Posts: 2,247
4/23/13 7:47 A

Hope we're all still Sparking along here!

SparkPoints: (10,050)
Fitness Minutes: (9,687)
Posts: 132
4/8/13 11:49 A

Hi everyone! I am so glad to have found this team. It is amazing how similar the stories are. We do great, then life gets in the way. My story is the same. I lost 60lbs, more than half of my goal. I was running 5 miles three times a week, my self confidence was good, I was actually contemplating trying to go out on a date (eeeeekk!!). Then life got in the way, money problems forced me to get a second job, then a third. Something had to give, and it was me and my health. I told myself I didn't have time to run. Then slowly the weight, ALL the weight is now back.
I have been back sparkLing for 5 days now, again,, and it feels great! I still have to be more regular in my exercise. I can't run yet as it is too hard on my knees, but I do DVDs.
The lesson I am going to take from my success and relapse is that the LAST thing I should have cut from my schedule is time for my health.
Thanks for posting all of your stories!

Posts: 961
3/19/13 11:03 A

Welcome back everybody !! Lets do it this time....

Pounds lost: 38.0

0 16 32 48

64

SparkPoints: (647)
Fitness Minutes: (540)
Posts: 6
3/2/13 1:08 P

I, too, am back to get on track! I've been on SP two other times, both times met my weight goal and am now back to do it again! I love SP and it is the only method that I can say that about!

I absolutely loved my slim self and want to be that again! My goal is 20/10 - that is 20# in the next 10 weeks - ending just before my 61st birthday!

To do this is I will:

Walk 90 minutes a week (minimum)
Eat a sensible diet of lots of lean protein, fruits and vegetables - low/no carbs (they are my downfall!)

I'm putting this out there to you all, called my best friend, and my daughter for accountability! Thanks for being here! =)

Pounds lost: 5.0

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

SparkPoints: (2,981)
Fitness Minutes: (2,461)
Posts: 84
2/13/13 12:17 P

Hello everyone its Blossoms.... it has been quite a while since i have been on my Spark page.
. It has been lilke a year. So im back. I am ready to get done with this. The Lord Almighty I have only gained back 10 of the pounds that I lost. But now its time. Time to atleast leave the 200's behind like I left the 300's.

Blossoms

Please any and all encouragement and better food choices and snacks is welcome.

current weight: 278.0

340 301.25 262.5 223.75

185

Posts: 14
1/27/13 10:31 A

Hello! I'm back with Sparks People after a break during the holidays. I'm glad I found this team to help me relight my spark. This time around my goals are to relight my exersize program, relight daily nutrition for me and my husband, relight my weight loss of 11 pounds, set up my profile page and learn how to use my new serger sewing machine. My spark hasn't been too bright lately, but Winter in the GPNW will do that to me. So I'm looking forward to the Spring and Summer with the warmer, sunnier days and my goals a little further along. Thanks for being there for me Sparks People - love it!

SparkPoints: (15,737)
Fitness Minutes: (19,752)
Posts: 1,545
1/22/13 8:26 P

Hi Sue, welcome to team. Hope you will find some motivation here in SP and team. I can totally understand your situation and how you feel. A year ago, I was 35 pound heavier then today. I am happy that I have lost the pounds as of today. However, with in the time period, I've been up and down with my weight..( I just posted blog about my human revolution.) Life is not easy some time and for me each life time event will put me to states of depression and feels like I'm kind of in coma for mentally and physically. I wasn't even realizing I was doing binge eating. I was just comforting my self with foods, especially the sweets. That was in last may and got back on the Track again in September. Since then I've been doing well on my healthy eating and exercise so far. I had to start all over but finally I've lost some pounds and hope to keep going. Good luck on your health journey. If I can be any of your help please, let me know. Take care.

current weight: 125.0

175 161 147 133

119

Posts: 1,117
1/22/13 4:31 P

Hi,
I've just joined this team.
I was looking for some motivation to get started on the bandwagon again and thought this team would be a good one to start with.
My name is Sue. I am 57, a wife and a mother of 5. Two still at home.
I have been with SP for almost 3 years and started out great. I lost about 30-35 lbs and was
heading toward my goal. I was eating well, exercising and my health was getting better.
Then I got sidetracked, not once, but about 3 times. I have since regained all I lost plus a few
more. I also have been diagnosed with sleep apnea which has prompted me to focus on
my sleep patterns more.
Then came the Holiday season last year. I made it through Thanksgiving in flying colors...ate well and within my calorie intake. Then Christmas and all those candies and cookies showed up.
I also lost track of my sleeping when my kids came home again for the holidays.
I started walking again in the fall and then the weather changed..to colder and wetter and all those fall activities started to crowd out the walks.
As if bad came to worse, when I wanted to start things back up again after the holidays, I got sick with a bad cold and so did my DD. So that slowed any progress I wanted to make
to nothing.
But now I have a reason to get healthy and lose some weight. My son is getting married this summer. I want to look my best for the wedding. Right now I do not like what I see and
don't like the thought of any pictures being taken of me. So I know I need to get up and
going once again. I just cannot seem to push myself to do much.
So I do need some help.
To begin with I know I can do at least two things...start tracking my sleep patterns again
and also tracking my eating and food habits. I do not know what to do about exercising,
moving or just getting out and doing something. I could start up some indoor videos again,
though.

So that is where I am right now. I hope that by joining this team and participating with others, it will help me get started back up again.
I sure could use some motivation right now.

Thanks,
Sue

SparkPoints: (15,737)
Fitness Minutes: (19,752)
Posts: 1,545
1/10/13 11:04 P

to team KB1018. Good luck on your health journey !!

current weight: 125.0

175 161 147 133

119

Posts: 187
1/10/13 7:45 P

Hi there! I just joined this team tonight. I've been a fair-weather friend to SP as of late. I love the site and what it stands for and it did help me a lot at one point. I, currently, have an 8 mo old baby boy that, throughout infertility treatments, pregnancy, and a little baby being thrust right into our lives, has all caused me to get WAY off track. I lost A LOT of weight right after my son was born and I started breastfeeding and I was really happy with how I looked. I was getting compliments everyday. Well, it's safe to say those comments have stopped and I feel like I look like I'm pregnant again. I work full-time, have a part-time job I do at home, and would like to spend some time with my little guy, so my time is stretched very thin. I'm finding it hard to find the time to exercise. With money struggles, we have just been eating crap and I know that is my biggest problem. I did give up soda at the beginning of the year, so I'm on day 10 right now and think I'm doing pretty good there.
I'm anxious for the support and motivation and tips/suggestions to how to get back on track. I'm taking it slow, hoping to only do 1 new thing a wk.

current weight: 189.5

189.5 182.875 176.25 169.625

163

Posts: 865
1/10/13 11:33 A

I know the feeling, I am refocused big time. I did not gain it all back but just lost focus.

