~~YOU'RE GUARANTEED TO FAIL IF YOU QUIT!~~

~~ALL GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS WERE ONCE CONSIDERED IMPOSSIBLE!~~

~~Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere. ~~

Hey. A lot has changed since I've started SP so it's time to update my page. My name is Sara. I'm a 21 year old senior at Towson University and graduate in May. I was recently hired as a special educator in a wonderful high school in Maryland teaching ...

~~YOU'RE GUARANTEED TO FAIL IF YOU QUIT!~~

~~ALL GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS WERE ONCE CONSIDERED IMPOSSIBLE!~~

~~Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere. ~~

Hey. A lot has changed since I've started SP so it's time to update my page. My name is Sara. I'm a 21 year old senior at Towson University and graduate in May. I was recently hired as a special educator in a wonderful high school in Maryland teaching math. I am absolutely ecstatic and cannot wait to be a first year teacher. I will be working with an outstanding team of educators and will have the opportunity to work with a very diverse population of students who are at risk for academic failure.

I started SP in July of 08. Back in high school I had done Atkins and lost a lot of weight, but of course it all came back. My junior year of college I was taking 5 classes as well as working 60 hours a week at a total of 6 jobs (I worked at the graduate admissions office, substituted for 3 counties, tutored, babysat, and worked with a boy with autism). AHH!!!! But this year, thanks to SP, my life really has simplified. I am student teaching at an outstanding school and work about 8 hours a week. I was very busy, but now I know how to relax and not worry about little things. I am happier and healthier.

When I first created my page I put that I wanted to lose weight because I was tired of buying new clothes and not looking like I used to. I would've done Atkins again, but my boyfriend is allergic to seafood and nuts making that program difficult. I joined SP and decided to lose weight the right way and keep it off. Atkins was good for the short term, but I wasn't sure if that was the best for a life adjustment. When I joined I really didn't know how true this was! My life completely changed with SP and it has been an incredible journey.

When I started SP I just focus on food at first. I started by trading in soda for water. Simple change, but it really makes a lot of difference. Then I began measuring everything and really became aware of how much I was putting into my body. I used the SP tracker religiously and was able to break old habits and take control of that area of my life. Now I do not track everything, but I know what I am eating and my snacks have become habitual. Food does not control me anymore, but I am in charge.

Once I felt that I had developed good habits in terms of food I started the dreaded exercising. Now I used to HATE exercising with a burning passion, but SP showed me how much fun it can be! I started with the 10 minute SP videos that were so easy and very doable... even for big ol' me. There are so many options and they are over before you know it. I bought the SP beginner fitness kit that comes with a pedometer, resistance band, and stability ball. I LOVE them!!! I joined the 10,000 steps a day challenge and became aware of how little I was walking. I also added resistance band and stability ball 5-20 minute videos into my day. Finally, I started doing my exercise bike and eventually running. When I started running I couldn't go 2 minutes straight. It KILLED me. But then I heard about the Couch to 5k program. It is AMAZING! It takes you on a 9 week program that gradually gets you to the point that you can do a 5k. I joined their team on SP and now I can run 25 minutes straight! HUGE accomplishment for me.

After my car accident in Jan I stopped exercising as much and major life changes have put a dent in my old workout routine. I have been helping to care for my bf's almost 91 year old grandfather, so I'm not at my apartment to workout. However, i've absolutely loved becoming a part of his life and seeing how excited he gets when I get home from teaching. I am enjoying this time I have to spend with him and am just taking life one day at a time. I am determined that one day I will do a race, but if that's not this year then I'm ok with that.

I cannot believe that I have actually start to become a "runner" based on where I started. I just thought that some people were just meant to be overweight and inactive. SO WRONG! I have goals and ambitions that before I would have never dreamed of. I look and feel so much better and can wear clothes I haven't touched in years. I am less stressed and have a much more positive attitude in whatever I do.

SP really makes all of that possible. The recipes are incredible and so are the people you will meet. Everyone is supportive and full of excellent information. There is something for everyone here and someone who is going through exactly what you are. If you need some motivation just reach out to a team and you will find what you need.

I plan on being a member for life and using this valuable resource to help maintain my healthy lifestyle. You can absolutely do it! Just remember that it is a long journey and it won't happen over night. It is hard work, but don't kill yourself. Take baby steps and set realistic goals. (Have you ever seen the movie, "What About Bob?"... Baby step to the door.... baby step away from the fridge. HAHA!) Also, don't take the scale too seriously and realize that our bodies are complex thing so you will fluctuate during your journey. Finally, don't under-eat. I found a calorie cycling website that gives me awesome ranges that I should be in to lose weight, but high and low days are essential to keep your body guessing. NEVER GIVE UP! The smallest changes add up to give you the results you want.

Months............ Pounds Lost
7/30-8/30.........13.2 lbs
8/30-9/29..........5.4 lbs
9/29-10/30........3.4 lbs
10/30-11/27.......5.2 lbs
11/27-12/31........5.8 lbs
12/31-2/3...........6.2 lbs
2/2-3/3...............1.2 lbs (rocky month. weight went up and down and I was only able to exercise once, but I still feel happy and healthy. I'll get to that magic number eventually, but for now I'm enjoying all of the incredible changes that are happening in my life)
3/3-4/6.............. 1.6 lbs (things are getting better and settling out. Once September hits and I have a real, adult like I will be 100% back to how things used to be.)
4/6-5/3...............0.2 lbs (I fluctuated between 154-157, but by the end of the month I was back to 154. Again, right now I am trying to maintain everything despite the lack of exercise. I graduate and move this month, so my goal for next month is to not gain. I start my new gym at the end of May, so hopefully June will be better).

Total Lost: 42.2 lbs

No longer "obese" according to BMI- Aug 7, 2008 (191.2lbs)
Halfway to weight loss- Dec 12, 2008 (168lbs)
No longer "over weight" according to BMI- Jan 16, 2008 (159.8lbs)

GOAL: 196.2- 140lbs (56.2 lbs) but maybe I'll get down to 135lbs. Haven't decided yet. We'll see how I look and feel when I get there.

Months........Inches Lost
7/31-8/26...Hips- 1.75, Waist- 4, Neck- .75, Stomach- 3.5
8/26-9/28...Hips- .75, Waist- .75, Neck- .25, Stomach- .5
9/28-10/25... Hips-1.5, Waist-1.75, Neck- 0, Stomach-2.5
10/25-11/29.. Hips-.25, Waist-.25, Neck-0, Stomach-1
11/29-12/28.. Hips-.75, Waist-.75, Neck-.5, Stomach-.5
12/28-2/2.. Hips-.5, Waist-.5, Neck-.25, Stomach-1.5
2/2-3/7.......Hips-.5, Waist-1, Neck-0, Stomach-.5
3/7-5/3...... Hips- 0, Waist- 0, Neck- 0, Stomach- 1

Total Lost... Hips- 6, Waist- 9, Neck- 1.75, Stomach- 11

Read More About SNEVIL1 (Updated November 16)

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