Josie Ann

I'm a happily married 40-year old gal with 2 girls (ages 11 & 14) who has struggled with body issues since 8 yrs of age. Being told you're little bit chubby in those years really messes with your head. I have never been obese, but probably 10-25lbs overweight for most of my life. I was thin (115lbs or less) for most of my twenties and then I had my 2 girls and I was back to being 20 lbs from my happy place.

Anyhow 2 yrs. ago I had an epiphany after reading an excellent book about mental toughness and the role it plays in losing weight and let me tell you the lights went on! It all just clicked and I found the fortitude and determination that this time was going to be different, because it helped me think about losing weight in a reality-based way of thinking. And, lo and behold I lost 35lbs by myself and I've kept it off for a year and a half.

Unfortunately, I have gained back 10lbs over the last 6 months due to simply eating a bit too much here and there soon enough your jeans start to feel snug. I kept up with my running and yoga, but exercising is no match for too many calories.

When your losing weight and you have crazy amounts of focus and willpower; it's almost an easier phase than when you hit your goal. This is my next big challenge: learning how to navigate my eating at my target weight.

I don't have a lot to lose this time around, but the desire and work is the same for everyone regardless of the amount of weight you want to lose. FatSecret came my way by complete chance and I liked the accountability that it attempts to instil by allowing whomever to read about your weight-loss business. Plus it's always nice to share! 😊

Be mentally tough - this is what separates a good achievement from a GREAT achievement!