Have a great day!!

Posts: 307
1/10/13 12:10 A

I did very well when I was on SP last time. (about 3 years ago) and I just dropped off.... I love the community and the support that is here and I want to get back into it. I have gained back the weight that I lost but I'm here to do it again! Re-commited myself to my gym and even got a friend to join with me. I'm going to do and stick to my healhty lifestyle.

current weight: 163.0

163 154.75 146.5 138.25

130

SparkPoints: (7,207)
Fitness Minutes: (6,206)
Posts: 10
11/27/12 12:00 P

Hi there! I am recommitting myself to a healthy lifestyle and weight management. I have been following WW for 15 years and as one who either has little to lose (about 10 Pounds) or is maintaining I am finding little support. What I need is a place that keeps my head on straight, me focused and my thinking positive. I had been using The Beck Diet Solution but got off track when life happened - (3 moves in 18 months and the caring for and passing of my 16 year old dog). I am anxious to get on with my life - so here I go. I am loving the motivating aspect of this site.

SparkPoints: (15,341)
Fitness Minutes: (8,173)
Posts: 263
11/25/12 6:30 P

Hello,

I've had some health issues and have gotten off track, but I am back to Spark People and hope to lose weight and gain health. I am restarting my fast break with recording my food each day, journaling three times a week, and exercising 10 minutes each day. I can do this! WE can do this!

Katie

SparkPoints: (15,737)
Fitness Minutes: (19,752)
Posts: 1,545
11/25/12 5:06 P

every one. who is starting over. Yes, we can do it. take care.

current weight: 125.0

175 161 147 133

119

SparkPoints: (4,359)
Fitness Minutes: (3,356)
Posts: 37
11/25/12 3:42 P

Hi everyone.
I'm so happy to have found this SparkTeam, it seems I do really well for a few weeks then quite literally "fall off the wagon". Looking forward to getting motivation and helping to motivate if I can.
Let's do this!!!

current weight: 176.0

178 167.25 156.5 145.75

135

Posts: 447
11/20/12 5:43 P

Welcome Needing help5!
I am telling myself if I can show some restraint through Thanksgiving, then I can get through anything. I am going to up my exercise, track everything but if I go over only 100- 200 clas, I will be happy

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 3 6 9

12

Posts: 21
11/19/12 10:17 A

hello, I am starting over, again. I can't seem to keep up and after a week or so, I quit because it is too hard. My fat clothes are to tight and I know my diet isn't healthy. Something has to change. I doubt starting the week of Thanksgiving isn't the best time to start, but if I don't do this now, I will always find an excuse not to start.

SparkPoints: (15,737)
Fitness Minutes: (19,752)
Posts: 1,545
11/4/12 12:45 A

Hello everyone, Hope you all are doing great for Relighting your spark.

I have been a member of Spark People couple years now. But was never serious about my weight problem ( I should have..but I didn't, I was avoiding to see the truth..) and had not even created a personal profile when I joined back in 2007. But this time, I have recently created my profile and I am ready to take another challenge in my life. I hope I will keep going and lose weight like I once did. I am looking forward to interact with all spark people and become healthy together. Thanks.. Mickey. (^!^))

current weight: 125.0

175 161 147 133

119

SparkPoints: (567)
Fitness Minutes: (145)
Posts: 12
10/27/12 1:46 P

Guess I need to RE-introduce myself. I see that I introduced myself over two weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have done zip, zero, nada to meet my goals during that time. I just can't seem to get myself moving. Today I am committing to tracking every day for one week no matter what. Starting now! So there!

(again)

Posts: 23
10/27/12 9:05 A

About 3 years ago I lost 40 pounds sparking. I have been through a lot of changes in those three years (job change, state change, marital status change).. Anyway, I noticed that mthe pounds have started to creep back on. Now that the rest of my life is in order, it's time to get those extra pounds off.
.....and I missed my spark friends!!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 4.55 9.09999999999999 13.65

18.2

SparkPoints: (21,871)
Fitness Minutes: (23,424)
Posts: 363
10/22/12 5:54 P

HI, I'm Dawn a mother of 2 young boys (2, and 4 in December). I am at home durning the day with my kids, and work 2 evenings a week at a Career College. I had lost 40+ pounds after my second was born using sparkpeople, and for almost the last year now I have been bouncing up and down with the same 8 pounds. I have come here to commit myself to loosing the last 10-15 pounds that just don't want to budge. I can do this, I will do this!

Posts: 193
10/22/12 12:23 P

I'm Mallory,29. a stay at home mom to my dear 6 yo daughter. I have been using spark for a couple of years but did a name change because I wasn't keeping up with things like I should. Well Up until the past month, I still didnt keep up with things on here and the 40 lbs I had lost originally is back to about 10. So here I am starting over yet again, but I can do this!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 26.5 53 79.5

106

SparkPoints: (38,043)
Fitness Minutes: (13,925)
Posts: 5,217
10/18/12 11:45 P

I was pretty faithful on SP up until about 6 months ago. Then, I just felt really burned out and ended up needing to take a break. But I'm back, and saw this team. I knew this was a team for me -- I need to relight my spark! I am 42 years old and live with my husband in east central IL. We have no children, just furry ones -- a dog and a cat. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so exercise is very challenging. My first re-sparking goal is to track every day for 30 days.

Pounds lost: 2.0

0 2.5 5 7.5

10

SparkPoints: (3,898)
Fitness Minutes: (5,574)
Posts: 21
10/15/12 3:25 P

Wow, it is nice to not feel alone. Reading everyone's story is a revelation and gives me much strength. In also am returning to SP after a year and half break. I had a baby boy in November 2011 and have struggled to reignite my spark ever since.

I am almost finished my first week and feeling great. Now I know where to come to keep up the energy.

Have a great day!

