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Since January of this year I have been eating better/less and exercising more. And since then I've lost 47 pounds. I don't drink soda everyday like I used to, I now have a Diet Coke like every one or two weeks if I drink a soda. Cutting out soda and sugary drinks has made a huge different. It saves a lot of calories eliminating them. I've been eating almost NO fast food, and whenever I go out to eat, I get a healthy meal. Fast food and sweets are my biggest weakness, but I've had willpower and ignore them. I used to drink hardly any water for so many years, but now I have about 5 or 6 bottles a day.

MODERATION is key. Half a year ago I would eat A LOT. I would get two and sometimes even 3 helpings at dinner time, now that I've gradually eaten less I get full with my first servings at meals. It also helps to eat less when water is with the meal.

When I took Health class in college, it really changed my thinking about eating and exercising. I always knew it was good to exercise everyday but I never knew WHY. I learned a lot taking that class. The Professor told the class "In order to make any change in life, one needs Knowledge, Commitment, Motivation, and Self-control." I will always remember that, and now that his class finally helped me receive the knowledge of health, I finally got to move forward.

I feel so much better about myself. I used to walk around with my head down, ashamed of myself and embarrassed to look at anyone. I was so negative about myself and hated my body more than anything. I used to be made fun of everyday, and that just made my weight worse. Although my attitude about myself was critical, I did my best to hide it and keep a smile on my face. But now those days are over for me.

Today I realized I can do anything if I really want to. I did an hour long exercise video without stopping. I controlled my breathing and pushed through every minute of that work out. There were a few times I wanted to give up, but I knew that my body could take more and work harder. I've never sweated so much in my life, by the Cool Down I felt amazing. I used to be one of the laziest people when it came to exercising. I would give up on 10-20 minute work outs. But now I can do it for an hour, and that feels great. I'm doing this for my body and my mind. I will not make excuses about being unable to work hard, because I know if I want it, I HAVE to work for it. And I do push as much as my body allows me to.

I hope my story helps anyone who wants to lose weight. You CAN do it, it's a matter of just doing it. After you do it for months, it becomes a routine and you won't be able to make it through the day without exercising in some way. Start out small, walking, lifting light weights; make a new goal everyday. Don't think about the future and how much work it'll be. Each day is a step, don't gaze out too far or you'll become discouraged. Just one step at a time, making sure you don't trip. Just do the best you can you!