What has Inspired you?

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4/27/13 7:12 A

The thread "WOW! The little things" inspires me every time I read it!

5 Days since:  Free from Bingeing

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4/26/13 4:56 P

my ability to actually run a 5K distance and the fact that I have been able to lose 34 lbs and the wonderful people here on spark people!

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4/26/13 4:39 P

Better control of my blood sugars has really inspired me. I started SparkPeople because my endocronologist said I need to get better control of my blood sugars and to test myself for a week before and after every meal along with morning and bedtime. This has been an eye opener. I can see how eating better gives me better control. I have eaten more salads this week than I ever have and have been keeping track of what goes into my mouth. I haven't lost even a half a pound yet but I know it will come eventually.

Now if I could just get the motovation to start walking during the day at work I would be doing great! Well I will try again next week.

current weight: 176.0

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4/26/13 4:36 P

Reading about others' successes and know that I can achieve that too!

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4/26/13 4:15 P

My latest medical report inspired me to do more!! My prostrate is getting worse and it's got me mad. I won't let it win and I need to lose thirty pounds, plus keep exercising, so I'm doing it!!

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4/26/13 11:43 A

Lately it's been Instagram actually. There are so many people posting pictures of themselves before and with stupendous afters that are so inspirational. A lot of these people are models, athletes, or physique competitors who are in amazing shape and yet they regularly post about their workouts, meals, and their own inspirations that I feel like I can get there too. They follow super strict diets and are often hungry just like anyone who wants to lose fat, but they keep their goals in focus.

Lots of people post inspirational testimonials and sayings as their pics. For example: "Stop comparing yourself to others. You can never be another person, but you can always be a better version of yourself!" Since I work out in the morning, I like to spend five minutes or so when I'm getting ready looking through instagram to remind myself of my goal and my potential. You should check it out. At first it may seem kind of vain for so many people to post ab shots and such but then my attitude morphed into thinking if he can do it, so can I!

Edited by: OTABENGA at: 4/26/2013 (11:50)

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4/26/13 11:20 A

your message rang a bell with me. How can l be so successful at work and not at this area in my life? I need to go cold turkey with the peanut butter- I am a protein/fat person, but I go way overboard with the peanut butter. The hours between 4-6 pm are the worst. I need to structure up that time so I don't overeat.

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4/26/13 11:15 A

keeping up with my nieces and nephews. Going to WW and hearing success stories.

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4/26/13 8:27 A

My age. I hit a certain age where you look back at your life. Couldn't understand how I could be so successful in business and so unsuccessful in keeping weight off. I always gained back and yo yoed my entire life. I said I need to get down to the weight that makes me comfortable and is in the normal BMI range. This was my last attempt. I stopped "dieting" stopped eating out and kept only nutrition filled foods in the house. I found exercise that I enjoy and the weight starting coming off. I also stopped my evening glass of wine which would result in two glasses and losing my resolve. It's a work in progress but I really feel so healthy and good with this lifestyle change that I can't see my old bad habits returning.

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4/25/13 11:54 A

SparkPeople News letter and reminder from them that they miss me and to come back. This is what made me open my eyes again and realize there are people in the world who will help you with your goals to get back on track even after going off track...T

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4/25/13 10:36 A

Other member of SP have really inspired me. Seeing that they started off where I started and reached their goals made me feel that I could do it also. i just need to continue to put in the work and be patient. :)

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4/24/13 10:04 P

The Creator

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4/24/13 9:57 P

getting healthy and looking fabulous!

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4/24/13 4:07 P

I'm inspired to keep going with my program when people notice that I've lost weight and ask me how I've done it. I proudly announce, "With SparkPeople ! It works !" I love SP !

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4/24/13 1:59 P

Not wanting my health to go bad and I am not getting any younger.

Posts: 37
4/24/13 1:16 P

My inspiration for losing weight came from a picture that was taken on my vacation in May 2012, I've always been good at hiding in pictures but someone managed to capture me in all my glory when I wasn't looking - when I saw it, it certainly opened my eyes and was the catalyst for me to get healthy. Now 65lbs lighter and over 4 sizes smaller, I look back at those old photos and they continue inspire me to keep living this new healthy lifestyle. Of course all the compliments I've recieved since I've lost the weight certainly don't hurt either!

