Life or death...I chose life and am almost to my goal of 100 lbs lost!!!

From years of eating poorly and drinking I landed myself in the ICU with necrotizing pancreatis. I developed an ulcer and had to have 11 blood transfusions as well as a blood clot removed from my lung. I vowed to myself and loved ones I would turn it all around if I were blessed with the opportunity to change.

I lost 82.2 lbs in 10 months. I ate low-carb with lean protein, fruits, and berries. I went for walks, sprinted up the hills at the park, skateboarded and biked. I went back to just walking and ate mostly like a vegetarian while I cooked in a kitchen. That had it's busy moments, but largely had little orders which resulted in sitting around, so I started lifting weights and dancing in between orders.

I drank water, diet tea and juice, diet soda, and sf bangs. I would make lots of mozzarella cheese sticks and other junk at times but would also eat well. I maintained my weight but got poor sleep from the late night hours until...

I quit my late night bar kitchen job. I cut out negative influences and environments. I just completed my first week of kickboxing. I got my gloves the 2nd day before class and didn't stop. As a result of working out at a high-intensity level, I've slept better, my mind is more clear, I'm happier, have gotten more definition and also gained muscle mass...as well as a new perspective.

Abstaining from alcohol and tons of caffeine has helped tremendously this month. I've been hungrier and only reaching for healthy food 70% of the time out of convenience. I'm bumping it up hardcore this Monday and nothing will stop me, only myself and I will not let that happen if I can help it.

I weighed in at 169.2 today. I'm only 20 lbs away from my goal. I'm going low-carb again.I'm going to drop more fat and replace it with more muscle. In the studio I jog to get my heart rate going, punch, kick, do jumping jacks, suicides, mountain-toppers, burpees, bear crawls, sprawls, wall crawls, russian twists, leg lifts, and planks. I still walk and have built it up to jogging and skateboard often.

I am grateful for my supportive family and friends and will not take this new lease on life for granted. I am glad I didn't give up. May we all march forward with our heads held high, no matter the strife. We will make it out of the dark tunnel toward the light of actualized dreams.

Stay strong in body, mind, and spirit.
We can do anything.
-Andrea-