SparkPoints: (567)
Fitness Minutes: (145)
Posts: 12
10/14/12 5:51 P

I had lost about eight pounds on SparkPeople and then got out of the routine of tracking points and just fell back into bad habits. Too many restaurant meals, ice cream stops...you know the story! So! I am back with a vengence! I have some some new jeans that I want to wear! I have grandchildren to keep up with! I have a trip to London planned for spring! I seem to do well for a while and then lose steam. Please send perseverance and positive energy my way. Thanks!

SparkPoints: (65,158)
Fitness Minutes: (78,164)
Posts: 11,267
10/11/12 12:36 P

Aww, aren't Dachshunds just the sweetest? I have a sweet little dapple mini named Weenie, and she just turned 2 yesterday. I just love her sooo much, and she's so lovable! Hoping I can get some pics up of her on here soon! Nice to meet you as well!

current weight: 127.0

150 142 134 126

118

SparkPoints: (1,134)
Fitness Minutes: (63)
Posts: 9
10/11/12 11:48 A

I am a dachshund mommy. Mine is named Buddy. He's a 10 year old black and tan short-haired "mini". He needs to do some sparking of his own. He's not too mini these days. Hopefully my increased walks will help him too.

Nice to meet you, and we are soo worth this!

Edited by: WINGEDDREAMS at: 10/11/2012 (11:49)

SparkPoints: (65,158)
Fitness Minutes: (78,164)
Posts: 11,267
10/10/12 7:13 P

Hi everyone

I am new to this team, but have been a member of Spark for over 5 years now! I have really fallen off track since coming back from vacation 2 months ago, and need tons of motivation and support to get back on track I'm really hoping to find more support here on this team!

WINGEDDREAMS, do you have a Dachshund? Saw your pic and was curious?

Edited by: LUVS2EXERCISE at: 10/10/2012 (19:16)

current weight: 127.0

150 142 134 126

118

SparkPoints: (1,134)
Fitness Minutes: (63)
Posts: 9
10/10/12 9:25 A

Hello all. I am a first timer here, but relate to the on/off lifestyle change roller coaster. I am at the point where it is a life or death choice for me. I can choose to be a healthy, active mom and do the work i need to to get there, or I can choose to leave my kids early. I am looking for a place that will provide a nice kick in the pants when I'm making excuses.

I look forward to getting to know some of you better.

Posts: 840
10/9/12 10:15 A

Everyone. Been here before! I started a fall challenge on Oct 6th. I gained 34 lbs. back since March. Used my surgury as an excuss. I have this all or nothing mentality. Also I eat under stress which gets me into trouble. It's my choice if I eat unhealthy & gain weight. I'm making the right choices this time. I'm in control this time not my stomach. If I do make a choice that I'm not happy with I'm going to get right back on track starting with the next meal.

current weight: 247.0

276 246 216 186

156

Posts: 121
10/9/12 1:09 A

Hi, my name is Robin and I have doing this on again off again for about 4 years and need to get serious this time around, I 56 years age and would very like to put a stop to this way of losing weight I am hoping this will help me, I walk at least 4 to 5 times a week and need to do some wts, as well. I hope this site will help me on my journey

Posts: 865
10/4/12 1:48 P

Like most people here I am coming back to Sparkpeople. I am refocusing. Before I found alot of motivation from being part of forums that were pretty active but it seems those same forums have lost their spark. So I am hoping this one will Relight My Spark.

The support I have gotten in the past has been great and the challenges were awesome, so I am looking forward to getting going.

I played 2 1/2 hours of tennis last night and worked out all this week - I just need to get my cooking routine back in line as well. I've been okay as far as calories but it's the mix that needs to get realigned.

I look forward to the challenges on this group.

Posts: 1,826
10/3/12 9:46 A

Hi Sparklers!
I am not new to SP either. I have been on and off for several years and just don't stay consistent in controlling this weight loss and healthy living lifestyle. Last year I went the low carb route and it worked wonderfully for me. I found that I had more energy, the protein sustained my hunger for longer periods, I never felt bloated and I lost weight! I lost about 25 lbs. Then, around the holidays last year I started eating a little bit of sugar here and there, a few carbs and it just picked up momentum and I was right back to my old eating habits. I have been weighing in and the scale just seems to be climbing higher and higher and thought this has got to stop. I really need accountability and support and what better place than here where we all could use a good dose of it. I said I didn't want to ever see the 200 digits under my feet again....I am only 2 lbs away! :( Today I am rededicating myself to making healthier choices and get the scale moving in the other direction. I look forward to meeting you and encouraging each other. I live on the east coast with my husband of 30 years. We just moved back "Home" 2 years ago after a military career and 14 years in Maine. We have no children just Cooper our 3 year old Golden Retriever.

current weight: 187.8

198 188.5 179 169.5

160

SparkPoints: (2,980)
Fitness Minutes: (2,170)
Posts: 115
10/2/12 8:09 A

Welcome All New Memberts!! I am still getting the hang of this "Team Leader" thing.. and I should have it set up so that I get a notice anytime anyone joins the team.. but apparently that isn't working!

Anyway, We are excited to have you on the team!! Welcome!!

current weight: 222.6

245 232.5 220 207.5

195

Posts: 56
10/1/12 10:10 P

Hi There, I am Nicole. I have been a member of SP for a few years and managed to lose about 50 lbs. But in the last year or so have gained almost all of it back. : ( This is due mostly to working an office job from home and then also being diagnosed with a blood clot in my leg which has been keeping me from working out the way I would like to. I've been feeling pretty depressed about the situation I've put myself into again - so many years of yo-yo diets and even a gastric bypass about 10 years ago. But I've decided to get into gear again, and start taking care of my body. I may not be able to do full cardio the way I would like, but I can walk, and I can eat healthy - so no more excuses! And no more pity parties for this girl! : )

SparkPoints: (142)
Fitness Minutes: (150)
Posts: 7
9/22/12 7:24 P

Hi all, I'm Janie, and although I wasn't that active with SP before, I want to start being really active and "get into it".

I lost 60lb on Medifast a couple of years ago and it took me over a year to do it. I didn't reach my goal to lose 100 lbs (probably due to thyroid issues making the loss slower) and I just couldn't stand being on it any more. So I came back to eating real food as opposed to packaged artificially sweetend stuff. Now I've gained all of the weight back, and feel really bad physically and a little bad mentally. After gaining it all back, I'm not going to beat myself up, I'm just going to learn what I need to learn from the experience and lose in a way that is healthier and more sustainable for the long term. (Maybe my hair won't fall out this time!!lol)

I'm swearing off artificial stuff and I'm determined to exercise and eat real, healthy food. I'm going to spend as much time on SP as I do on Facebook, making new friends and keeping up.

