What's been the greatest thing about losing 60 pounds?

That's easy! Energy!

Yes, it's been great to be able to buy clothes at the 'regular' store, and it's nice to see my chin again, but, by far, the best thing about losing weight, has NOT been how I look...it's how I feel.

I have energy.

8 months ago, when I started this journey, I weighed more than 250 pounds. I did not have the energy to do anything. I napped alot. I fooled myself into thinking my laziness was normal. Isn't every mother (or parent, or caregiver) simply exhausted? Isn't every working person...just pooped by Friday? Doesn't everyone want to sleep all weekend?

I honestly had myself convinced that not having the energy (or desire) to do anything...was normal.

Well, if that sounds familiar...let me tell you...that is NOT normal.

Yes, we are all moving pretty fast in 2012...and yes...it's stressful...and yes....many of us (all of us?) are exhausted. But that's different than not having any energy.

When you are really overweight (and I'm talking about something I know) you get into a bad, bad cycle. You want to get out in the world and get fresh air, get exercise, play with your kids, walk with your friends....but you just don't have the energy to do it.

So you spend a lot of time at home.

Then guess what you do? You eat.

And if you're feeling a little down...you usually want something to make you feel better.

For me, the foods that give me that 'feel better quick' feeling are carbs and sugar.

But of course...that's the WORST food you can eat when you're feeling down. How do carbs and sugar make you feel?

TIRED!!!!!

It's a horrible cycle.

If you're a parent it makes you feel like you're being a bad parent - because you're not being active enough with your kids

If you're single - it leaves you alone and lonely....because overweight people don't sit down to a bag of oreos with friends. They (we) overeat ALONE.

But there is hope.

I am living proof.  A year ago, I didn't leave my house on the Canada Day long weekend. I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but it's true.

This weekend, I met friends at "Mahony and Sons Pub", walked my dog, rode my bike through my neighbourhood, swam at Hillcrest pool, took in the Canada Day Parade and went to Frank's 6th birthday party.

It's a big beautiful life...and I'm living it.

It's not too late for you to have a fun, ENERGY filled summer.

Lose a little weight....even just a little...and you'll feel so much better.

(the Pound A Day program has worked for me)

You can do it!!!!  We can do it!!!!

xo

Erin