Like a lot of women, I was thinner and more active in my younger years and through college. Thinned out even more and gained toned muscles after having a job that required daily grunt work and 70 hours a week. Got a desk job, got married, got stressed....got fat.

I eat healthy and to prove it I have held at the same weight for 3 years. But my parent's health issues over the last decade have finally prompted me to take better care of myself. I haven't lost any lbs although I've been working out 3-4 days a week for 6 months, but my shape has shifted and I'm a lot stronger - I'm building muscle - and down one size. It's one day at a time - progress isn't just on the scale.

I also converted to a Vegetarian diet (not Vegan) as of late-August 2010. I teeter on what some call Flexitarian, as I do allow myself to have very small portions of fish or sushi (maybe 2-3 oz) about once a month. Otherwise, no meat or poultry. I do drink soy milk, eat tofu and some soy products, allow for cheese and eggs. And, I don't fret about pastas or vegetable dishes made using broths. It's more about my health, taking care of my heart, and decreasing my risk of the same diseases my parents have suffered. Although I do growingly feel bad for the animals.