Where I was and where I am now

January of 2003—I was fat, unhappy and at 51 years old I was convinced that I was too old to transform my life. I was suffering from obesity, depression, sleep apnea, a bad back and fybromalgia. Today I am nearly 50 pounds lighter, happy and healthy.
What happened?
--Inspired by a friend—Judy who went from size 22 to 8, I bought the BODY FOR LIFE BOOK by Bill Phillips which promotes a program of nutrition, exercise, goal planning and visualization.
--I tried the program and failed. (like so many other programs before.)
The turning point for me came about six months later, when I was looking for a pair of summer shorts—that wouldn’t ride up in the crotch.
I finally found a pair at LANE Bryant's.
When I was at the cash register, the clerk asked If I wanted to open a CHARGE CARD. Without thinking I said yes.
(At that point—I knew I was on the verge of giving up any thoughts of becoming the active, fit and healthy person I could become...and thought that the future would contain larger and larger sizes until the day I died.)
But when I got home, I made a promise to myself to channel my sadness and anger into positive action.
I re-read Bill Phillip’s Body for Life book, I had my before picture taken in a two piece swim suit and I set goals. I asked my family for their help ---I developed a support system at work and home.
I surrounded myself with successful people. And within days--I began to lose weight...but then my Mother In Law died and I once again used food as a comfort.
This is where my story would have ended had it not been for an opportunity to attend the EAS Energy Camp For women in Golden, Colorado in Oct. 2003. It was three days of exercise, nutrition education, inspirational speakers and the chance to make friends with other women who had struggled with their weight. When I got home I got to work. That was six months ago.
Today:
-I exercise six days a week
-I eat six small, balanced meals a day to control my blood sugar….eliminating the urge to eat uncontrollably.
-I continue to set goals-I continue to ask for support from friends and family.
-I am now in the best health of my life.
If I can do it---anyone can.

11/12/04 Falling off the wagon

There's been lots of talk about falling off the wagon on the BFL guest book. Here is my opinion on that topic. Over the past year and a half I have survived two deaths of close family members. I have had a breast cancer scare. We have also gone thru a major construction project on our home. It was supposed to take two months--it lasted over six. We still don't have a working kitchen. I have also had to put down a treasured pet...who suffered from cancer.

Thru all of this I leaned on the BFL program to get thru the days. Some days it was minute-by-minute. There were days that I fell off the wagon. But I always fell forward. (Picking myself up and getting right back on the program.) In the old days before BFL I would have gone into a spiral of depression, and compulsive eating...gaining more and more weight.

Not anymore. Today I am 50 pounds lighter. Healthier than I have ever been and life just keeps getting better. I am a better mom, wife and employee. The bottom line, after 52 years...I finally love myself. While I still don't have a six pack or those rock star arms...I have learned how to successfully maintain my weight loss and have turned a long list of health problems around.

I don't have all the answers..but I know where you can find them. Read Bill Phillips Book Body for Life. Log onto the EAS/bfl website at bodyforlife.com. Read the guest book daily and leave a note! Build support systems at home and at work. Your life will transform beyond your wildest dreams. I have been blessed. Thanks BFL!