It Only Took 525,600 Minutes.

Heaviest: 261 lbs

One of my biggest pairs of pants: Size 20!

Standing on top of the massive pile of clothes that don't fit me anymore.  Don't worry, I'm donating them :)

So today marks the one year anniversary of my weight loss journey.  I am in disbelief that one short year ago I was 261 pounds, eating unhealthy processed foods/fast food, and barely moving around on a day to day basis. 

For me it's upsetting to reflect back on those days because I was so unhappy.  Every morning getting ready for work I would avoid looking in the mirror because I was so disgusted with my body.  Going up a flight of stairs or bending over to tie my shoes would actually cause me to be out of breath.  I dreaded buying clothes or worse having my picture taken.  Food was my comfort and I'd binge eat whenever I was feeling upset, stressed, angry, or even bored.  Sneaking fast food into my house was a common routine.  Getting out of bed every morning and trying not to fall asleep throughout the day was a challenge.  I had no backbone, no confidence, no inner strength.  I was my worst enemy.

Everyday I am so grateful  for this second chance at truly having a happy life.  I've gained so much clarity, purpose, and knowledge at every step of this journey.  For every single person reading this I hope you know that change is possible, but you just have to want it and realize that you deserve it.  Nowadays, eating healthy and exercising regularly are second nature to me, but months ago that certainly was not the case.  It wasn't easy for me to make dramatic lifestyle changes, but I've learned nothing worthwhile comes easy.  I'm glad I struggled because I wouldn't have realized how strong I am today.    

When people ask me how I lost the weight I'm usually pretty modest about it by responding "Oh you know, I just started eating healthy and going to the gym".  The truth of the matter is that this process was so much more involved.  I researched and learned so much about the corrupt food industry and about the foods I was eating and their effect on my body, I spent hours upon hours at the gym pushing myself harder each time I went,  I occasionally sacrificed going out with my friends because I knew the foods I were going to be around weren't healthy, I spent ample time at multiple grocery stores scrupulously staring at every food label  I picked up, I had to rearrange my budget because eating healthy organic foods are definitely not the cheapest, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and went to fitness classes by myself, I learned how to prepare healthy meals, I tracked all my foods and exercise regiments, I had to face my inner demons and come to terms with why I allowed myself to get this heavy, I had to then forgive myself for becoming so overweight, etc.  The list could go on and on.  As previously mentioned most of these things are now instinctive to me, but at time it required a tremendous amount of self-discipline and motivation. It wasn't easy and there were days when I discouraged, but I will say that this entire experience has been worth it.  I would relive every moment again to get me to where I am now.

One year ago I don't even think I would of believed it if someone told me by April 2012 I would lose 90 pounds (still going!) and completely change my life.  I'd like to thank my family, friends, co-workers, and everyone along the way for their tremendous amount of support and words of encouragement.  I'm unbelievably excited for this new chapter in my life and cannot wait to help those that are battling with their weight. :)