The Beginning...er, The End

So, now that you are completely baffled by my choice of the beginning v. the end, we are starting at the beginning...er, the end. It is the beginning of my weight loss journey, but the end of my life as a plus sized, unhappy, (almost) thirtysomething who used food as an emotional crutch. So, in August 2009, I started my journey at 230 lbs. and was appaled at the thought of actually trying to get down under 200 lbs. My school started a Biggest Loser contest and it was a great motivator to me. On a side note, if you are from that school, I heart all of you for supporting me while I became the 'food Nazi' over those 2 years :) So, throughout the contest, what motivated me the most was the fact that there would be a monetary prize at the end. I just started counting calories and walking at the gym a couple of days a week. It was torture. Oh, how I longed for the days of eating Taco Bueno (I know what you're thinking:" I LOVE the mexidips and chips"), Sonic cheese tots with a burger, and pizza, I couldn't get enough pepperoni pizza, or the macaroni and cheese pizza from CiCi's. By the way, when you eat these things multiple times per week, the calories are mind boggling!  So, as I went thoughout the school year, I researched how many calories I should eat and how much I should exercise in order to lose weight. By January 2010 I had lost 50 lbs. and had really started working out, lifting weights, and taking classes at the gym. I also contemplated having a breast reduction, as I was what you would call...blessed? (by the way, that's how girls with no boobs explain girls with big boobs); So, since I had lost enough weight, I qualified for the surgery, which I eventually had on June 8. That story is for another time and place on this blog, as it is definitely part of the journey, just not the MOST IMPORTANT PART. As I kept losing weight I became addicted to the feeling I would get when people would say they didn't recognize me or asked what I had done to look so fabulous. My ultimate goal was to be a size 12. When I passed that goal, I kind of just kept going and learned to love working out. Sheri and Lori, if you are reading this, you girls are the most influential people when it came to working out. You are both so incredibly fun and made working out seem like less work, and I can never thank you enough for that. After my surgery in June, I really started to love to run. I was running about 2ish miles a day, which seemed like a looooooong way. My lungs felt like they would burn out of my chest, but for some reason I loved it. In my next blog, I am going to write about myself as a runner and how I feel about it, although I am sure you have figured out by now that running is the only thing in my life besides my husband and family that I absolutely cannot live without. So, as I close this blog, just know that you have to find what works for you. Maybe it's weight watchers, maybe it's walking three times a week with a friend, maybe it's just finding someone to relate to, maybe it's weight loss surgery to get you started. Whatever it is, stick to it becuase you are worth it, and your body is the only one you've got, so value it!