Take 2

Hey everyone! I've been active on MFP for two days now and I am already finding strength and motiviation on the boards. The energy here is amazing! To join that energy, I wanted to share a bit about myself:

I originally started MFP the summer of 2012 and lost 10 pounds. Unfortunately, I gained it back (and then some). In May 2013, I stepped on the scale and saw the numbers 2-4-0 staring back at me. WHAT?! Right then, I decided to change my lifestyle FOR GOOD and shed some of the weight. I told myself I would start with 40 pounds and see if I could do it. From there, I would decide how (and if) I was going to proceed.

Fast forward nearly a year: I've lost 43 pounds and kept it off. The bulk was lost last summer and since September, I have maintained at 197ish. It's become my new normal, even without proper eating and exercise. I went from a size 18 to a size 14/16 and I feel and look so much better! However, I'm not done. My next goal is 180 and that's what I'm working toward now. Beyond that, I'm not sure -- I may stay there and I may keep going. Baby steps, right? I've never been a skinny girl and I have no desire to be... I just want to be healthy!

I don't believe in dieting; I believe in lifestyle changes. And I am SO ready for the second leg of my journey!