Strong Start - 108 kg (238 lb) 40 kg (88 lb) (pics)

For me the journey to a healthier lifestyle began at a very desperate chapter of my life - I always was chunkier than my peers in high school, however it wasn't until I met a boy who would turn out to be the worst decision of my life did I pile on weight without even noticing.

A few years after the inevitable breakup and many years of refusing to weigh myself I finally decided enough was enough - I bought a set of scales and hopped on for the first time in 5 years!
I knew I was heavy but I was absolutely devastated when the scales showed up at 108 kilos! This was the shock I needed - I was wearing size 18/20 (AUS) clothes, I was aggressive, sad and had no goals.

On the 15th January 2013 I gave up smoking (I was smoking a packet a day) and then decided to give a meal replacement shake diet a chance to break some very bad and unhealthy habits. I don't agree with following this long term, however it did give me some quick results that made me extremely motivated!
A work college encouraged me to attend a "boot camp" with her (self run) we did this for months driving 30 min to the beach at 5 am Saturday and Sundays. Within 5 months I had lost 10 kg and was finally no longer seeing 3 digits on the scales.

Then I found MFP and this was a serious game changer! I followed a diet with a -500 deficiency and increased my workouts to weights 4 times a week and cardio on alternative days. The results were astounding and the addiction was real - my goal weight was 70 kg which I hit nearly 2 years after starting this journey.

Still not satisfied I vowed to hit 40kg lost before my 25th Birthday in May - and when I got on the scales that morning SUCCESS!

I don't have this health and fitness thing all worked out yet but I am continually learning and surprising myself and looking for motivational people - I really hope that even if one person finds this motivating this post was worth it!

I recently slowed down and gave myself some breathing space to enjoy my success, but I have now developed new goals - hit 62 kg and be the strongest and fittest version of myself I can be!