Hi again everyone,

To begin my contribution to our healthy living journal, I too would like to share my story with you all.

When I was a little girl, I could eat whatever I wanted and didn't have to worry about gaining a pound...up until I was about 12 years old. Then, when I reached the 7th grade, my metabolism slowed down and I began to put on weight. I was a Tomboy growing up, so I didn't think twice about my image. I remember making home videos with the neighbor kids and noticing that I was pretty chubby; much more than I thought I was. I think way in the back of my mind I didn't like what I was seeing, but just blew it off.

Then, one day, someone at school told me that another girl was making fun of me for my weight. I couldn't believe it, because this girl was at least twice my size. This was the turning point for me.

I began running on my dad's old treadmill in our basement, as well as running outside, the summer going into my Sophomore year of high school. This was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. With each step, my body begged me to stop, but I pushed myself to go on. Although it may sound stupid, in my mind I had an image of a very cute neighbor boy, and the thought of being his girlfriend was my motivation. When beginning an exercise regimen, I highly recommend finding something that motivates you the most and keeping it in the back of your mind, as this will propel you forward.

Today, I'm still striving to be healthy. I teach aerobics four times a week to students and staff on campus while continuing to exercise on the side as much as possible, but it's not easy. Keeping the weight off will always be a battle for me. I'll never be one of the naturally skinny girls, but that's okay.

And although nothing ever happened between my neighbor guy and me, in a weird way I guess I really owe him one. I'm glad he rejected me after all, because he sure has changed-and not for the better-since high school!

Take it easy everyone, and until next time, best wishes for a healthy future!

Amanda

HOW I DID IT
-Running 1-2 miles/day, starting off slowly and pushing it a little more each day
-Doing about 10 minutes of weights and crunches after running
-Cutting out all chocolate. It was difficult at first, but soon I wasn't interested in it at all!

BEFORE


AFTER