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Introduction Text It's time for a new beginning. For a complex set of reasons I've allowed myself to regain some of the weight I had previously lost. I'm getting myself ready to make a new start based on updated motivators and goals. My previous record of accomplishments: After five and a half months of consistent effort, I arrived at my weight goal on Easter morning, March 31, 2013. I lost 50 pounds dropping from 223 to 173! Since then I've lost another five pounds while experimenting with gradually increased calorie levels to see where the balance is for maintenance. I joined Spark People almost a year ago (April 18 of 2012) but didn't get serious about working at this goal until October. I am now comfortably within the healthy weight range for my height and build according the Centers for Disease Control standard. Spark People has made an incredible difference in many aspects of my life and I am grateful. I now weigh a little less than I did when I was in graduate school 27 years ago! I remember the joy I felt at the beginning of the year when I passed into ONEderland (where "one" appeared as the first number on the scale). This was amazing to me because "two" had been the first number appearing before me for at least fifteen years, maybe twenty. This was one of several mini-goals along the way that helped keep me motivated. In the early fall of 2012 I accepted the Spark People challenge of setting a goal and I joined Spark Coach (good decision). I put down a goal I hoped for but didn't really believe in because I doubted I could do it. I thought well it sure would be nice to lose 30 pounds and get my weight down from 223 to 194. I thought maybe I could get to 210 by the end of 2012. I far surpassed that goal and subsequent short term goals. I lost 25 pounds and started 2013 at 198 and this success gave me the courage to set a more ambitious goal, i.e. to lose a total of 49 pounds and get my weight to 174. Later I thought, "why stop at 49? Why not make it an even 50!" That I have done and then some. I feel amazed, grateful, and thankful for spiritual and family support and for the Spark People community which together made it possible for me to get started on this journey. I feel so much better. I have more energy and a more positive outlook on life. I look better. I've lost almost eleven inches around the middle. I'm enjoying daily exercise! I no longer need to take medicine for cholesterol and my blood pressure medicine has been reduced by half. Imagine that! After years of discouragement with my weight and dieting, I saw that I was finally making progress. The key for me has been checking in daily to track all of my food and exericise. SparkCoarch has been a great help with that. It provides daily encouragement, motivation, and ideas for making consistent small changes that make a big difference over time. I have a family history of heart disease so I know that healthy habits and weight loss are critical to my long-term health. It has felt good through this journey to be able to say, "I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday."

My SMART Goals 1. Focus on maintaining my weight at 185. My goal is to keep my weight stable within three pounds of 185. 2. I will be especially vigilant for the next two years because statistics show that 85% of people regain weight in this time period. I will be in the 15% who do not regain the weight. 3. Log in to Spark Coach daily to build motivation and consistency in my other goals. 4. Do 30-40 minute sessions of cardio and weight lifting exercise five to six days a week 5. Organize a faith and fitness group to share learning and provide accountability. Short term goals accomplished: 1. *Go from 219 to 210 Accomplished! Nov. 27 2. *Win the "lost 15 pounds" trophy. Accomplished! Dec. 3 3. Win the "Lost 20 Pounds" trophy... Accomplished Dec. 15 4. Join the folks in ONEderland - that is those who weight less than 200... Accomplished Jan.3 (25 pounds lost) 5. Meet my original target goal of 194-accomplished Jan. 22, 2013.

Start each day with spiritual focus, cardio and weight lifting exercise at the Y, then check in with Spark Coach. I've learned that I need to track all food and fitness with Spark People to stay on track. I have been enjoying eating food grown in our garden - more homegrown vegetables and less meat. Plan meals and snacks in advance.



Helpful advice from Spark Coach: "No one should have to go through this journey alone. Don't be afraid to reach out for help and advice to help you stay on track so you can reach your goals. Even the best athletes need coaches and fans!"

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