Never Go Back

So, since April 17th, I've lost 32.2 lbs. I had lost five pounds before that when I quit eating meat. I made the choice to eliminate meat from my diet after reading about the effects of "hybrid" meats on our immune systems, and moods, and health, in general. So, okay, I admit. . .I've never been a huge "meat-eater". I'll eat a good steak occasionally, and I love chicken, but I couldn't see dropping those things from my life as being that drastic or difficult. So I did, way back in February.

Within two weeks, my moods had stabilized and I felt great. (I was still overweight, but had dropped five pounds almost overnight.)

My body was telling me that I did not need meat. I gave blood, and came back with a healthy, normal blood iron level. And with the help of a few "vegan" friends, I was mastering the art of mixing vegetarian proteins.

Then, I decided I'd had it with my weight. I told myself repeatedly that I carried my weight well. Other people even told me that. But the truth of the matter was, at 5' 2", my weight of 210 still put me at 38.4 (clinically obese--at 40, most doctors label you "morbidly obese").

Yesterday, I completed my 17th week of weight loss with the LA Weight Loss program. I weighed in at 177.6 lbs! That is a 32.2 lbs. loss in just 17 weeks and puts me at 59% of my total goal reached and achieved. And I am finding each day that it is easier to eat the right kind of foods. I go to restaurants and JUST KNOW what I should eat. And I make the choice to eat those things (not the things I want to eat).

This is not your mom's diet program. It's not your friends' crash diet. This is me making a permanent change for LIFE. I will NEVER GO BACK.

In fact, to that end, I've gotten rid of every piece of clothing that is too big for me as I outgrow/disgrow them. I don't care who gets them, They cannot stay here as a "back-up" plan. I will NOT fail. I will never diet again. I will never freak out because someone has suggested we go to a pool or waterpark or beach. I will never tell my kids that I can't play ball with them because I'm too tired. I will never eat another "supersize" meal ANYWHERE.

(by the way, isn't it ironic that fast food restaurants never offer to super size a salad????)

So here it is for all of you to see. I am making the change for good.

Here is a pic of me before the weight loss started. I'm off to walk with my kids. That's my next goal: 3-4 times a week, exercising for 30 minutes minimum.