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!

Keeping Track of my Progress ...

«--The picture on top was my wake-up call.

The pictures on the left we're taken somewhere in August/September (about 4 months later).

The ones on the right were taken somewhere in October (about 5 months later).

These are a few before/after shots I took. I should've taken them at the very beginning of my journey since these were taken about 2 months after. I still have a long way to go, some 50 more pounds, but I truly believe that this time will be the "right time". *Fingers crossed*

There it is! I absolutely hate doing this but I have no choice. I need this as a constant reminder of what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. To me, it's one thing having people notice that the pounds are coming off but it's totally something else when it comes to "stubborn old me" seeing it with my own 2 eyes.

So yes, I'm losing, I'm shrinking .. it's great. I just wish that I would lose more but that may stem from my "Biggest Loser" overdose. It's unrealistic for me to think that I can pull such huge numbers. On the other hand, I'm proud of my progress so far, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.

I'm learning so much from this. I wouldn't even know where to start.

I haven't stepped on the scale since my last weigh-in so that's something I'll be doing this week.

Alrighty, off to the gym!

Because I'm Worth It !

Why am I doing all of this?

Why wouldn't I? Because I'm worth it!

Time flies! I cannot believe that it has already been 4 months. So much has changed in those four months. Most importantly, I've realized that I'm much more stronger both mentally & physically than I thought I ever was. On a more realistic note, I know that the journey is far from over, truth is, it'll never be but I'm sooo glad it started when it did.

When I come to think of it, I've been robbed. "The weight" has robbed me from so many things such as having fun, dating, feeling good about myself and so many other dreams. I just had my "ha ha" moment and knew that something had to happen. I was always the one walking in peoples' shadow always unnoticed. I was the one who would voluntarily isolate myself because I didn't feel worthy. I was the one who would cry myself to sleep thinking "why me?". I am not saying that I got rid of all my insecurities in 4 months but I'm so much more aware of them now and I'm more than willing to do something about it.

I've banned the D-word aka diet. I'm not on a diet, it's a lifestyle change. A change I'm absolutely loving. What does it consist of? Healthy diet and exercise. Loading up on lean meats, fruits and veggies and being a slave to the gym.

Where did I get my inspiration from?

Biggest Loser, the fifth season! I have watched the show in the past but I'd be eating my junk food envying them like crazy wishing I had the same opportunity. I still can't understand why there isn't a Canadian Biggest Loser. I mean, they went all the way to Australia! So, the day after the finale, I ran to Chapters to purchase Jillian Michaels' (one of the trainers on the show) book called "Winning by Losing". We've all bought several diet books and stuff but honestly, that woman knows her stuff. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I'd be! I ended up watching the Australian version of the show on YouTube, all 3 seasons, in a month and got a trainer and it has started from there ... I'm forever thankfulWhy am I doing all of this?


Why wouldn't I? I'm worth it! So are YOU !!!!