very rare that anyone asked me how I was. Only b/c it was always me asking that of everyone else.....
So when I needed comfort or to vent, I did it with food.

As I gained weight, I got more and more health issues happening. I was having lots of joint and bone pain. I devleoped knee problems. I had disc problems in my back. Winter of 2009, I was in a lot of back pain. It was unbearable at times.
I went to Drs and didn't get much good news. I had a spine specialist that told me to buy a cane and prepare to gradually get worse. He said one day you'll get to need surgery but how long that will take no one knows.

I came home and dealt with that the best way I knew: lots and lots of chocolate!! And any other comfort food I could find. My weight ballooned. I was buying bigger and bigger clothes and justifying it somehow.....

I went to physio, etc etc etc.....I had a wonderful physio therapist that kept telling me I'd get better and get back to my life. But it didn't sink in at first. I wanted her to "fix me" while I pitied myself and ate.

She moved away and I started seeing her replacement and she also is so awesome!!

But, back to my condition, I kept that downward spiral going.....until during the past Christmas Season. I wanted to wear something nice for an event and I ahd nothing. I went shopping and came home broken hearted. Nothing I liked would fit me. It was a nightmare.
But that's not minor issues.
I started feeling terrible physically. Can't say there was any one problem, I just felt really yucky. And tired.

After Christmas, I started to think I need to lose weight......and I thought....and I thought.....

Then one day, I just was ready.....it was February this year.

I started eating better. Slow changes. No particular plan. I just started making better choices.

About a week later I had some weird rapid heartbeats one day at work. To the point that my chest was hurting. I went to my Dr. She sent me to emerg. Long story short: 3 days in the hospital, tons of tests, found out my heart was good- I was simply over reacting from too much caffeine and sugar in my body. I thought they were crazy!

But sure enough, I went through a very severe painful sweat producing aggravating nightmare week with no caffeine or sugar. And I felt fine!!

Well, finer than I had been anyway.

I was relieved it was nothing more than that. But that time in the hospital waiting to find out was a lightbulb moment for me. I became determined to not be abck there with a real heart problem. It's scary stuff!!

I did a complete turn around......over the next few weeks, I made more dietary changes, started walking......a little at a time...

I lost a few pounds...

In March I joined a gym and got serious!!

To date, I've lost almost 40 pounds. I've gone down about 3-4 sizes, depending on the clothes make/manufacturer, etc

I feel great.

Now, I'm ready to kick it up a notch! It was all about getting from severe pain and almost no flexibility to being able to just move.
Now it's about getting toned, getting off a little more weight. Not so I can look a certain way....but less of me will be able to move better!!

I go to Curves 3 times a week. I power walk 3-4 times a week.

I was using a couple DVDs at home but haven't used them much now that it's summer - I've been biking and walking outside. But when winter comes, I'll use them again for those days that I can't get out.

There's no going back now. At my last physical, about a month ago, my Dr said I've turned my clock back about 5 years!!

So, I look fwd to being challenged. It's the kick I need to kick it up myself!!

I loved your stories and look fwd to us all supporting and cheering each other through this. I ahve no idea what we'll be doing, but that's what makes this even more exciting!!

GemmieNoWobbles

bump - will introduce later. x

gsnap30

Hi everyone. My name is Ginger. I am 30, have two boys 9 and 5, and am getting married in may of 2012. I have been struggling with my weight since my first born. I use to be 130 back in the "old" days. My starting weight now was 170. I am currently at 162 and my goal weight is 140. I have been going to the gym around 4 times a week at least for 30 mins but I try to do 45 min. My body does feel stronger and I have lost inches but I want to do more. I want to be healthy, tone, and most of all happy in my own skin. My trouble spots are belly, hips, and thighs. That pear shape body type is hard to tone. OR just takes a while and I want results now not later but that's the best way to do it. Anyways, I love this site and can't wait to get going. I also am currently going to school fulltime and working partime so time can be a factor but I promise to do this and be committed. Let's do it!!!

LoreeBelle

Hi, Everyone! My name is Loree and I live in a small town in Iowa (Ragen, we only have 3 stoplights! lol). My husband Mike and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary in September (4 days after the 10th anniversary of 9/11). We have two beautiful girls, Hope (8.5) and Grace (5). Mike and I met online in July of 2000, talked on the phone in August of 2000 and met in person on September 10, 2000 (the day after I turned 36). We got married on Sept. 15, 2001, and Hope came along in February of 2003 -- when I was 38! So, I got quite a late start in having my children... (Grace was born 24 days before I turned 42.) I love, love, love being a wife and a momma. (I always wanted to be a mom and had kind of given up on that dream by the time I met Mike. God is so good -- and His timing is PERFECT. .Always.)

I work for an insurance company where I supervise 24 people. Been there 10 years (11 in October) and just recently realized I need to make some changes to incorporate things I *enjoy* doing into my worklife (it's just not the most exciting job in the world. LOL).

