Poster Girl for positive lifestyle changes

A friend of mine asked me today how on earth I found the courage to have my "fat" pictures splashed all over the internet....(by the way I also carry one with me and show it to anyone who asks me about my transformation.)

When you have a fat picture...the trick is, to have a really, really good after picture to go along with it.

Note: My before picture at the following link, represents how I looked after my first 12 week challenge. The after Picture represents how I looked after my second 12 week challenge.

http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2004/GrandChamps/bio.asp?comp=michelle_lee

When I began my BFL journey to a healthier life I made a concious
decision to throw every ounce of strength I had into my transformation.
I made a self promise to learn as much as I could about the BFL program and follow its advice. To build support systems. To follow thru on planned meals and exercise sessions. Drink my water and enjoy my free day.
No excuses and no half measures for me. For over a year and a half I have now honored my self promises. And will continue to honor them.

Part of the BFL process is getting that fat picture taken...it's a real eye opener for those of us who have had years of practice looking in the mirror and seeing only the things we wanted to see. A picture doesn't lie. A picture gives you a starting place to begin your journey. And a before picture is essential if you plan to enter the BFL 12 week challenge. If you happen to win--you will join the short list of champions who have also made the tough decisions and who are now working to inspire others to achieve their own best bodies.

If my "fat" picture inspires just one other middle aged woman
to take charge of her life and her health---I will have won even more than the
prize money and honors given a BFL champ.
I will have had a part in saving another human's
life.

Note: the following link will take you to a series of photos taken during my Body for Life Journey.

http://www.bodyforlife-tracker.com/showphotos.cfm?id=10524

During my many BFL challenges I learned to believe in the power of myself to take control and fashion a new, healthy body, mind and spirit. Each day brought a new challenge and each day I found the power to over come that challenge. In just two challenges I created the body that I had always dreamed about but until recently could never obtain. As I continue this program I am still seeing positive results.

I guess I am pretty proud of my accomplishments. I am even more thrilled with my new found health.
When a woman hits her fifties--the thought of mortality becomes less of a far away possibility...to a reality drawing closer by the day.
Body For Life has given me the energy I need to meet what the future might bring.

The exciting thing is...BFL will work for anyone who is willing
to work this program.

So---if it means I am the "Poster Girl" for fat women working toward a lean and toned body and the good health that brings I guess I am honored to be that Poster Girl.
If you see me on the street--don't hesitate to ask to see my fat picture. I will gladly share it and my after picture with you!

Have a great day,
Michelle D. Lee
2004 BFL Grand Champion, Women 50+

My watch has arrived!

My official BFL champion's watch and an oversized check was delivered to my door late last week....as part of my winnings in the 2004 Body For Life 12 week challenge. The watch is high end and beautiful! I had my jeweler take out a few links to fit my new, slim wrist. While I was there--I left my wedding rings to get resized too. That was a big step for me. As it signals that this really is a program for life. I will not be getting fat again...so smaller rings are essential.

Getting back to my new watch...the BFL logo is on its face....so each time I look at the time--I see BFL time!

The check is about two feet by three feet in size and features my before and after pictures. My husband joked that we should take it to the credit union and see if they'd cash it. I said no way...its going to hang on the wall in my home office along with my other treasured awards.

I'm still anxiously waiting for my Champion's jacket. I can't wait to slip it on. When it arrives I will have a photo taken and share it with you.

This past month has been like a dream. Joining the BFL winners circle is a dream come true.
I can't wait to visit with the other champions during the Champions for Life cruise in May. It will really be an experience to re-charge the batteries and learn to reach even higher!