I'm celebrating 2 years on this wonderful journey. I never would've imagined that I, little old me, would be where I am today. After years of yoyo dieting, I finally discovered the secret behind being healthy.

The fifth season of the Biggest Loser was a catalyst to me. "Believe it, be it". After Ali won, I told myself that it was possible. We were the same height and had the same starting weight, 235 lbs on a 5'5" frame. If she could do it, why couldn't I? I was miserable at 235 lbs. I tried and experimented different things to feel better about myself but nothing really worked. Everything was a struggle. I didn't like myself. Every year, I'd have the same resolution but never stuck to it.

On a hot summer day, I was driving around and saw that my old gym (which is now my current gym) was advertising a special. I signed up knowing deep down that I'd fail. I think I did that to prove myself right, once again. The first day there was such a daunting experience. I quickly enlisted the help of a trainer and that's how I got started. It was extremely hard at first. I wanted to be able to do so many things but my body couldn't. When my trainer noticed my first 10 lbs weight loss, I knew I wanted more. And here I am, 90 lbs lighter & 10 more lbs to go before reaching goal.

What I've learned ... believe in yourself and in the ability to do things. It's crazy how we underestimate ourselves. It's crazy how we have no concept of how strong we are. Take baby steps and educate yourself. Make sure to have a support network around you, you don't need to do this alone 'cuz you're not alone in this. Do it the healthy way, do it in a way that is going to be sustainable for you. There are no quick fixes. Anyhow, many of us have dieted and lost & gained those same stubborn pounds over and over again. Why? Because it wasn't a lifestyle change. I don't want to hear "I've eliminated carbs", "I'm eating one meal per day", etc. It doesn't work. There are no quick fixes.

What's the equation to weight loss? Calorie counting, eating clean, exercise (cardio and weight training) + believing in yourself. You can't go wrong with that!

Weight Loss Battle

Onederland & Story About my Weight

Onederland feels absolutely great, I can't complain. What a great feeling to be in Onederland but by having done it the right way. 8 years ago when I graduated from high school, my highest weight ranged between 210-215 lbs. Fed up of the extra weight, I decided to go on a diet. Yes, a diet NOT a lifestyle change. I did it my way: calorie restricted & no carbs allowed. I'm guessing that I consumed at the most 700 calories a day. I went to eating fast food 3 times/day everyday to drastically reducing my calorie intake so it's no wonder the weight came off that quickly!

I got down to 180 lbs and it felt great having people complimenting you every second of every day. 180lbs without exercise! At 18, I had all the attention I've ever wanted and more. Since I had reached my goal weight, I felt comfortable enough to reincorporate the same foods that had made me heavy. I thought I had the whole concept of "moderation & willpower" figured out. In a blink of an eye, I had gained the weight back. 8 years later, I found myself weighing 235 lbs. Yikes!

8 years later (I'm now 25), I'm realizing how much the extra weight has robbed me from things especially from dating. It's hard to openly admit to friends & family, that you've never dated or been intimate while other people your age have or are having children, getting married and such ... I've made up imaginary guy friends, boyfriends because I didn't want to feel like a loser. Today, I completely avoid the topic.

With knowing what I know now about health and fitness, diets don't work! The minute you go back to your old ways, the weight will come back and more. When I look back at it, I can believe how stupid I was. Actually, I was young, naive and uninformed.

I lost 38 pounds (went from 235 to 197) and I've got 47 more pounds to go!