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4/23/13 3:55 P

Mine varies by the mood I am in LOL

Goals would be my #1 - I love when I have reached one and then ready to move onto another

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4/23/13 3:54 P

Finally got sick and tired of being sick and tired!
But the sexy super fit body of the guy I am seeing always was a slight motivator.

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Posts: 343
4/23/13 3:50 P

Independance. My last relationship ended suddenly and in a shockingly bad way and I found myself leaning on myself and my friends rather than a man. My health is in my hands as well as everything in my life

current weight: 135.0

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4/23/13 3:46 P

Getting Healthy and loosing weight

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4/23/13 11:31 A

I am inspired by my seven year old daughter. She uses her body in thousands of amazing ways everyday! I want to be able to keep up and play with her. And I can! My partner is 14 years older than me, and I also secretly want people to think "how the heck did he get HER?".

current weight: 146.0

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4/23/13 10:43 A

In 2008 I had to learn to walk after being hospitalized for a month (car accident). I had to learn to write with my right hand, eat, etc all over again as I had degloved my right arm almost to the bone. I am now walking up to 4 miles, can finger pick my 12 string with that rt hand, and losing weight, instead of sitting in front of computer being domant all day. Getting a strategy when I eat things I love that are fattening... to cut the amount to a smaller portion, and still lose weight. Not over-do. 'These things are earmarks of growth and progress. Not every day is a good one for me... but even on those days I say to myself: What does moving forward with my life look like today? It helps. I am inspired to be able to live again, move again, control myself (most days) again from over eating. I am losing weight... consistantly and that inspires me to keep going. I am inspired by all the people here for real. If they can do it and are doing it, I reason, I am not alone in my struggles and I can join them and do it too.

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4/23/13 8:40 A

I met with a friend for lunch yesterday. She's been consistently working on being healthier for at least two years. I'm amazed at what she is able to do with her workouts at the gym. She looks great and gives me the inspiration to keep doing what I've restarted.

current weight: 190.6

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4/23/13 8:14 A

My health problems have inspired me. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year and also have asthma. I've had to take several medications every day for the past year and my asthma has gotten so bad that it's difficult to go outside even for a few minutes during the winter. I'm 21 years old and I never thought I'd have to deal with any of these issues at such a young age. I'm determined to start living a healthy lifestyle so I can reduce my chances of health problems in the future.

112 Days until:  My Birthday!!

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4/23/13 7:24 A

I am inspired by my own little successes along the way! I ate an extra snack at work, so i had a little less chicken with dinner. I was tempted to eat all of it, but I put it back in the fridge for a meal the next night. It felt like the right decision, and afterwards I knew it would have been more food than I really needed. So I was happy I did the right thing for my body and my comfort.

This weekend I was able to wear a dress I couldn't last summer. It made me look so shapely in just the ways I wanted. Fitting into that helped me make smart choices at the buffet at the event I was attending. Knowing I can fit into that again means I am closer to fitting into all of my size 10 clothes again. I have a few more pounds to lose but it feels good to know I am making some sort of progress. I also realized that I lost a half inch off my waist since I started getting back to the gym more consistently, even if the pounds weren't coming off yet!

current weight: 175.0

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4/23/13 7:10 A

My fat, flabby thighs! :-P
Oh, and spring!

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4/23/13 1:01 A

I became inspired in an odd way. I work in an awesome boutique but the clothes only go up to a size large ( and that is 8/10 large not 12/14 large). Every day I work with all of these beautiful clothing but I know that they aren't for me because I am a size 20/22 right now. There are mirrors all around the boutique and I seeing myself in them everyday juxtaposed to all of the beautiful clothes that I cannot wear has been this amazing wake up call. I know that I need to lose weight for my health and my family but the want to lose weight was peaked by my love of fashion and not wanting to see someone in the mirror that I don't recognize. Inside I have never viewed myself to be as big as I am. I have always had a veil over it in some ways because I didn't want to acknowledge it. But it's true and it's time to face reality. What's the point in getting 50 % off if I can't buy any of the clothing?

current weight: 275.0

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4/23/13 12:43 A

My original inspiration was my mother who was the epitome of poor health and a very limited life. She died in a lot of pain 2 years ago...the end of a long life of mental, physical and emotional pain.

