366 days!!! :) What I have gained

I have now been a member of MFP for 365 days and it is the best feeling in the world. In the past my dieting wouldn't last and I would go back to my old habits and gain anything I had lost back or more. After I got engaged last June I knew I needed a change if I was ever going to be happy on my wedding day, or any day for that matter. My best friend told me about this website, she had been using it for a few weeks and was losing weight. I made the decision that I was going to cut out chips & dip (my down fall) and I was going to record everything I ate. I stopped eating like a glutton and staying within my calorie goal. As soon as I started eating better, the weight started coming off. I still allowed myself to eat some "junky" food, like pizza and chocolate, but in moderation and i kept my cravings satisfied. I cut out soda in Aug. and I've only had soda once since then.

What I have gotten rid of in 1 year...
46lbs
5 pants sizes
2 shirt sizes
Pessimism

What I gained in 1 year...
Confidence
Muscle
A better body image
Optimism
$$ - I am using my gym membership, so I no longer feel like I am losing money, but putting that money to good use and getting happy has helped me put myself out there and move up in my company, make more money, and meet new people
Friends - On MFP & at work


What I have started....
Running
Weight training
Jillian Michael's 30DS
Smiling more
Being more assertive and aggressive
Getting what I deserve

I have gained so much in the last year and although I am not where I want to be I am finally on track to getting there. I have had slip ups and gained, and I have plateaued before, but taking it one day at a time and appreciating where I have come from means I can get where I want to be.