SparkPoints: (950)
Fitness Minutes: (784)
Posts: 18
9/20/12 1:46 P

Hello, I’m Jessica and this is my 5th alter ego with Sparkpeople. I felt it was necessary because after losing 40 lbs earlier this year (Jan-Apr) with Spark, I fell off the wagon. I went from 216 to 224.8 where I started back up this week. Now my ultimate goal is to hit 160, but I want to eat better, lose the stress, and reduce the to-do’s on my to-do list of life. Which as a mother, volunteer, employee, business owner, wife, sister, etc…… (we all wear many hats), the list is never ending. I am looking for supportive friends, who won’t hesitate to kick my butt!

Find me on facebook too… facebook.com/rainnnaturelover

I look forward to learning from this team, and being done with losing weight. Some day I’d like to simply focus on maintaining it. 

current weight: 234.0

234 225.5 217 208.5

200

Posts: 176
9/9/12 5:39 P

Well, I am not new to SparkPeople or this team, but I am ready to start again. I have HAD IT with being a yo-yo, up and down with my weight. I have 2 goals, including becoming a runner. I started last year and was doing great, really enjoyed it, and for whatever reason, I quit. I also want to get to a healthy weight so I can feel better mentally and physically. SO, I am back. I need constant motivation and so I have decided to join a virtual 5k. Hmm, I hope I can get it together and do it....

SparkPoints: (14,038)
Fitness Minutes: (4,953)
Posts: 5,734
9/5/12 4:03 P

My name is Lisa (nickname is Kitten due to the fact I REALLY love Hello Kitty). I am in my middle/upper 30's, married for 15yrs to a wonderful supportive man that I met while in the Army. I have two beautiful children, a Daughter, just turned 13 and a Son who is 11. They are my entire world, I don’t have any "outside" friends to speak of and family, well there is big issues there. I have been on Spark for over 5yrs on and off, mostly off the last 3yrs. My first year I went from 180 to 135 (size 20W to 8) and I loved it, felt healthy even though according to the BMI I was still "fat" ...I am only 5ft tall, disadvantages of being short, ugh. Then life happened. I hit rock bottom with depression. By Oct 2008 I did the unthinkable and went back home, which I had promised myself when I left I would NEVER go back. So we left Oklahoma and went to Wisconsin. We ended up living with my parents 11months, however about 8 months into that my mother and I had a falling out, real bad. I started having panic attacks and wasn’t able to sleep, I would go days without being able to go or stay asleep. We moved again in Aug 09, just across town, so it wasn’t much better. We lived in such a small town everyone knew what everyone else was doing. My Dr suggested that I try to go back to work in an attempt to reverse my severe social anxiety and depression. Well it back fired, I found work in Feb 2010 and had to stop by Aug 2010. Things just went from bad to worse. By this time Sept 2010 I reached my heaviest weight EVER, including pregnancy weights, 186. I was on medications for Manic Depression, severe anxiety, CFS, Restless leg syndrome and developed Fibromyalgia. By Feb 2011 I was on disability and would only leave the house when absolutely necessary about once a month or less. March of 2011 I decided I needed a program to keep me on track so I started P90X which I completed in 113 days (normally takes 90 but I had to take it a lot slower due to my body hating me). After I finished in July I for some reason hit rock bottom again and haven't been able to pull myself up since. In Dec my DH's work contract ended and has been without work since. We have moved again, from Wisconsin to Texas, to be closer to his family and get me out of the toxic location(even my DR said I wouldn’t even have a hope of getting better until I moved FAR away). We have been in TX for a little over 2 1/2 months now and I am still in a "funk". I cant seem to get and stay started. It seemed as if every friend I had made in the last 5yrs disappeared and I was doing this alone. I am usually the one everyone turned to when they needed help and now that I FINALLY admit that I need that help returned no one is there. So I deleted my previous account and now am started fresh with EVERYTHING. I need some sort of kick start and I just have to find the right leg to give it to me.

If I get to wordy just let me know to "shut it" cause I can go when I get going. Oh and if I ramble I am sorry now, my brain gets foggy at times and may seem like it makes sense but I go back later and read and sounds awful...lol. Hope I am not scaring anyone from getting to know me and I would love to get to know each of you better .

May Minutes: 277

0 125 250 375

500

SparkPoints: (175,847)
Fitness Minutes: (102,209)
Posts: 17,416
9/5/12 9:33 A

Hi I am Shannon as well. I joined spark back in 2006 and have been an active member for six years now. I lost a 100 pounds before our second child but have sturggled ever since. I am going to curves 5-6 days a week now. I am working on my eating habits again. I slipped since last christmas and have not changed them. I am working harder each day to make better choices for me and my family.

current weight: 291.0

330 291.25 252.5 213.75

175

Posts: 1,608
9/2/12 11:19 P

Hi! My name is Shannon and I joined Spark People in Nov of 2011. I've been on again off again for several reasons. I don't want them to be excuses and I know I need to do this for me. I've been discouraged with inactive teams or lack of support so was gonna join a challenge team for the accountability. I just missed the mark by a couple of days so I don't think I got in. I have hypothyroidism so a victory one day can turn into defeat the next with my weight up and down like a yoyo. I was just celebrating having lost 20 lbs but then on my last weigh in discovered I was 6lbs up. Can be very discouraging. None of this has anything to do with why I haven't transitioned into exercise and I really need to get moving in order to become healthier. My goal is to change my lifestyle to incorporate healthy nutrition and exercise as a new norm!

current weight: 269.4

300 281.25 262.5 243.75

225

Posts: 9
8/29/12 1:12 P

I'm so glad I've found this team! I've been a member on and off for a couple years, and within the last year, I was doing really well...and then, I sort of stopped.

I'm in my early twenties, and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life (ahhhh!) So, eating right/exercising are among the few things that I feel I have control over. I just need to step it up and do it!