That was a long time ago....23 years, in fact!

These days, I'm inspired to stay in shape because I LOVE being fit and the benefits it brings; LOVE inspiring others to learn to love exercise; love looking GREAT and feeling even BETTER!

Success breeeds success, I believe...:-)



Edited by: DETOX55 at: 4/23/2013 (00:44)

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4/22/13 5:12 P

Fat % drop as well as Muscle weight gain.

Pounds lost: 31.0

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4/22/13 11:44 A

Quitting smoking inspired me. I theorized that if I could quit smoking then maybe losing a few pounds wasn't impossible either. I quit smoking 7+ years ago and have maintained my weight loss for 6+ years now.

Oh, and this "friend" that told me I was too weak to quit smoking. We're not friends anymore, but I get a lot of satisfaction out of knowing not just that she was wrong, but that she was very, very wrong.

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4/22/13 10:31 A

Coming across a picture of myself five years ago, when I was ~70 lbs lighter and lookin' DAMN good! I still have that dress and would like to wear it at Christmas. (I've known people who tack their special garment to the wall as a daily motivator.) I can still see the looks I got from my BF's friends and family when we went there in 2011, when I had gained at least 40 lbs from the year before. They actually did that double head spin of shock. As an added bonus, his SIL had lost a lot of weight using Jenny Craig, of all things; kudos to her for keeping it off. Last year, when I'd gained even more, I almost said I was too sick to go. I'm tired of being embarrassed and ashamed all the time!!!!!!!

5 Days since:  Free from Bingeing

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Posts: 80
4/22/13 7:55 A

My health, chronic pain and unhappiness due to being overweight, other people at work losing weight and looking and feeling great, and my children!! I want to play with them without my knees caving or gettting too tired and have to sit down, I want to take care of myself so they will see what taking care of yourself looks like and so i will be there for them as they grow and turn into young ladies and have families of their own. so i can tie my shoes and walk without breathing so hard!!

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4/21/13 2:02 P

Initially, my inspirations were my sisters and a couple of friends who started exercising and dieting and lost loads of weights (40, 105 and, 120 lbs). I thought that if they could do it, I could too. Now, I've inspired a couple of people myself. I always credit tracking on Sparkpeople. Couldn't have done it with you.

84 Maintenance Weeks

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4/21/13 12:37 P

My closet! I put away tons of clothes that were too small and I'm starting to get those out again! I've lost ex-boyfriend weight, college weight, I'm back to my high school weight, and ready to lose the rest! Also, I'm enjoying shopping again, which happens to be one of my favorite hobbies!

current weight: 165.6

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4/20/13 9:20 P

My quest for health.

current weight: 177.0

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SparkPoints: (13,547)
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Posts: 153
4/20/13 9:07 P

My 13 year old son inspires me. He wants to run a marathon this summer. I've done two ('96 before kids and '06 after 4 kids) and now I'm thinking I will try for my third!

current weight: 153.8

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Fitness Minutes: (1,015)
Posts: 30
4/20/13 5:43 P

The food tracker helps you keep in check.

3,709 Days since:  Coke

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SparkPoints: (23,084)
Fitness Minutes: (11,667)
Posts: 996
4/20/13 12:27 P

Just the fact of feeling good at a lower weight!!!

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4/20/13 11:28 A

Realizing that what I have been doing hasn't worked for me.

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4/20/13 10:24 A

The movie "Fat, Tired, and Nearly Dead" I found it on You Tube.

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4/20/13 10:16 A

Both my parents are diabetic, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My mom had several heart attacks and my dad actually died from one when he was 50. Growing up I saw them take many medications several times a day for different ailments. I said to myself then that my only goal is to go through life without having to depend on medications for existence. I know I can't do anything about my genes but I sure heck can exercise and eat right to try and stay as healthy as I can be.