I have struggled with my weight since I was about 12 or 13 years old. In 8th grade, I wore a size 11, and I didn't feel fat. In 9th grade, I moved to a size 13 and overheard someone saying that I would be pretty if I lost a little weight. That's probably when I turned to food for comfort. I think I actually graduated from high school in probably a 15/16. From there, it's just gone on and on and on. I lose some, I get off whatever program I'm using, and I gain it back with bonus pounds.

Kind of a funny story: Before I got pregnant with Hope, I had joined WW at 282 #. Lost 20#, got pregnant and quit WW. When Hope was a little older, I joined WW, lost 17#, got pregnant and quit WW. Since I was over 35 both times, I had to go to a specialist/OB/GYN for "advanced maternal age." The doc was surprised to see us again and asked Mike and I if we knew what caused "this condition" -- we never skipped a beat and answered "Weight Watchers!!!" Interestingly enough, I became pregnant with both girls right around the 262/264 # range.

I've tried WW twice since Grace came along, but haven't had the success I had previously. I know what I need to do: track what I eat, drink the water, move my body and be accountable. I get the formula. I know that it works. But ... with the kids in school and dance lessons and Girl Scouts, there wasn't a lot of $ left for WW.

I'm SO thankful that I found MFP! I know that if I commit to myself this time, I can DO THIS!***

My weakness: Chocolate (namely Reeses Peanut Butter cups -- esp. in holiday shapes, lol -- and York Peppermint Patties -- also, esp. in shapes other than round). And I can't seem to just have a small taste. I have to have another and another. That's how I got back up to 294. (Higher than what I was when I delivered Gracie. Ugh!)

My goal: To be at 155 by September 9, 2012. That will be my 48th birthday. In 2012, I will have my 30th high school reunion, a family reunion and a week-long trip to Minnesota with Mike's entire family. I want to be well on my way to 155 by the time these things roll around. (Mike's family has never seen me under 245# -- that's what I weighed on our wedding day!)

There are truly so many wonderful people on this site. I love the support and encouragement -- and even the occassional butt-chewing when I'm not eating right or wasting my calories on CHOCOLATE. I need that sometimes!!! (See, the "old me" would have been hurt and angry that someone called me on the carpet for that. The "NOW me" appreciates that someone cared enough to call me on it. I think that's progress!)

The main reason I'm here (MFP) is because of God. ***He is all powerful. He is almighty. He is strong, when I am weak. Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I don't have to be ... strong enough.

Peace,
Loree

GemmieNoWobbles

Hi everyone
Great to meet you all. I read all your posts. Sorry its taken me a while to get on here - work has been hectics.

So I'm Gemma and I am 28 and I wil in the UK by the sea. I live with my boyfriend of 10 years and our 2 ferrets. I'm a bit of an oddball, I am an accountant for Sony but hate numbers and dream of doing something creative. I love to sew, quilting, dressmaking, crochet, knitting anything crafty.

So I have always been down about my weight, I've never been particularly overweight but I have always been "cuddley" and unhappy with the way I look. I want to feel happy in my skin and have some confidence in the way I look.

So, I'm hitting the gym hard doing lots of interval training and weights, started spinning again and now learning to play squash!

My weight loss has been VERY slow going but I will stick at it until I reach my goal.

Looking forward to September with you all x :flowerforyou:

iluvtosing2u

Hi everyone, I'm Cassy! I'm new to the group as of today since someone dropped out so I figured I'd introduce myself as well if that's ok :-) I am a 30 year old wife & mom to 3 kiddos. My husband's name is Vic (chewy7410) & he's been doing this journey with me which is fantastic. He doesn't have nearly as much weight to lose as I do, but I can use all the support I can get! We've been married going on 5 years. My two boys are from previous relationships. My children are: Joshua (11), Izaya (9), & Arianna (3). My youngest son, Izaya has Autism (high functioning) & a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. He's come such a long way from where he was at 3 or 4! We still have struggles such as him dressing himself, him being really overwhelmed with loud noises and large crowds, and his temper tantrums. But I know those things will come with time as well.

Umm.. I run two businesses from home. My first business is a children's boutique called Bow Baby Bowtique where I make tutus, pettiskirts, hairbows, boutique clothing, etc. We had an actual brick & mortar store but closed down due to finances & me taking in my best friend's 3 children (they're with their dad now). My second business is family photography called CB Photography Studio. I absolutely love working from home but may have to go back to driving a school bus for special needs kiddos since my daughter is starting school soon & money is tight.

I guess I'll fill you all in on why I'm here in the first place :-) I've struggled with weight my whole life. I was always told I was fat or ugly as a child and boy has that stuck with me! I gained 100 pounds with my first son due to being on strict bedrest and being depressed. More & more weight packed on with each child which brings me to now. My starting weight was a whopping 335 pounds and I was just so disgusted with myself!! How did I let this happen? How could I? I've tried all the fad diets there is and have lost some weight in the past, but put it back on plus some! This time, it's different! I'm dead serious about my health now and don't view myself as being on a diet! I feel like I can still eat most things I ate before, I'm just practicing portion control, exercising, and choosing healthier foods first over junk. I also have struggled with bulemia before where I would binge and purge. I'm happy to say that I am not allowing that to be a part of my weight loss this time! I'm doing my best to do everything the "right" way because I refuse to go back to 335 pounds!