Posts: 2,867
8/19/12 1:59 P

Hi everyone! When I found this team I knew it was EXACTLY what I needed right now!! I am not new to Spark, I've been here for a while now, since 2010. At first I lost about 15 pounds, and then things just started to unravel. For the most part, even though I was still "here", I quit using the trackers, and my exercise has been non-existent. I am just about back to the weight I was when I began Spark and enough is enough! There has to be a way to keep my motivation going so I can see this through! I am so tired of making excuses! I have about 80 pounds to lose and am so ready to find my "Spark" again!
Kristi

current weight: 190.0

194 175.5 157 138.5

120

Posts: 908
8/13/12 3:45 P

I'm another Returnee!
I had great success with Spark in 2008-2009 and then I let myself backslide and am almost back to where I began.

The most difficult thing for me is getting back to exercise. I have the food issue handled and I learned SO much last time -- processed a lot of fear and anger over food. And I so so so miss how fit my body felt, even though I was still overweight. Yet, I'm floundering at having the motivation to get back to exercise - but it is critical. I don't tend to lose much weight, if any, without exercise. If anyone has tips on how to kick my own butt, I'm all ears!

Pounds lost: 5.5

0 11 22 33

44

Posts: 55
8/10/12 2:01 P

Hi everyone! I've been on and off spark people for a while, but every time I use the tools man does it work! I'm so silly to let it go sometimes! I'm already down about 12 pounds with over 50 more to go. Just because it gets hard doesn't mean I'm going to give up this time. I live in Florida and by next summer I want to be swim suit ready!

Posts: 224
7/31/12 12:02 P

Hi I have been gone for a while now.But I'm trying to get back on track.So will y'all please add me to y'all pray list that I can stay with this and do it

Posts: 681
7/25/12 7:18 P

Back in the saddle again. I have on and off since 2009, mostly since 2010 when we lost our son. I emotionally eat and I have been plenty emotional. But now, at almost 52, I need to get in shape lose 40-45 lbs and be healthy, it just plain feels better. At 52 it really isn't about looking good. So looking for some great times and motivation.

current weight: 160.2

177.6 165.7 153.8 141.9

130

SparkPoints: (7,465)
Fitness Minutes: (7,419)
Posts: 117
7/19/12 8:08 A

I just found this team and thought it looked perfect. I know it seems weird to be rekindling the spark already (I've only been a member since February), but I've had a lot of obstacles to overcome. An injury set me back for quite a bit, which led to depression, and finally me just giving up all together. I am not one to do things half way (which is probably one of my biggest faults...I push and push and push). My main focus this time around is going to moderation in everything. My fitness routines used to take up hors of my day, I'm going to try to keep them to an hour so I burn out. My eating habits can get way out of control, either eating way too much or way too little. I'm going to try to keep within my calorie range each day.

Hopefully I'll do better this time around with finding things to stick with for the long haul. Good luck to everyone out there.

current weight: 154.0

157 152.75 148.5 144.25

140

SparkPoints: (15,320)
Fitness Minutes: (7,346)
Posts: 595
7/16/12 11:53 A

Jessie, I love your quote!

I am very disgusted with myself! I lost 40 pounds with Spark People two years ago and I have gained 20 of it back!! 20!!! Half!!!! I cannot believe it... and yet I can. When you don't think and you don't move and you eat and eat and eat, you gain weight.
Period.

I had not taken my own measurements since, oh man, months and months.... I have gained FIVE INCHES on just my stomach!!! FIVE INCHES. My heartburn is coming back. I cannot stand to look at myself naked. I CANNOT STAND my awful double chin. I don't have to look like this or feel like this.

As of today, I am RE-dedicating myself and my life to the spark, what I KNOW I am capable of...

I mean seriously, look at my quote. Totally forgot that...

Thanks for listening and good luck to us all...

Edited by: LLEWIS6879 at: 7/16/2012 (11:54)

current weight: 160.5

187 177.25 167.5 157.75

148

SparkPoints: (10,192)
Fitness Minutes: (7,317)
Posts: 349
7/5/12 11:01 P

Hi, my name is Jessie. I am a single/stay at home mom to 5 girls. To be able for me to stay at home, i babysit the 2 kids of my ex and his gf.

I first joined SP a year ago today. I worked hard for about 2 months and lost 5lbs. I fortunately was unable to keep the workout schedule i had and got off coarse in my journey to loss the baby weight i gained form my girls.

I am back and ready to give it another try. I am starting off slowly but going to make it count. trying all of the walking and danceing videos i find to make it fun for me and maybe my girls.

May Minutes: 0

0 300 600 900

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Posts: 682
6/27/12 9:57 A

Let's try this again!!!

I can't count the number of times that I have gone back and forth with using this site. But I'm back, I've been back (more or less) for 3 weeks and have lost 7 lbs. Getting a little nervous because now the summer parties start, and that leads into a vacation. I'm hoping that staying active on this site through all of that will help me get through the next few weeks. I do love this site, and the support and feedback from everyone is great. For me it has been a time thing. It takes time to log food and workouts, and blog, etc. When I'm doing it, I love it. But it is so easy to fall off track. One day becomes one week, one month, etc.

I had surgery in March and was not able to go to the gym for 8 weeks after. When you can't go, is when you really miss it. I would miss a day or two (again which leads to a week - it's all relevant) and not think much of it. But when the dr. said do not go, I was like "but I have to move!" I could not wait for the all clear, and now I haven't missed a day (Mon-Fri) unless I am at work. I can only workout in the morning, afternoon/evenings, I'm too tired from the work day to think about hitting the gym. So up at 5:00 at the gym by 6:00 and working with a great group of women who notice when you are not there. It is all that much more motivating.

So with all that why haven't I lost more weight? FOOD/DRINKS!!! I know how I should eat, but putting it into action is the problem. I also enjoy a cocktail (or two) with my hubby every night. I know the calories add up when you drink alcohol, and they are useless/empty calories. BLAH,BLAH, BLAH! It is our time to relax while prparing dinner. As for the food, I cannot eat white carbs. I am a carb addict! I must avoid them because I cannot portion control and the more I eat, the more I crave. So now I'm just staying away.

WOW! Didn't realize I had so much to share!

Looking forward to more sharing with this group! Happy losing everyone!

current weight: 178.0

183 172.25 161.5 150.75

140

SparkPoints: (1,565)
Fitness Minutes: (584)
Posts: 27
6/2/12 9:34 P

So I am back to this site and starting over yet again. This has to be the 3rd time I have tried to use Spark People to reach goals and I start out strong then WHAM! I loose all motivation.

