I have to say, 2015 was MY year. I totally rocked it out.

 

It was the year I finally valued myself enough to make a change.

It was the year I decided that I wasn't going to be the "fat girl" anymore.

It was the year that I could focus more on my health.

It was the year that CHANGED MY LIFE.

I found DietBet through a YouTube mom that I watch. She had organized a bet in January of last year, and I thought it might be a good way to kickstart that weight loss goal I've always had. I started the game at a whopping 221.8 pounds. My 4% goal was 212.9, and I squeaked in a win at 212.6.

It wasn't easy for me, even though with so much to lose, it should have been. When I managed to lose 9 pounds in a month, I started wondering, could I do it again? I had the winnings sitting there in my account. Before I could think about it any more, I signed up for another game immediately following my win. Hey, I was on a roll!

I made the goal weight for my next game, leaving me 3 pounds from ONE-derland. I HAD to do it again. Once again, I applied my winnings to another game. That game's goal was for me to be below 200, and guess what? I DID IT!

I joined game after game, all year long. Sometimes they overlapped, but mostly I stayed in one game at a time. The motivation to keep going was there. It wasn't the dream to get rich playing DietBet, but I was excited each time I won a few bucks playing a game. I liked that I couldn't quit without losing my money.

So now, here I am, 60+ pounds lighter than I was last year. It's incredible. I never, ever thought I would be where I am at. When I look back at pictures of myself, I don't recognize me. I am so much happier, confident, and healthier.

The road hasn't been easy, and I'm not at the end. I'm not sure there will ever be an "end." I will always have to work hard to keep myself healthy. It's been amazing to see the changes, as slow as they have been. I went from a size 18/20 to a 10 in less than a year. I worked hard, stayed dedicated, and kept on going, even after slipping up more times than I care to admit to.

YOU CAN DO THIS. We all can do this. There is no magic solution to weight loss. Eat what you know you should be eating. Stay active. Control portions. Just keep doing what is right for your body, and I promise you, you will see results.