Posts: 499
4/19/13 12:08 P

I was at a meeting and we had a doctor come as a speaker for that day. He spoke of type 1 & 2 diabetes and the effects on the body. I don't have diabetes and I pray I don't ever get it. That is definitely a motivator to eat healthy, don't smoke or drink excessively, and to be sure to exercise daily. If a person follows these healthy guidelines we could possibly avoid the chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, & heart disease. That is what motivated me to continue with what I am currently doing and stay on the correct path.

current weight: 156.0

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Posts: 427
4/19/13 11:55 A

People all around me have made healthier choices and have lost weight, are more active with exercise routines, and look great. My sister has lost 39 pounds and really looks amazing. These are things that inspire me and make me think you too can do this....just stayed focused!

current weight: 190.6

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Fitness Minutes: (20,466)
Posts: 1,115
4/19/13 3:04 A

That my Dr.'s visit went well. Chlesterol dropped 72 pts. and maintain about 103. He was pleased and I told him about Sparkpeople and he will mention website to his patient's. 's have a "good day "

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Posts: 8,760
4/18/13 10:55 P

Jesus

Posts: 1
4/18/13 9:57 P

I actually became motivated to make some changes by two factors; One: A friend who is "living" with breast cancer using nutrition & Two: by watching several "foodie" movies on Netflix. I'm 50+ & I knew, somewhat, that the American Diet is unhealthy but watching the movies I watched really brought it home & made me realize I must start paying attention to what I'm eating. I actually started eating better about a month before starting to keep track here on Sparks. ( I actually had the last red meat I had right after New Year's) In the last month, I have stopped drinking cow's milk (I drink Almond Milk, now) & limiting other dairy to a few times a week. I've stopped eating processed foods pretty much all together. I've cut my sugar intake by 1/2 as well as my coffee. Almost everything I eat is Organic & I discovered Trader Joe's where I get anti-biotic & hormone free cheese & meat. In this month period of time I have lost a total of 12 lbs & I can't even express how much less bloated I am & how good I feel. I'm shouting it from the rooftops to anyone who will listen & believe me when I say: If I can do it, anyone can!!!

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4/18/13 8:53 P

I am just beginning on Sparks but here is what has motivated me. I have recently moved to a warm climate that is beautiful. Everything could be wonderful except for my weight. It is more difficult to walk around. I want to be able to enjoy life now instead of doing nothing but eating to satisfy my unhappiness. I am not unhappy now so this motivates me.

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Posts: 563
4/18/13 7:58 P

My 2 special needs children

current weight: 146.2

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Fitness Minutes: (380)
Posts: 27
4/18/13 7:55 P

I'm getting older now, and am retired. I want to be able to walk and take care of myself as long as I can. I watched my mother slowly go down hill over 29 years........through no fault of her own. She had many diseases. But I don't ever want to take for granted the fact that I can get into the shower by myself and take my own shower. Or walk with my husband, or go fishing, When I get up in the morning, I'm thankful I don't have pain like so many of my family and friends. I'm acting out of thankfulness and knowing I need changes in my eating and exercising habits.
AND - MY GRANDCHILDREN!

Edited by: MIMITO5X at: 4/18/2013 (19:56)

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4/18/13 6:34 P

My friends and family, my future, and also one of my best friends, who is a personal trainer, pushes me and I want to do better for him.

current weight: 356.0

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SparkPoints: (43,766)
Fitness Minutes: (52,308)
Posts: 4,530
4/18/13 11:40 A

The running community is a tremendous inspiration to me. After what happened in Boston this week, seeing how everyone has banded together in support of the Boston community and each other, and has pledged to remain strong in the face of adversity, is amazing to me.

SparkPoints: (23,084)
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Posts: 996
4/18/13 11:34 A

Clothes are too big,

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Posts: 18,745
4/18/13 11:25 A

My brother-in-law. He has lost 50lbs. and has kept it off for over a year.

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Posts: 22
4/18/13 11:15 A

My mom's friend. He lost a lot of weight and he inspired me to be better. I know what my problem was and I have fixed it for the better. I am determined to lose this weight and keep going until I reach my goal. c:

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Posts: 174
4/17/13 9:37 P

A friend of mine has lost and kept off over 50 pounds in the last few years. She is now very active and highly inspiring. She looks amazing and is always motivating herself and others to be better.

Pounds lost: 7.5

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SparkPoints: (44,261)
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Posts: 4,555
4/17/13 7:22 P

Longevity here, too.

current weight: 120.0

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4/17/13 7:21 P

I am just really beginning to understand inspiration. I wrote out my priorities on a piece of paper and put my health as number one. So I am hoping I inspire myself with lots of help from Spark People!

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