I just looked and I only have 2 days left in the "Transformation Challenge"....

I am happy yet sad at the same time.  There was a part of me that thought I could lose all the weight and get ripped before the end of the competition.  But, there was also a part of me that knew I had a long way to go.

Even though this is coming to an end, I feel like a completely different person than I did in the beginning.  I enjoy working out - and do it nearly everyday.  I have completely changed my thought process about food.... and though I'm still learning - I now understand a little more about quality over quantity for calories.  Just because something is within my calorie limit, doesn't mean I need to have it.  What's the nutritional profile of it?  Is it going to help me stay full?  Or is it just a cheat and not worth it?

I am no longer all about just trying to lose weight, now I am about being strong and healthy.  Yes, I still want to lose some weight, but as I stay active and eat healthy, that will come off.  I am impressed with my strength so far... and I know I've impressed my friends and family as well.  And being healthy is number one... Another thing I've learned with foods is that some are just not worth it.  The discomfort it causes is not worth the few minutes that it tastes good.

This has been the jumping off point for a lifetime of fitness.  I just began a running program for beginners to help me be able to run a 5K.  I already am signed up for a 5K in July, and I want to be able to run the entire race.  I also will be signing up for a 5K in September and I want to really do my best in that race.  I still go to the gym for my strength training and continue to learn more about healthy eating.

I never will go back to the old, lazy me.  All my clothes that don't fit (which is about 80% of all my clothes) are going towards a yard sale.  I will never need those larger sizes again.  Every time I've lost weight before, I've held on to my bigger clothes "just in case" ... well no more "just in case".  I love my new lifestyle and will never give up.