I had been thinking about why things went wonky after I had to leave Weight Watchers (financial reasons...don't get me started lol). I did not have a major issue with the food aspect although I tend to just eat whatever looks good and well that is enough to get me into trouble. I lost 17 pounds on WW back over the last 10 months and then I managed to gain all but 2 pounds of it back from what I can see after stepping on the scale tonight. The kicker is I will be doing my first new weigh in tomorrow morning after my shower to see how much I have truly gained back. I am not happy with myself but enough self deprecation and onto what I plan to do about it.

I signed up for the gym close to my office and they offer fitness classes. I am hoping to take Zumba on Monday nights, Kickboxing on Wednesdays and Yoga/Pilates on Friday nights. I figure Zumba and Kickboxing are good for cardio and Yoga is good for strength. I am also thinking of digging out a few of my JM fitness DVDs and seeing which ones might be good to sub on another day so I am working out 4 or 5 days a week and resting two days. Goals are not going to be set save a weight goal as I hate setting goals and not achieving them as I am just working on what I want to do. Here is to starting over fresh:)

current weight: 178.2

178.2 169.4 160.6 151.8

143

SparkPoints: (18,767)
Fitness Minutes: (11,205)
Posts: 546
5/29/12 3:46 P

Hello, I am a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband (who I am also trying to get Sparked). I am a mother of two beautiful children, ages 4 and 2. I work full-time and go to school full-time. My husband also works full-time and goes to school.

In 2007 I weighed my heaviest at 195 lbs. I decided this was no longer acceptable or healthy and I started a journey to lose 60lbs. In 4 months I lost 21 lbs and then found out I was pregnant with my first child.

January 2011 I weighed 166 lbs and decided it was now time to lose the last 31 lbs of the 60 lbs I started to lose back at the beginning of 2007. I found MyFitnessPal at the end of January and restarted my journey to a healthier me.

I reached my goal on Thanksgiving Day 2011. In 2011 I lost a total of 33 lbs, which was 3 lbs past my goal!! But unfortunately as 2012 started I was not able to maintain my loss. Do to the crazy stress I have in my life right now, I have let my emotional/stress eating get the better of me and I have gained back almost 20 lbs. Things have just been so crazy I an struggling to fit my workouts in that I used to crave, I am just so exhausted, and all I want to do its eat.

Then on 4/23/12, I found SparkPeople. I was getting board with MFP and was just feed up. Began to look to see what other options I could find for logging my calories in and calories out. I love the added resources SparkPeople provides. The site is still overwhelming, but I am finding new things everyday. I have been trying to get back into some kind of a routine and watch my food a little closer. But as usual stress gets the better of me and my schedule ends up being so unpredictable. I am now up three pounds from my SP beginning weight. This has to stop and has to stop now!!!!! No more, I will not put on another lb.

I know I can lose the weight, I have done it once already. I WILL reach my goal again and I WILL stay there!

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."
– Marian Wright Edelman

Today is the beginning. One meal at a time, one day at a time, one week at a time. Let the juggling act begin.

current weight: 166.2

179 166.75 154.5 142.25

130

Posts: 142
5/24/12 7:27 A

Hi! My name is Cheree. I have been a member since 2006/7? I started w/a combo of Spark & the Sonoma diet. I went from 245 to 180 in 1 year and then totaled my car. The quack I went to told me to stop doing yoga & not get on the treadmill. 9 months later the same quack told me my problem was that I was fat and needed exercise! By this time I had gained back 40lbs. I got back into the spark and lost 25 pounds and then flipped my 4Runner! I know it sounds like I can't drive, but extremely bad weather caused both accidents- heavy rain +brake failure the 1st time, sudden freezing of the road the 2cnd (over 200 wrecks in 2 hours in NE GA that February morning). The wonderful doc I went to after that accident encouraged my to get back on track and told me the best thing I could do would be to get back into yoga and that the treadmill almost never hurts! I did pretty well, but stress at work (a boss who was out to get me) kept me from losing any weight and I gained the weight back. The I was assigned a new Area Manager who liked women (I Managed an auto parts store) and things got better.
By August I was back to 212. September 18, they told me they were closing my store due to the economy in the area. I was 203. Oct 28 I weighed 200, however by Nov 19, I was up to 208. Being that I was the bread winner in our family, we were in trouble. My husband decided to look for a job in PA (just what a woman w/winter luck like mine needs, right?). We moved in w/his mom Jan1. Let me say here, every time we go near her house, I gain weight (Too many starches/fats, not enough healthy food). Never fear! We had a plan to be out by April. He found a job and we had our own place by Valentines day (his gift to me). On 3/12 I weighed myself at 213 and rejoined the Spark.
My goal is to be fit & fab by 40. I will be 40 in 15 weeks, 4 days. I should be at 192 right now, but I am hovering. I need motivation! This time I have to stick with it! I am still unemployed, so I am going to take advantage of this opportunity and do everything I can to blast off this weight! Since Pittsburgh is a drinking town w/a football problem (hockey in our case), I have my work cut out for me!
Uniqueblue, if you are listening, I am in the Pittsburgh area and would love to be buddies w/you! I log in every day and would love to hear from you- as well as any one else who has some encouragement for me!

current weight: 218.0

218 201 184 167

150

SparkPoints: (785)
Fitness Minutes: (1,380)
Posts: 13
4/23/12 11:13 A

Hello Everyone,
I joined spark people in 2010 and I started out motivated and ready to go . When I joined I weight less than what I weigh now. Some how I found myself not being as motivated. I stop signing in, watching my calorie intake, exercising , the whole nine. I just became lazy. I felt like I didn't really have much time in a day to exercise. Because when I got home from work I would be too tired to do anything. But one day I had an epiphany and that came when I was out of breath just putting on a t-shirt. I realize then how bad I was putting my life in danger and decided to get back to work . I started using the Weight Watchers program because of the Jennifer Hudson commercial that usually piss me off when I say them. But once I started using and I realized that I was paying for something that Spark people offered for free and more information and weight lost tools. So I decided to switch back to spark people and start my weight loss journey and to be dedicated in change my life.

Posts: 161
4/16/12 2:26 P

I live in Kelowna, British Columbia. I joined in 09, and since then have lost and gained the same 10 lbs much too frequently!!! I always get off to a great BIG start and then have difficulty following through. I am determined this time to get serious and make the kind of changes that will last.

