I have not always been overweight. With my last baby I gained 75 pounds. I did not lose all of the weight, in fact through the years I put increasingly more on. I was embarrassed about my weight therefore, I stayed away from people, stayed inside and ate more. The final straw was my sister celebrated her 40th birthday and I did not go for fear of old friends seeing me. Whether they would or would not have recognized me was not the issue. Either way I would have been equally humiliated.

I am normally out-going and fun. I had turned into someone I didn't know. I had 90 pounds to lose. How did I let this happen? What I did know is I was sick and tired of feeling the way I did. Sick and tired of looking the way I did. Deep down I knew I was avoiding feelings and issues. I didn't know how to deal with many of them and I found comfort with food. The day had come...I was ready to deal with it ALL. I was now in control of my life. This is where it all changes.

TO PREPARE FOR YOUR DREAM GOAL ACHIEVEMENT, YOU MUST:

1. Get honest with yourself.

2. Choose a positive mental attitude.

3. Institute a personal health and wellness plan.

4. .Acquire a spirit of service.

5. Become accountable in all areas of your life.

6. Defeat procrastination and become a "do-it-know" person.

7. .Be thankful for what you have while you are waiting for what you want.
   
   (Taken from "Seven Steps from Your Dreams to Your Destiny: Making Your Dreamgoals Happen" written by Steve Rose.)

This is what has worked for me. My choice for exercise is primarily Tae-Bo, the advanced tape and 14 minutes on the Ab Slide. Since your body will get used to the same workout day after day, which in turn might cause the weight loss to slow down, switch your workout around. When that happens to me, I just switch from Advanced to Basic TaeBo for a couple days. I was lifting weights at home but I injured my knee doing squats so I decided to wait for the gym to open so I can be supervised. If the weather is good and I really need a change, I will bike ride. I work out at least five days a week.

Since "fats" are my main enemy I limit them to 20 grams or less a day yes I do count them. You have to read those food labels. I monitor the carbs also. I eat less, try serving yourself on a small dish! Eat Smart and set some realistic GOALS. I NEVER eat fast foods, fried foods, or use salt. I drink at least 68 ounces of water per day so that leaves me no room for sodas or anything else (that's 2 big sports bottles full of water) No meds just vitamins. These things along with determination and the continual love and support of my family and friends has made this journey easier. If I can do this anyone can. You just have to care enough about you to make yourself a priority. Well it's been one year as of January 3rd, 2001. I am thrilled with my success so far. I am still following a low-fat, low -carb diet. I am still using my Tae-Bo videos. I've recently purchased the Tae-Bo video that concentrates completely on Abs & Gluts. I also use Gilead, Bodies in Motion video to change my work-out a bit. Still using the Ab-Slide but I've been doing more crunches and leg lifts. I just keep working out until it burns...really burns and believe me it IS working. After three C-Sections I didn't think it was possible to get any tone back in my lower abs. I just recently noticed a crease appearing in the lower center of my abs. HOW EXCITING!!! My upper thighs have great definition and great muscle tone. Nevertheless, I'm not done yet.

Last year went by fast. This year I am working to get the last 22 pounds off (hopefully by April) then I will bulk up a bit. Let me share with you a few things I read from a book and I find them to be inspiration:

1. Your past is not important.

2. Divine timing is the best timing.

3. You can change your life in a moment.

4. Your level of or lack of education does not determine your success.

5. There are no shortcuts to success.

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