My journey... so far...

How have I gone from this

(11/10/06) to... (size 22)

To this (10/26/07) ?... (size 12/14)

I have been asked a lot of questions since my last blog regarding my weightloss. I will breifly share my story with you. As most of you know, I havestruggled with my weight for my entire life. I have never been able to consistently change my eating and due to fear of failing I had given up on ever having a healthy lifestyle. I gave birth to Noah (3/05) and Collin 14 months later (5/06) and my emotions ran high. I felt as though I was not doing what I had been called, by God, to do. I felt like I was depriving my kids and husband of being the best mommy and wife that I could be. I was broken. I had witnessed my friend Beck loose a lot of weight and one night I ran into her at the mall. I was so humbled and convicted at that moment that I began to cry. I was tired of being crippled by my weight and letting my countless fears control me. This was the beginning of a new way of life for me and my family. The system my friend Beck had used and the plan I have taken on as part of my life is the tried and true weightloss plan of counting calories and exercising. I use a FREE!! website, calorie-count.com, that has a ton of tips and it really helps you know what you are eating and it graph's your weightloss for you. The first 25 lbs. or so came off fast, but beyond that, things have been somewhat slow. The difference has been astounding!! My marriage is stronger than ever. I think the new confidence that I now have has made the most change in this area. I am just happier about being me and a lot less ashamed of the way I treat my body. My walk with God seems to be more genuine and sincere. I feel I am being more obedient to Him. The relationship with my kiddo's is really active now. We dance more, wrestle more and I can keep up with them. The example that I am setting before them of a healthy lifestyle is priceless too. I have begun to face a lot of fears too. Last winter I actually went sledding. I have gone down jumbo slides and last summer I even rode roller coaster's. I am tired of not living because I am afraid of things. God has given me this life and how I use it is up to me. Aaron too has lost 20 lbs because of the healthier way I cook and the fact that he has cut WAY back on his sugar intake. YAY!! Aaron. :) All and all, if I can do it you can to! I hope you are encouraged. Please know that I am in no way saying these convictions are a one size fits all diagnosis of overweight people, nor am I saying I have it down to an exact science, but this is my story and I do not judge others for where they are in their life. In the near future, I want to climb a rock wall. That was supposed to be my reward for hitting my 50 lbs goal, it hasn't happened yet, but it will!! I will post pictures when I conquer that one.

Have a great day!!
B.D.