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Introduction Text So I decided that it is time to update the ol' spark page! My husband and I started this spark journey on January 14th 2008. As of today, we have lost about 140 lbs together. I went from my first goal of 150 to resetting to 135 then when I hit that tried for 125. I achieved that on February 28th 2009! I was having problems with my weight at 125. I was tired, lacked stamina and just felt crappy. So I let myself put a little weight back on and have settled at 135. It seems the right weight for me. It was scary at first to gain the 10 lbs back but everything I learned from spark made me confident that I could keep my weight there. So far, so good! My advice to anyone who wants this to be a lifestyle change is.... Baby steps-don't think in terms of "I need to lose xx lbs. That is to overwhelming! Think in terms of a few pounds a week. Or this month I am going to try for x lbs. And don't freak out if it doesn't happen the way you planned. It took a while to put the weight on, it will take a while to take it off. Track your food-this is the single most important tool offered. It will show you what you really put into your body. You will be surprised! Once you get into the habit (and yes it's time consuming...but it gets easier) you will realize that you can eat a lot more food than you think. Use your support groups-people in the same situation as you offer great motivation. They are there for you and will help you through your set backs (and yes, you will have them). Support is key in your success. Since spark my energy levels have increased and my illness is better. I have had some challenges and new diagnosis's but if I hadn't lost the weight I would have had so much more trouble dealing with my ongoing health issues. My doctors tell me it is great to have a positive patient who is willing to do what it takes to live a healthy life despite all that my illness throws at me. And I have spark people to thank for that. Go spark! My original spark page intro from January 2008- It's time to get healthy again. About 4 years ago I lost 40-50 pounds and started jogging and weight training. I really loved feeling healthy. Two years ago, I started having health problems and last year was diagnosed with pots syndrome-an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms were overwhelming, but through specialist and different medications I am finally feeling much better and am ready to get healthy again. My husband found sparkpeople and we have been using it since January. It really works for us. It is great to be working together on this. I am down 41 pounds and he is down 43. We have 3 sons, ages 26, 21, and 19. We also have a sweet border collie-lab mix dog named Mia. She is getting alot of exercise too! My goal is to get myself and my husband healthy to live a long life to enjoy (someday hopefully) grandchildren. Update-I recently reached my goal of 150 lbs. and have reset my goal to 135. Honestly, I just want to feel as healthy as possible and if I lose another few pounds on the way then so be it! I am still tracking food because it's the easiest way for me to watch my caloric intake and keep myself honest. I will always exercise. I never had a problem with that except when I was really sick. So to sum up my journey with Spark People-it works-it works-it works!!!! If you track, exercise and use your support groups it's the easiest way to lose weight I have ever tried! I recently visited my heart specialist and he was amazed at the change. I weighed 197 in Nov. 2007 and now am 148. I feel better and my symptoms from my illness have diminished dramatically!! He was very proud of me. My husband has lost 54 lbs so far and is still losing. This has opened our eyes to how bad we were eating-he ate too much-I ate too little and the wrong things (little protien). My boys are learning too! This is a great site! Update-November 10, 2008-I have reached my second goal of 135!! Woohoo!! The amazing thing is I haven't been able to do any jogging because of an injury. I have been off my jogging routine and anything that puts pressure on my foot for over a month now. I still have been doing weight training 2 to 3 times a week and have been trying pilates and stability ball workouts as long as I don't use my foot. But it is truly great that I was still able to reach my goal. Now I know I am capable to do this for the rest of my life!! My husband is down 65 lbs and still wants to lose another 20. He is training for a half-marathon now. I can't wait to get back to jogging but for now will continue doing what I can and keep working at staying healthy and see if any more weight comes off. Yahoo Spark People!! Update-November 22, 2008-I decided to set a third goal to 125 lbs. I still would like to firm up the tummy and arms-and the only way to do that is to lose fat. So I will give it a go but I am happy with whatever I lose or maintain. Just so I stay healthy! Go SP!!!! Update-On February 27th I met my third and final goal of 125 pounds! I am just amazed how my life has changed! Not only did I hit 125 lbs. but the next morning I ran my first 5K in 4 years and placed 1st in my age group! What a weekend! Spark People rocks!

SW-195 CW-139 GW-130 To get healthier and feel good again.

Following my menu plans and doing cardio 3+ times a week and strength training 2x a week.

Live in Ellwood City ,Pa A small town north of Pittsburgh.

I love all animals, especially dogs. I also love to garden. Can't wait for it to warm up and see my cutting bed of flowers start to bloom.

Add a Link Anne You will never find time for anything. You must make it. I am now who I always wanted to be!
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