Hello, I am Crys. I began my weight loss journey around August 2005, and initially lost 192 pounds going from 370 to 178. Because of various factors I have since climbed back up to 200 pounds in weight. I have been struggling to continue my wonderful weight loss efforts for the past two years or so, continuously fluctuating in my weight.

Since my weight loss was actually before I joined SparkPeople (I joined to motivate others with my story, but SparkPeople played no part in my ...

Hello, I am Crys. I began my weight loss journey around August 2005, and initially lost 192 pounds going from 370 to 178. Because of various factors I have since climbed back up to 200 pounds in weight. I have been struggling to continue my wonderful weight loss efforts for the past two years or so, continuously fluctuating in my weight.

Since my weight loss was actually before I joined SparkPeople (I joined to motivate others with my story, but SparkPeople played no part in my success) I have decided to part ways with SparkPeople and begin my own blog and website.

I am finally ready to take the final step. My website will track this mission - and share my experiences of the first 200 pounds I lost a few years ago, as well as my history and background as an overweight child and obese teenager.

I'm currently in the setup stages of the whole process, but if anyone is interested in continuing to follow me on my weight loss journey - feel free to contact me with any questions or to let me know you want updates.

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I remember what it is like to be morbidly obese and feel that there will be no end. I refused to look in mirror, to be in pictures, to shop for clothes -- to love myself. Thinking about getting below the 300 mark seemed harder than ever, getting below 200 seemed impossible. Sometimes I just wanted to allow myself to be defeated and live life as someone who I never wanted to be.

Nearly my entire family was extremely overweight, the only time I was 'thin' was in elementary school. I grew up hidden behind a mass of skin that made me feel as if I'd never know what I was "meant to look like" - I'd never know who I could have been if I was just raised differently. I'd always be the fat girl, always told that I could be so beautiful if I just lost some weight.

I couldn't fit in seatbelts, I couldn't fit on rollercoasters, and I was terrified of restaurants where I often didn't fit in booths (my favorite) and was afraid I'd break their chairs. I came to class 30 minutes early so that I could be the first in, scavenging for the desk that looked the biggest even though I'd still not be able to fit entirely. Or, I just didn't go at all. I went to plus size stores and often was even too big for their clothes, having to order most my outfits online.

It still amazes me every moment that I have come this far, but I want others to know, that despite how scared you are, you can make it.

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To me, the key to successful weight loss is thinking positive and staying determined. Just Don't Give Up. Keep going towards your goal, no matter how many slip ups you have. Eventually you will make it there.

- I don't believe in diets, pills, surgery, or one specific "magic diet trick". I read, I learn, I try to do. Our body is a part of our life too, it needs to be loved and nurtured. Learn to understand what it needs to be happy and function properly. Your mind matters so much too.

- Lots of protein, veggies, fruit, grains, complex carbs, and water. Variety! Mix up your foods as well as your exercises.


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Live happy and enjoy every day!

Read More About CDTOBEHEALTHY (Updated August 17)

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