Ronelle – read what some the other ladies wrote. Read about being healthy (not just weight loss). I, too have been in this mindset. I went from 225-180 from Oct to the present. It starts with your MIND. I was completely fed up with the way I looked. I started with my diet first. I have always ate healthy but too much of it. I drank 95% water, little to NO red meat (once or twice a year), and lots of fruits and veggies. My downfall??? Sweets and good carbs (breads, mac & cheese, rice!) Those things are fine – don’t feel like you have to deprive yourself. However, everything in moderation! Moderation! Moderation! Portion control is EVERYTHING! Eat small meals every 2-3 hours. Let me give you an example. Yesterday, I took my son to the carnival. I KNEW that I was going to want some of those unhealthy foods (be honest with yourself). So I prepared myself. I worked out that morning. I only had a banana and tea post workout (saving my caloric intake). At the carnival, I had a burger and fries. I only at half (I felt myself getting full and pushed back). Saved the rest for later. Once I started to push back from the table, I began to lose! It was slow but it happened. I got more encouraged. Started doing Taebo on YouTube. Got stronger. Found a gym and went hard. From there it was on. It took small steps. When you think too far ahead it can be overwhelming – which tends to stop your progress. Acknowledge your progress (not just weight loss). Acknowledge your change in strength, endurance, and speed – that’s your FITNESS. The changes in my fitness is what keeps pushing me. I can do more than my 130 lbs sister! THAT’S what encourages me to never give up or look back. Start with your diet. Your diet is 80% of the weight loss journey. There are free workout vids on YouTube. Try them until you find something you really like. There are TONS! Don’t make excuses. All excuses are monuments of NOTHING. There is always time. It doesn’t have to take hours. Thirty minutes a day will boost your metabolism more than your know. Mind over matter my friend. Be Encouraged!

It’s your life. The best way to stay on track it to commit to small changes and then let them add up. Examples: Pick 5 things you need to stop eating and commit to stop eating them for 2 weeks to start. Commit to exercising for 20 min, 4 days per week, to start and then increase by 5 min each week and work up to an hour per session. Drink water and avoid sugary drinks. Avoid processed food and fast food. Little changes will add up. You can do it!