My #WeightWatchers 25-pound Charm

Okay, so when you join Weight Watchers, your first weight loss goal is to lose 5% of your current weight because there are great health benefits to doing so. Then when you lose 10% of your starting weight you benefit in many more ways (lowered risk of diabetes, greater mobility, etc.). So when I lost 10% of my weight I got a keychain that looks like a 10.

Then as you go along you get more charms. I'm working toward an Activity Charm by being way more active than I ever used to be. I love being able to run and not be out of breath. I'm in better shape at almost-42 than I was in my 20s.

Today I weighed in just in case I couldn't make the meeting tonight and (I'm not gonna lie) because obviously I weigh less before lunch than after dinner!

Turns out I have lost 26.6 pounds since September! I only have 40 to lose, and I know that's not a whole lot, but for someone who has always been used to being able to get around well, being 40 pounds up is a big deal. My feet were starting to hurt. My knees were hurting. My back hurt. I was getting headaches and was having blood sugar issues and mood swings.

Continuing on my current path would only have resulted in much more weight gain and not wanting to get up off the couch to care for my family, to write, to reach my dreams and goals and to help my family and friends reach theirs. I am less moody, more confident, more able to process thoughts, more sympathetic to everyone around me.

Here's where I started.

Here's where I was in December 2012.

I'm not in this to look hot. I'm in this to feel good and to live longer and enjoy my life! I have a lot to live for!