I became a whole new person

My name is Britt. I'm 26 years old and live in beautiful New Zealand.

I was never an overweight child, but as I headed into my teen years I slowly packed on the weight. By the time I realised I was completely out of control, I had hit 94kgs (that's about 207 pounds for those of you reading this that don't use kilograms).

I'm 5"2.

I looked absolutely awful.

I remember the photo that changed my life, it was a gorgeous NZ summer and my friend snapped a photo of me coming out of the surf in a bikini.

I couldn't believe that's what I looked like. Sure, I knew I wasn't skinny, but I looked unhealthy.

I decided to change my life. I started off cutting out the bad foods in my diet that were high in calories. I lost about 7kgs (15 pounds).

At 88kgs my doctor told me if I didn't lose 20 odd kgs I would be putting my health at serious risk.

I got serious. I started getting up early and going for walks before work, and I joined Jenny Craig for a wee while there that helped me lose about 7kgs.

When my life got less busy, I cut the Jenny Craig (this was never a long term fix) and started counting my calories using the help of my fitness pal. My history on here says that I started doing this at 75.5 kgs (166 pounds)

I am currently 64.4kgs (141 pounds) and slowly working my way to my goal weight of 59kgs (130 pounds).

For me it's not about how I look, its how I feel. When I had all the extra weight on my little body it was literally dragging me down. It was holding me back from all the things I wanted to do but had no confidence to do.

I cannot wait until the feeling of reaching my ultimate goal weight, and I'm so happy to be able to share my story with you all to show that it IS possible. I never thought I would lose weight, I had tried and failed (repeat that last part lots!), but if you really dedicate yourself it can be done. I've lost pretty much 30kgs... that's 66 pounds, the same as a small child!

The burger and fries cannot complete you the same way that the feeling of success will!

My number one tip to all: be organised and have a list of handy under 100 calorie snacks. I have now left full time work but I carry little snacks in my car, have them at university, at my part time job. My friends used to laugh at me about my strictness - but now there is nothing to laugh at. I've never been closer to my goal, and I did it without anyone else's help.

You are your own number one supporter - just do it (thanks nike for that one!).

Britt

Auckland, New Zealand