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Introduction Text UPDATE: Today is my 5 yr Spark Anniversary, 6-13-13. For the past almost 7 months I have tried being Vegetarian. It didn't work so well, I gained about 15 lbs! I just don't think it was correct for my body. During the last 3 months of the trial I was doing my Yoga Core and More classes pretty hot and heavy. I took Hot Yoga at least 2-3x a week and did other classes the other 2-3X so I was going 5x a week. I was eating fairly well, drinking lots of water and logging in my food. My cardio wasn't as high, but I am going to change that now that my yoga passes are done. I have already tried chasing my kids on their bikes, but my knees weren't happy. After some rest, I'll try again. I love walking so that may be it and stationary biking. I can't imaging not being on Sparkpeople, is it such a part of my life now. I know I am so strong and can do anything. I have a spark in me. UPDATE: 1-27-13 Well, I am 40 now and have been doing Sparkpeople for about 4 1/2 years now. I love it and it has been amazing, but since last year, it has also been more difficult. I have had more aches and pains, more temptations and less time. I also seem more tired. I am trying something new....being a Vegetarian. It is easy in some ways and tricky in others. I am not as focused on killing myself at exercise, love yoga (Hot Yoga), enjoy fruits more and go on spurts with certain veggies. I'm trying to find a balance. Today (6-13-12) is my actual 4 year anniversary on Sparkpeople!!! I can't tell you how much I love this site. I have learned so much. I always want to tell people what I have learned, because I tried so many programs before finally realizing this was what I needed. I never measured my food before. It really opened my eyes. I ate healthy and exercised, but when you measure, you really see what you eat and what's in there. I make better choices and sometimes indulge, too. I know that I can now eat healthy and exercise before and after and I will be ok. I am still around 115, but have a good deal of muscle. I have lost about 50 lbs.. I would love to lose some tummy flab, but who wouldn't. I am amazed at the challenges my body can do with fitness. Different types of push-ups and my endurance levels are improving. I like jogging! Wow, I can't believe I said that one. Walking and dance are still my favorites, but I don't mind bursting into a jog. I really do look forward to many more years with Sparkpeople and all my wonderful adventures! Thank-you Spark!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, it's been a while since I updated. It's now been just about 3 years since I've been with SparkPeople. I'm almost 38 1/2 years old now. I maintained my goal weight of 110 for over a year and then took some arthritis medicine which made me gain about 4-5 lbs. I don't know if some of it is muscle, too, because I have been taking a body works class at a local YMCA. I love what my body can do now compared to what it used to. I am so proud of the things Spark has helped me to do. I love to exercise now. I have done multiple 5Ks and plan to do more. I used to be the kid huffing and puffing grabbing my side saying, "I can't do it". Now I push myself. Thank-you SparkPeople. I have learned how to eat better and that I don't have to give up everything, but know how to eat and exercise for my life. I love this place! UPDATE: 1/22/09--I'm now 37 and at my ultimate goal of 110 lbs. I still can do my manly pushups and my walking/jogging endurance is getting better and better. My challenge now is to balance my weight. I've gotten down to 107 and up to 111. Exercise is great for bringing me back in my motivation level when I get in funks. I have also learned that I need to always log in my foods. I can't gauge my protein/fat/fiber. I slack often. Sparkpeople has been an amazing presence in my life! I'm a 36 year old married mother of two beautiful kids who has tried lots of things to fight genetics, I guess. Some have worked great, for a while and others not so much. My husband and I have learned so much and are trying to teach our kids. I hope to learn more here at SparkPeople. UPDATE: I am now 109 lbs and in better shape than I have ever been. I am at a lower weight than I was when I was 16 years old! I can do three sets of man push-ups and did a 5K for the first time in under 40 minutes. I am so proud of myself! Thanks Sparkpeople!

I have met my third goal of 110 lbs, but still want to trim off some inches on my thighs and tummy. I suppose I need to tone and stay healthy!

Eating healthy and moderate exercise. I use the Wii Fit (occasionally), my exercise ball, stretchy band and some 8 lb weights sometimes. I go to the YMCA with a friend every week and take a muscle building class and we also walk around the track at least twice a week. I try to work in one other day of exercise somehow, too.

The mel is for Melanie. I live in IL near St. Louis

I love to cook and dance. Rumba was my favorite ballroom dance. I have a masters in Math and taught college math for 4 years. I took some culinary arts classes. I even started my own cooking club. I've lived in Belguim.

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