Before and After Pictures

I am doing something very scary for me. I am posting my before picture and a picture of myself now. It is a good reminder to see myself back in July. It helps me to stay focused on my goals. It's not always easy to stay on track. This weekend has been really hard for me, but then I remind myself how far I have come and I get my mind back in the game. Seeing myself from last summer keeps me pushing myself toward my next goal. It's not a pretty sight!

The Tale of Two Cindy's

Sometimes I forget that I have lost 75 pounds. I sometimes revert back to the self-conscious girl I was back in July. I have moments where I think I am not worth it. Moments when I think why should I bother. It's so easy to revert back to my negative feelings and want to go ahead and eat those nachos. But then I remember how far I have come in this journey and how good it feels to be healthier and I talk myself down from those crazy thoughts. Food never made me feel better, I just thought it did.

So now I am trying to be more positive. I pulled a muscle 3 weeks ago and I have not been able to really workout on it since. I could have let it deter me from my goal. I could have decided if I couldn't workout why bother eating healthy, but I didn't. Instead, I have been very strict with my food. I have made sure to track every bite that I take and drink extra water. So far it is helping. I refuse to let this little obstacle get in my way. It hasn't been easy. It's frustrating when I can't do what I want for my workouts, I miss running! But it has helped me to realize that this is the way life is. If I am really going to keep my weight off this time I have to be prepared for whatever life throws at me. I have learned that you need to keep a positive attitude and realize that things will come up you can't change. Life is always going to be that way. So far, I think I have done alright dealing with it. That old 75 pounds heavier me can stay away! That weight is gone for good! :)

Hi, my name is Cindy and I am an addict.

Ok, I have a confession to make. I am a addict. Not drugs, not alcohol, not even food. It's clothes. I am addicted to clothes. Not even buying clothes. I am addicted to trying on clothes. Cute clothes. I love being able to try on cute,stylish clothes. I love walking into the dressing room and trying on dresses that I will never wear, but they fit! Did you hear that? They fit!!

Unless you have been plus-size, you may not understand this addiction and how exciting it is to be able to go into any store you want and try things on. Plus-size clothes to me were always so ugly, and loose. Did I mention ugly? I wouldn't even set foot inside stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe for fear that they would give me that "look". The look that says "you are too fat to be shopping here". Believe me, I know most of these looks were probably in my head, but I was embarrassed to go in these stores at my size back then. BUT no more! Now my biggest problem is spending too much money!

And these little things, like my addiction, make the hard work of losing so worth it! So worth it!! :)

75 Pounds Lighter

I have been a Weight Watcher member since 2000. Yes, for the last 12 years I have done WW off and on and gained and lost more weight than anyone would think possible. I have lost 100 pounds and I have gained it all back. I know it seems crazy that I would do that to myself, but I did. Food has been my constant source of comfort since I was in college. I eat because I am sad, I eat because I am happy, I eat for any emotion that I feel. At least that was the old me. Last July something clicked and I decided that this time I wasn't just going to go on a diet. I was going to get healthy and get fit. I changed my mindset. No more "diets" for me. This time I am determined to get to my healthy weight and actually stay there. I am not letting people get inside my head and tell me I don't need to lose any more weight, I am beautiful just the way I am. I am determined to make my goal maintain it. It's not a diet for me anymore, it's a lifestyle. And honestly, I love it. I love not feeling disgusting after scarfing down a value meal from a fast food restaurant. I love that I don't even miss going to those places. Sure, french fries sound good sometimes, and I could have some if I really wanted but I would much rather spend those calories on something that tastes good and I know is also good for me. Don't get me wrong, I still eat the occasional food that I know isn't good for me, but I have learned to do it in moderation.


I have also learned that I love to exercise. I never thought that I would say that. The key is to find as many things as you can that you look forward to doing. I love Turbo. TurboKick/TurboFire is one of the best workouts that I do. I also have fallen in love with Zumba, such a fun workout! Of course, my biggest surprise would be, wait for it...I love running! I NEVER thought I would say that but I do.


It's not an easy journey to lose weight. Let's be honest, it sucks sometimes. But it is so worth it. I have so much more confidence than I have ever had. Great things are ahead for me, I can feel it!! :)