It hits you hard in the face when you stand on the scale and realize you are almost 50lbs overweight. Gaining weight wasn't something I noticed until I caught a glimpse of me in a friends picture. I didn't even recognize myself anymore. I got winded from just walking up my stairs. I decided a few times that I would change my ways by just dieting. That of course failed time and time again. So after researching online and also some deep dark thoughts on my side, I came to the conclusion that dieting wouldn't change anything. A better, healthier me required a complete lifestyle change. So December 2015 I started making changes. First with eating habits. I no longer drank processed beverages, only water, pre-workout and protein mixes, I no longer consumed fast, greasy, processed foods, only homemade, cooked, natural foods with portion control. I kicked sweets to the side, taking proper supplements to help with unnecessarily cravings. January 3rd I began going back to my local gym. It was terrifying the first time walking through those double doors, I have social anxiety and the idea of everyone staring at the new fat girl who had decide to try fitness out for the new year only to fail filled my head. I realized quickly that wasn't what I was walking in. I got smile after smile, advice and encouragement from my fellow gym goers, and as I continued with my routine every day, I built up my confidence and now February 8th I have been going to the gym for over a month, eating healthy, happy and a loss of 17lbs!