They Lost A Whole Person!

If you read my blog you may know by now that my goal this year, along with so many others, is to lose some weight. I'd like to lose about 40 pounds. To me, this seems like a great feat - but, have you seen the new January 12th issue of People magazine? Just about the entire issue is dedicated to those who have lost weight - significant amounts of weight! It's extremely inspiring!

I looked for photos of this current issue but they don't seem to be posted on the website yet. So, here is a photo of Teresa Williams who did it in 2007!

It's just amazing to me that people like this woman have the guts to lose a whole person. I love to read the People issues that come out every year of people who are doing just that!

She doesn't even look like the same person! In her story, she lost 160 pounds! People - that's what I weigh right now! She lost an entire "me".

I was watching tv the day before yesterday and came across a show that was along these same lines: people losing half their weight. The show (which I can't recall the name of) was highlighting this girl, Jen, who lives in Atlanta. Read about her here. Again, what an inspiration to us all.

Like so many people in the US, I've tried the commercial diets - Weight Watchers several times, The South Beach Diet, starving myself, etc, etc. Sure, they work for the short term. But, what I've discovered in studying the way the people did it is that you have to change your lifestyle. It's not a diet. You can't call it a diet. Diets are for the short term. If you want a long term gain, you have to change the way you live, the way you eat, and yes, the way you exercise.

Jen says it perfectly on her website: "You have to change your mind." I thought about this statement while walking with my husband yesterday. For me, this is the center of it all. You have to change your mind that you want to live a healthy lifestyle. If you are not commited to yourself first, it simply won't work.

Let's remember that we didn't add these pounds overnight, so it won't be overnight that we lose them. It takes perseverance. It takes will power. It takes a mind change.

If I wasn't ready before to lose these extra pounds, I certainly am now! Thank you to all those who have gone before me to give me the inspiration I need!

If you haven't yet joined me for The New Me Challenge, come along and get on board. Everyone needs some support and accountability. Let's do it together! Commit to change your lifestyle, eat healthier and exercise, and post your weekly progress once a week! To join us, go here:

By the way, I found a really great tool you can use to help keep track of your daily progress. Go to: my-calorie-counter.com. It's a lot like using Weight Watchers tracking tool, but this one is free. There is a subscription if you want more features, but for me, the free one is just fine. You can track your weight, input your activity and the foods you eat, track your calorie intake, and more. I plan to use this to keep me motivated and because I'm a visual person and I like to see the results.

So - ok, ladies! Let's get moving!