I am 29 years old, and I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I was raised on junk food, and was never really that interested in sports as a kid. In 2006, my husband and I moved across the country to Idaho, and I gained a lot of weight while we were adapting to being away from our families and trying to get settled in our new home. By 2007, my doctor had diagnosed me with "pre-diabetes and a fatty liver." I weighed 252 pounds at 23 years old! It was a great motivator for me to teach myself how to eat right and be active.

I took the bull by the horns and lost 80 pounds over the next year. I learned to eat unprocessed foods, adding more fruits, veggies, lean meats, and only whole grain carbs to my diet. I began exercising regularly, and I do love exercise now!

I kept the weight off for 2 years, and then I guess the portion distortion started up again. I haven't gone back to eating processed junk foods, and I really do put in the effort to eat only clean foods to this day. The problem I have, though, is that I have a HUGE appetite! Even if you eat right, too many calories is too many calories. I gained back 30 pounds in 2011, and then by May of 2012, I was pregnant. During my pregnancy, my sweet tooth got the better of me, and I gained another 50 pounds!

So now I just had my first baby, and he is awesome! However, I gained back all of the weight I fought so hard to lose over the last 5 years! The good news is that I have learned to eat clean over the last few years, and I do enjoy exercise. I want to set a good example of leading an active lifestyle for my son. I am ready to put in the work and lose the weight again; only this time, I will keep it off and mind my portions!

Buddies are always welcome!