Celebrating one year!

Well today is the day I actually stuck with my lifestyle change for one whole year! I remember Feb 3 2008 perfectly. It was a Monday (Obviously all diets can only start on a Monday). I had convinced Janet Miller to join a gym with me as I was way too scared to go on my own, so off we went....I knew I was going to be the fattest in the gym and I was seriously worried I wouldn't know what to do. So we started on the Body for life 12 week program of weights as I had tried it before(what haven't I tried..Cabbage soup anyone?)

It was super hard at first and I was nervous for the first little bit, but slowly began to realize everyone in there was too busy doing their own thing to notice me and they were very nice and encouraging. We did that for 12 weeks, then I got a program from my trainer Natasha. She killed me so I had even more work to do. Summer came and I maintained....very difficult on holiday. It was a lifestyle change. That means being realistic so I did eat..but I also tried to exercise. I lost and gained 5-8 pound for a month and 1/2. Then in September I reached the 50 pound mark....Miracle! It was so hard. I started Spin class at Inspire and have lost 2 sizes but not much weight.( you need to try spin. It is a KILLER! I kid you not!)

I have struggled with wanting to eat sweets since tasting them again at Christmas but the battle still goes on. I would like to lose another 18-20 pounds and be a size 10. I SQUEEEEZE into a size 12 (but the zipper is up so that counts!) I have a bunch of pictures that are coming but Sean forgot the cord at work so I can't load them. I hope you don't think I am being vain. I need to celebrate this victory. Weight has always been an issue for me.

I want to do a shout out to all those that have helped me. Without you, I could have never done this.

#1- When I got the call to be a tribe leader, I knew I had to be in good shape for all the walking and busy hours. So I asked Heavenly Father if He would help me get in shape. I wanted to be able to tell my kids about it and give them a real life answer that our hardest things can be accomplished with His help. I fasted every month for that purpose, sometimes 2-3 times. I also included it in my prayers daily. I could not have done it with out the Lord's help. Thank You

#2- My family. Sean and London have been a big help trying to notice little changes and making me feel special and beautiful. And not snacking at night in front of me.

#3 - My friends. Every time you said a kind word about how I looked, I stored it away for a bad day and remembered that you noticed. My gym buddy Janet M. was amazing and I couldn't have done it without her. My other gym buddies Janet and Terri for all the counsel and encouragement and making me do the 5 minute plank (they swear it is only one??? I don't believe them). Everyone at the gym who gave me pointers and encouragement and training. I am grateful for my spin instructors at Inspire as well.

#4 I can't miss out on Bob from the Biggest Loser. I love that show and him and seriously I hear him in my head all the time when I am lifting weights or trying to run. Believe me, he is much better than having Richard Simmons in my head (I went through a Sweating to the Oldies and Disco Sweat phase. (I believe I passed those special videos on to Stephanie if anyone wants to beg them off her!) I seriously love Richard too. I love you best Bob

Well now for the secret. How did I do it?...the most asked question. I have tried over and over and over and have never lost more that 30 pounds. The secret besides #1-3 above....(and of course you Bob xoxox) IS...are you ready...Never quit. Every other time I would lose 30 pounds and think it is taking too long...so I quit. I just won't quit. It has been the hardest thing ever. Especially now. I gain a few, lose a few and the battle is really hard. I am going to get serious again and really work on my eating.

Sorry this is so long. I am sure you skimmed over it. It is my journal and this is a very important day, so I want to document it well. May you be blessed in whatever is your hardest thing to deal with, with faith in a Heavenly Father, with a family who loves you and friends that keep you going like I have been blessed with. With those 3, I can feel a size 10 coming on and 70 pounds down! Pictures to follow tomorrow!