I've lost 142 pounds and gained a whole new life!

I started out weighing 280 pounds and I now weigh 138 lbs. I have kept the weight off for over 6 years with an awlful lot of determination, tears shed and overcoming many obstacles. I have to say this is the hardest battle I have ever encountered and it's a day to day struggle and will be for the rest of my life.

I started out changing my eating habits including portion sizes and walking outside at a slow pace. As the weight began to come off, I had more energy to walk a little further and each day, I grew stronger. I joined the gym and at first only used the cardio machines which did help the weight come off with the combination of my healthy eating. Over time, I discovered the weight machines and the many benefits they have like sculpting my body and trimming inches off of me. I asked one of the trainers at the gym to show me how to use the weights properly and safely.

I walk every day for 1 hour on my lunch at work when the weather permits. I bought a treadmill for home which I use and not as a clothes hanger!!!!!!!! This especially helps on days when it is not fit to walk outside; I have the T.V. hooked up right in front of me and I turn on Y and R and walk! I get so many compliments constantly on how good I now look and so many people tell me I am an inspiration to them which means the world to me.

Anyone can do the same as I did, there is not magic pill. The solution is to control your eating with healthy choices and controlling your portion sizes and to add exercise, SIMPLY. I use MY FITNESS PAL every single day and it keeps me accountable of what I am eating and how much and keeps track of my progresss. I don't want to ever feel like I felt before, this new sense of security and confidence should be bottled and sold because it is the best feeling in the world. Good luck to you all and never give up!