[Sarina D]

Thank you both for your kind words and encouragement, I appreciate it very much!!!!

MommaRuthie, I can’t agree with you more…..you are so much more important than a piece of cake or a cookie. The way I personally look at it is, I can eat that piece of cake or cookie and be gratified for as long as it takes for me to eat it….however, right afterwards I start feeling the guilt and the effects from eating something that isn’t healthy for my system. Then comes dealing with a stall and disappointment because of what I have eaten…so, it’s just not worth that few minutes of perceived enjoyment and satisfaction. Keep avoiding those cakes and cookies! You’re doing great!

I remember back just early last year when I thought, "Good grief, I'll never be able to lose even 5 lbs." I had tried so many different ways of eating and exercising throughout the years and nothing worked….in fact, I ended up gaining even more and more weight throughout the years. It became very stressful and incredibly disappointing. I felt absolutely powerless....defeated.

I have severe food allergies thus making it very difficult to eat a wide range of foods (which also didn’t help in trying to lose weight) including all dairy products, some veggies, some fruits and all nuts. Thankfully, I can eat meat, salad and some veggies so eating this way is exactly what my body has responded to. I also include olive oil in the foods I prepare.

I can't begin to explain how much different it feels losing 96 lbs. I was talking with my brother about it yesterday. I explained to him that I thought I was fine when I was heavier but the reality of the matter was I really wasn't. I had just adapted to my weight and re-arranged my life activities to accommodate such a high weight. The fact of the matter was...I wasn’t ok...I didn't feel well, I wasn't well....I just got by.

Now my life has changed so much, I want to do so many different activities it’s amazing! I have the energy and stamina to get through the day without being tired anymore. I have a great deal of weight to still lose but I’m on my way to losing the next 100 lbs.

Thanks again for your posts, they are uplifting and encouraging!

Sarina