100 pounds in 338 days!

This is so exciting! I started MFP on 10/12/2011. This year has been crazy like many of you who are reading this. Nothing can stop me now. This is way too exciting! I've been through job changes, illness - myself and family, money issues, and more. My father was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for the 3rd time in May and passed away on August 15, 2012. I know he is proud of me and that helps to inspire me too. I'm telling you this not to feel sorry for me but to hopefully inspire you to keep moving forward despite obstacles and challenges that seem to block your path.

I am a single mother of 3 girls - twins, 12, and a twingle, almost 9. I work part time for our local children's hospital in safety education. As a family and individually, volunteering at church, school and in the community has always been important so we are just busy. Many of you are too.

How did I get started? What was my "ah ha" moment? I went to a new doctor for a check-up. It had been a while and I was starting my new job. I got on the scale and saw 307. My jaw dropped. I am only 5' 3 1/2" !!! How had that happened? Yeah, well we all know that don't we! Anyway, the resident was kind and asked questions. She then said that she was going to have me come back in 2-3 weeks for blood work. And during that 2 weeks she wanted me to write down everything I ate. Hmmmm... So I said, Sure! I will do you one better and be really really good. She told me that she didn't say to do that but just to log what I eat. I'm competitive and I like praise, though. So, I googled around and found MFP that night. I started the next day. I read, reduced portions, walked around the neighborhood here and there for the next 2.5ish weeks. Boy was she surprised when I lost 9lb in those first few weeks! I was pleasantly surprised myself!

Five weeks into this new healthier lifestyle, I realized that walking just wasn't going to be enough to preserve muscle mass. I'd been reading more about being healthier and not just being thinner. So, I decided to research Curves. I liked what I read so I thought I'd give it a try. I was sure that it was going to be so easy that I would just whip around the circuit and maybe go back for a 2nd visit each day. HA HA Well, ladies, if exercise scares you... stop fearing! It is a habit and once formed... well don't look back! I love my workouts at Curves. I get strength and cardio in 30 minutes. I have definitely maintained, built and gotten some definition in my muscles!

There is so much to say but I don't want to bore you! SO, take a look at this picture. I hope it inspires some of you that this is possible to do by simply making better food choices, reducing portion sizes, and exercising. :bigsmile:

So, I am still walking (running at times) on this journey. My destination lies ahead. Often people ask what my goal weight is. I really don't have a number for the scale. Body fat %, yes. But ultimately, I want to be healthier and love (bug) my kids for a long long time to come. And enjoy their kids when that time comes a long long time from now!

I only have this one comparison picture to post today. The picture on the left is from March 2009 at the Grand Canyon. The one on the right is from this Wednesday, September 12, 2012 when I reached my 100 pounds GONE mark! There are more on pictures on my profile. (I am not a very supportive friend at this moment in time but I will answer friend requests if you put a reason in your request.)