I began wanting to lose weight when I reached my heaviest, which was 210 lbs at the age of 19. I was always sick, hurting, and unable to do the things most people my age could do. I didn't enjoy life or being social, all I wanted to do was sit inside and hide from the world...and eat. I had many unsuccessful attempts at losing weight, which resulted in me gaining the weight back and adding a few extra lbs on each go around. In 2008, I began researching on the internet on how to lose weight the proper way. In 2009, I felt confident enough to finally begin my journey and I haven't looked back since. I began working out with weights and walking, I did this a few times a week. I started to eat healthier and gave up fast food, sodas, and other sugary snacks, in which I was use to eating on a regular basis. After 4 months of sticking with this, I lost 35- 40 lbs. The rest is quite obvious. It is now 2013 and I am down a total of 75 lbs and have kept it off ever since. I also quit smoking cigarettes in 2010, and I am proud to say it has been nearly 3 years since I last picked up a cigarette. :-)

The reason I love working out is because it has truly turned my life around. Before I educated myself on the proper ways of eating and working out, I was a very depressed and miserable girl; mentally and physically. I smoked cigarettes and drank, abundantly. I ate fast food 2-3 times a day, 5-7 days a week. Today: I do not smoke cigarettes, at all. I only drink on special occasions, no more than once every two months or so. I eat mostly organic and natural foods, and drink plenty of water. I exercise regularly and have found a way to enjoy myself and keep it fresh. I couldn't imagine being 210 lbs again, and certainly can't imagine how I lived so long the way that I did. I am very proud of myself and look forward to bettering myself even further, as time goes on.