Posts: 7
4/14/12 9:56 A

Hi,

I'm Callie, from the UK. I orginally joined SparkPeople in 2010 but fell off track. I came back last year (and even joined this very team) but somehow I ended up giving up again. But now, I'm here again, and I'm definitely planning on making this the time I get my weight loss success.

Good luck and good wishes to everyone else who's struggled with this, but is still determined to get it right!

Callie

Posts: 213
3/28/12 3:52 P

Hi I'm my name is JOY, I'm from Dallas, Texas! I have been a member of SparkPeople since 2006.

May Minutes: 0

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60

SparkPoints: (664)
Fitness Minutes: (190)
Posts: 9
3/25/12 7:26 P

* meet. lol. freudian slip. lol

current weight: 209.5

228 208.5 189 169.5

150

SparkPoints: (664)
Fitness Minutes: (190)
Posts: 9
3/25/12 7:25 P

Hi Sal!! Glad to eet you :) I congratulate you on your 30 pound loss! Evening is the toughest time for me as well... I have also experienced loss, my sister 1 1/2 years ago and my dad in August. I pray for you as you approach the anniversary of the loss of your mom .

We will make this journey together... :)

current weight: 209.5

228 208.5 189 169.5

150

SparkPoints: (664)
Fitness Minutes: (190)
Posts: 9
3/25/12 7:17 P

Allie, I would encourage you do all you can to create a habit of checking in with SparkPeople as well as FB. I spend a lot of time on FB but don't get the encouragement and recipe suggestions that are here. It is more than having friends encourage you, which I need and will be happy to do, but there is sooo much here! I get so pumped after spending a few minutes reading posts and blogs, etc. Hang in there, keep on moving in the healthier direction! :)

current weight: 209.5

228 208.5 189 169.5

150

SparkPoints: (12,712)
Fitness Minutes: (4,316)
Posts: 401
3/25/12 7:58 A

Hi,
I joined Spark a while ago and was very active for a while, then kind of fell out of logging-in and being accountable. Then I had a flirtation with the 4 Hour Body diet, which is kind of a culty low-carb thing, and lost 43 pounds, but couldn't really function in the world because let's face it, you need to eat something besides beans, meat and veggies. So now i am back, trying to put some of those good habits from 4HB. like not eating white carbs, into a practice that is more sustainable. Oh, and I moved to west Africa too, which makes things even more of a challenge.

Edited by: LULUBELLE65 at: 3/25/2012 (08:01)

Pounds lost: 27.5

0 35 70 105

140

SparkPoints: (26,877)
Fitness Minutes: (25,004)
Posts: 2,252
3/19/12 11:23 A

Hi I'm Sal and I am not very good at introductions either. I have been around Spark for almost 2 years. I lost about 30 pounds but then gained 20 back. I love spark but sometimes my life gets a little crazy and I get off track. I injured my ankle about 2 months ago and my weight started to sky rocket. I discovered that without cardio exercise I have little coping skills and the least little thing makes me want to over eat. I have a lot of time on my hands and the refrig and kitchen are just too close. I hope to get back to work soon but I have to be 100% before I can return. I am often very successful at eating within my range until about 7 or 8 at night when I just can not seem to stop myself! I am married, work as a nurse, am struggling with an empty nest and the one year anniversary of my Mother's death is coming soon. I am looking forward to meeting new spark friends.
Allie - Hang in there! You certainly have your plate full. I am afraid I am better at Spark than I am at facebook. Sal

current weight: 163.0

195 181.25 167.5 153.75

140

Posts: 12
3/18/12 1:13 A

Hello, everyone.
I'm Allie, and I'm no good at introductions. I think I've been on and off with spark for several years. I was going to culinary school, and you know those french recipes: butter, cream, and fat. So I fell off. And on, and off.
Well now, I have reached a new sort of low - exactly 100 pounds from a healthy weight. At this time, I've also lost my apartment, had to drop out of college, and now owe several thousands of dollars to a lot of organizations. The only thing I have now is my husband - who was kicked out of the Navy for failing to maintain his weight.
I had given up for quite a while. I figured, hell, I was eating what I liked and I was happy. But I had found my scale in a box I was unpacking (Living with my parents), and on a whim, I weighed myself. That was two days ago, and I reactivated my spark account. But since then, I haven't really done anything, and I don't know how to begin again.
My mother and two brothers are both overweight - My mom has too many medications and health issues to count, with about 250 pounds to many. My younger brothers aren't too unhealthy - just inactive. My father is the only healthy one - because he has biked his way to work for the past seven years.
recently, I was diagnosed with PCOS, which is a pre-diabetic condition. I also have a staghorn calculi in my left kidney - basically a kidney stone the size of my kidney. I'm not yet 20, and already, I have health issues. I feel out of control of everything, and the task at hand is mountainous.
I want to be an example for my mother, and brothers - that weight doesn't have to define you. That someone can choose to be healthy.
I feel like everything is a little overwhelming - and I can't keep myself accountable. It doesn't really help that a must have on the grocery list for my parents include chips, popcorn, and soda. it also doesn't help that every minute is spent in front of the tele.
So, in a nutshell, that is my life as of the moment. I want to keep the spark going, but my life keeps raining down to extinguish it. Hopefully, I'll be able to relight my spark. If anyone would like to message me personally, I often forget about sparkpeople.com - so instead, here is my facebook: www.facebook.com/ChefAPalm
I'd love for a motivational message, of to just make new friends. Thanks for the support.

Posts: 846
3/16/12 8:08 P

Welcome new team members!

current weight: 127.4

155 142.5 130 117.5

105

SparkPoints: (664)
Fitness Minutes: (190)
Posts: 9
3/11/12 11:08 P

Hi. I joined SP exactly one year ago..... It has been a difficult year; health and weight loss took a back seat. I am ready to get back on track and excited that there is a group particularly for that purpose!! Go Team!! 2012 is our year !!

current weight: 209.5

228 208.5 189 169.5

150

Posts: 23
3/10/12 9:04 P

Hi! I've been on SP for a few years now, off and on. More off than on, to be honest, and I'm looking for the kick in the pants I need to finish off my weight loss goal!

Posts: 1,213
3/7/12 7:22 P

Hello

I joined SP in 2009 and being diligent off and on over a couple of different timeframes I would lose anywhere from 10 - 25 pounds or so, only to "fall of the wagon" and gain it back along with a few extra pounds. I attributed my failures to a busy schedule (mom, wife, full time career and full time student).

