I'm Amy.  I'm 24 and have been struggling with weight all my life.  Coming from an Italian family, I'm sure that's not a surprise.  My whole life I decided that I wanted to fit into a bikini by the summer I was 25.  Don't get me wrong, I don't want to look like Paris Hilton or anything, I just want to FIT into a bikini and not be the one people take photos of with a caption "flabulous" underneath (although, I am pretty impressed with myself for coming up with that caption.  I may need to keep that one around for a while).  And the time has come to get on my game...I only have 7 months to go..AHHH

Anywho, I've been roughly 185 since about my junior year in high school, with a high of 197 and a low of 160.  This past August I decided I want to be 160 by Christmas and I got myself down to 176...and stopped.  I've been steady for about a month now and realized it's time to kick it to high gear.  I have upped my goal to 165 because I need to take mom's pumpkin pie into consideration (let's be real here), but my ultimate goal is 145-150 by my birthday at the end of April. 

A good friend of mine, who has been blessed with about the same body as me, recently lost 50 lbs through a well known diet company and has been trying to get me to join.  I promised her that I would as a last resort, but counting points is just not for me.  I'm determined to do it on my own...more or less.  I need to prove to myself that I can.  My brother (who was 350lbs and is now down to 300 and still losing) just decided that he's on a hardcore path to change his life too, so I'm pretty inspired by him. I figure if my Tastey Kake eating competitor can do it (we used to see who could eat a box fastest...i only ever got about halfway done, but it was sure fun trying!) I can too!

My attitude changed when I went to college because it was a CHORE walking from the dorms to my classes, and my farthest class was only a 15 minute walk! (just because someone doesn't weigh 200+ lbs doesn't mean they aren't COMPLETELY out of shape and unhealthy, case and point.) Let me tell you, it's been one heck of a battle. I've done weight loss pills, EXTREME dieting, and nothing has made me more happy than just plan old exercising and eating healthy. I can actually notice a change in my mood and skin when I eat right. I don't break out as easily and my overall complexion isn't as oily as it once was. My mood is also a lot more relaxed and upbeat compared to when I eat sugary foods and overload on carbs. Also, even though I hate cardio activities, you do feel a lot better once you are done and it's definitely a great stress reliever.

I'd have to say that taking the steps towards a healthier lifestyle has a multitude of rewards with it that you may not even think of. Keep track of your measurements and weight periodically because everyone hits that plateau when the weight does not budge. Let me tell you, finding out that you've lost an inch around your waist even though you haven't lost any weight provides a huge sigh of relief and the motivation to keep on going.

Best of luck!!