My before / after

I started around 200 lbs.I am now down 85 lbs.

At the time I started, I ate only at fast food places; everyday for 95% of my meals. I was also drinking 4-6 beers per night (I could easily drink a 12 pk). I was also smoking a half pack of cigarettes each day. Working out was never even a thought in my mind. Growing up, I wasn’t into sports or physical activity and that carried into my adult hood. I would get winded just going up the smallest flight of stairs. I was also suffering from the worst self-esteem and depression I had ever had and was using food to make myself feel better.

I was 24; and living back home with my parents who were going through a nasty divorce. My best friend saw the downward spiral that my life was taking and gave the the opportunity to move in with her and her family. I took this opportunity and my life has not been the same since.

I have since also quit smoking and drink only socially (maybe once per month) . I haven’t eaten at McDonalds in over 3 years. I dislike eating at fast food chains. Their food tastes terrible to me now. If I do go out to eat, I will choose an item that is not processed or I’ll get a kids meal. Living with my friend, she taught me how to grill meat as well as cooking in general. I’m still not the best, but anything I make at home will be better for me then eating out.

My goal for 2011 was to run a 5K - I completed this in March.

If it wasn't for my friend, I wouldn't have the life I have today. Believe in people! You never know who might change your life!

http://s1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa454/snflwr04/

<div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf&quot; flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed1198.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa454%2Fsnflwr04%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1&quot; target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif&quot; style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa454/snflwr04/&quot; target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif&quot; style="border:none;" /></a></div>