Looking back, however, I believe I was too focused on the race to lose weight. So, now I'm back for the long haul and intend on learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for good. Dont get me wrong, I hope to lose some pounds too, but my focus is on a healthier me!

I was relieved to find this team - I know I could use all the support I can rally up, especially from others that know what its like to start over!

Edited by: 2BEHEALTHYME at: 3/7/2012 (19:23)

Posts: 846
2/27/12 7:27 A

Hi All!

I joined Sparkpeople in January of 2010 and lost over 20 pounds. I unfortunately gained them all back with a few to spare. I let fatigue and excuses get in the way. I have lost my confidence along the way as well. I decided that the forty days of Lent was the perfect time to work on me. There are no excuses, I will exercise for at least 15 minutes ech of those 40 days, eat healthy and stay positive!

I am a stay at home mom of 2 boys (9 & 12). I love to scrapbook, read, cook, and volunteer.

I know there is no quick fix and getting healthy is mostly, for me, a mind game. Eat less, move more and stay positive and motivated! Good luck everyone!

current weight: 127.4

155 142.5 130 117.5

105

SparkPoints: (330)
Fitness Minutes: (235)
Posts: 10
2/16/12 10:19 A

Hey all! Joined SP in August 2011, didn't log consistently after a few weeks of religious documentation, but definitely remained focused and on track until December. After an amazing 3 week vacation in December, I spent January away from the gym and eating whatever I pleased. I'm back, looking to get back on track and focused!

SparkPoints: (10,666)
Fitness Minutes: (3,654)
Posts: 61
2/14/12 12:28 P

Hi there, everyone! I joined SP a while ago. I bought the book (never read it...). Never made SP a lifestyle. Now I'm back to do it right!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

current weight: 209.6

215 202.5 190 177.5

165

Posts: 203
2/10/12 11:51 A

Hi everyone

I first joined sparkpeople in 2008. That was at the peak of my success. A lot has happened since then and I am back to find my spark and lose a little weight and emotional baggage along the way.

May SparkPoints: 0

0 37.5 75 112.5

150

SparkPoints: (6,811)
Fitness Minutes: (3,173)
Posts: 197
2/2/12 8:47 P

Hello everyone. I joined SP years ago and then quit, I rejoined in the Fall of 20110 and was going really well until Christmas when things ( work, family, the Holiday- the usual) kind of overwhelmed me and I stopped exercising, from there things slid downhill until I was eating fast food for lunch again. I caught myself driving through Burger King yesterday and realized the reason I had gained 50 pounds in the first place was because of that behavior and all the excuses so I decided I can't let myself fall into that trap again and I am determined to put myself on the top of my must do list and be serious about getting healthy. I am hoping to lose 41 more pounds. Good Luck to all of you,

Posts: 1,183
1/18/12 6:09 P

Hi!
I'm Jo Ann from NJ. I've been with Spark now since the beginning of 2010 and was doing well until my orthopedic surgeon told me I needed to have my Hip prothetics revised. I got a little upset about that; I've had too many surgeries to date, and just decided to comfort eat for a while. The result of that was all my weight returning + a couple of pounds. I returned at the beginning of this year and have already lost 6 lbs. I'm hoping to lose another 50 lbs by the end of the year.

current weight: 199.5

230 216.25 202.5 188.75

175

SparkPoints: (8,009)
Fitness Minutes: (4,895)
Posts: 144
1/15/12 10:01 A

Hello everyone! I am so glad to be back with SP. I took over a year off from SP due to letting myself get buried in work, kids (I have 5), and stress. As I stepped on the scale and saw 195 I decided it was time to come back. After only 8 days back I have lost 3 pounds...woohoo! I am asking myself why I ever left to begin with. That is something I can not let happen again. Good luck to everyone and I look forward to meeting some fantastic people and sharing some great stories along the way.

Posts: 205
1/5/12 5:25 P

Hello! I am so glad to find this group and to see that I am not alone in having to start over again (or in my case, over and over). My name is Jennifer and I live in Pittsburgh, PA, with my husband and three sons (ages 15, 11, and 9). I am a full-time doctoral student in Walden University's organizational psychology specialization, work from home as a writer/editor/communications consultant for the company my husband and I started together, and also am struggling to deal with multiple chronic illnesses that impact my life on a daily basis.

I have been a member of SparkPeople since 2008, but have gone back and forth between losing and gaining weight (see my "History Lessons" blog post for more details about my weight loss journey so far). It is so discouraging to keep starting out thinking that "this time, I am serious and really going to stick with this plan" and then to find several weeks later that not only have I not consistently done the things I set out to do, but have completely stayed away from SparkPeople. Usually, the longer I have been gone, the harder it is to come back because I am so ashamed and embarrased to have failed yet again. However, I am more committed than I have ever been before to losing this weight (90+ lbs) and making healthier choices, and so it seemed like a great time to join in with others who can hold me accountable and where I can both encourage others in their journey towards better health and also be encouraged myself. I am looking forward to getting to know you as we navigate this path towards better health side by side.

SparkPoints: (1,808)
Fitness Minutes: (1,095)
Posts: 60
1/4/12 2:23 P

I too have been on here before and did pretty well for a while. Then things started happening and I returned to eating. I hope to get back in line too. I don't want to weigh any exact weight but around 140 to 150 would be nice and have some of my meds reduced or taken away. That's my goal. Good luck to you as you start over again.

SparkPoints: (18,739)
Fitness Minutes: (2,067)
Posts: 233
12/31/11 2:03 P

Happy New Year, my name is Tracy and I live in south central Kansas. I work as a caregiver and have actually been with SparkPeople since 2007-2008 and this is my third account. I would like to eventually get down to 115 lbs, I haven't weighed myself for awhile (afraid to see) but will be doing that tomorrow.

current weight: 186.1

186.1 183.325 180.55 177.775

175

SparkPoints: (1,019)
Fitness Minutes: (363)
Posts: 2
12/19/11 11:03 A

Hello all!
I just graduated college and I am living at home (with my mother) until I begin the next step of my life-Law school! I'd like to get back in shape and lose that "stress weight" and begin healthy habits to keep when I move out. Hopefully I can stay motivated besides working two jobs! :)