As a girl from as far back as I can remember, all I thought about was my weight. My mom was always putting me on diets. I know she meant well and was trying to save me from the torment of other children, but it seemed that the more I was deprived, the more I craved the food I was not supposed to eat. Even after my mom gave up, I was still aware of the numbers on the scale which climbed higher and higher. All through junior high and high school, I was the fat girl. It was horrible and even though I had many friends, my weight kept me from being outgoing and pursuing anything that would call a lot of attention to myself. In the 11th grade, my weight topped out at 275. I was huge, and I had had it! As cliché as it sounds, in the spring at the end of my junior year in high school, I had a moment of clarity. It was during a hike I went on with my uncle and brothers. I felt so good after getting outside away from the television and food, and breathing fresh air. I decided to join a gym and deciding to read anything and everything I could get my hands on about weight-loss and becoming fit and healthy. I started out slow working my way into more and more cardio until I could complete an entire step aerobics class. For the first time, it all made sense and I felt so empowered and awesome. After a few years, I whittled my weight down to 145. Thanks in part to some really great people who encouraged me to keep the fire inside lit. The people I am talking about are the United States Marines who helped me loose my last 20 pounds. Thus began my five year odyssey in the Marine Corps. It was the most awesome experience short of being a mom. After five years, I got out and live in Hawaii. I hope to finish a degree in human nutrition and food sciences so I can help others become empowered. My weight is still and will forever be a struggle however, it is a blessing. I will never take my body for granted. I will always strive to be a good example to others through proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. I think the most important things that helped me in my weight-loss endeavors are:
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