Meet Amanda Pruss (DANDYMANDERZ), a bright young woman who has lost 137 pounds and counting! Find out how SparkPeople helped her on her journey to healthy living.

What is your age?: 22
 
How long have you been a SparkPeople member? How did you find SparkPeople?: I joined SparkPeople in 2010. If I remember correctly, I heard about it in a magazine article.
 
What is your favorite feature on SparkPeople?: I love the Motivational SparkPages feature. When I was first starting out, seeing how other people had lost the weight was a huge motivation. I knew if they could do it, I could do it.

How much weight have you lost?: In total, I have lost 137 pounds. I've lost 54 pounds since joining SparkPeople. 
 
How long did it take to lose the weight?: It's taken me about four or five years to lose the weight.
 
What was your light bulb moment that made you decide to lose weight?: My mom kept telling me she was afraid I would have a heart attack. I went to the doctor and I remember stepping on the scale and seeing 280 pounds. I was in shock--that was the heaviest I had ever been. I knew I needed a change.
 
What was your biggest obstacle while trying to lose weight?: Food. I love food because it just tastes so good and it is very comforting to me. I still struggle at times, but I keep a food journal to help me stay on track.
 
What does your weekly exercise schedule look like?: I exercise five days a week, usually at home. I have done everything from yoga and Pilates, to Tae Bo and weight training. 
 
What is your favorite way to exercise?: I would have to say using workout videos. It's in the privacy of my own home and I can do it on my own time. I love doing a mix of cardio and strength training.
 
Do you have any personal fitness goals coming up?: I would like to start using heavier weights during my weight training. I have been using five-pound weights and they are getting easy for me, so it's time for a challenge. I would also like to start jogging or running.
 
What does a typical day of food look like for you? How does this compare to the way you ate before your transformation?: I typically eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks in between. I eat lots of fruits, veggies and protein. I use measuring cups to measure out all my portions. I also keep a food journal so I know how much and how often I am eating. Before, I would eat everything and anything all the time. I could eat entire boxes of cereal, pretzels, chocolate and pizza. I just ate to eat and I wouldn't stop even when I was so full I was uncomfortable.
 
What is your favorite healthy food?: Burritos. When made right, they can be delicious and healthy. I also measure out all my portions so I know just how many calories I am eating.
 
What is your favorite treat food?: Chocolate! I love anything chocolate, and I let myself have a few pieces during the week as long as it's in my calorie range.
 
Who is your biggest inspiration?: Richard Simmons. He is such an energetic and positive person. He has also kept off over 100 pounds for over 40 years. So many times I have heard it is so hard to lose the weight and keep it off for good, and he is one example of success.
 
Do you have a personal weight-loss philosophy that you live by that you’d like to share?: You have to go through the mental preparation before you can go through the physical transformation. If you are going to lose the weight and keep it off, you have to change your mindset. I think picturing yourself practicing your new lifestyle is a great way to keep yourself motivated and on track. Picture yourself exercising, making healthy eating decisions, and how those decisions fit into your daily life. If you can see yourself doing those things, it will be easier to stick with your new lifestyle.
 
Does Amanda inspire you? What tips of hers can you use in your own journey?