Hi everybody, I'm Sarah. I'm new to this site and have been reading so many success stories…you all have motivated me so much! So here is my story…you don't have to read it but I'd love to hear yours if you can relate!
Ever since I hit puberty I've been fat. When I was in middle school I never understood why I was bigger than the other girls, and ever since then I've felt like my body was this huge burden to lug around, even though I love to be active.
I always felt bad about the way I looked, but it wasn't until my sophomore year of college that I took action. During my first semester I grew to 180 (I'm 5'5" 1/2) and couldn't fit into any of my clothes (I had been a pretty steady size 10, sometimes 12, for a few years). I didn't notice until I saw a picture of myself and realized I hated how I looked.
So, I started working out and eating less -- but I was working out extremely intensively, 7 days a week, and eating no more than 1200 calories a day, and usually 800-1000. It worked though. In three months I was down to 146. I bought a bikini for the first time and actually looked and felt good in it.
But, life happened…eventually I got really busy with class, a high-stress job with long hours, I became more social and gained friends, I didn't have time to obsessively count calories and work out every single day.
Two years later, I'm hovering around 160 and a size 12. I don't feel horrible…I have a loving boyfriend who makes me beautiful, I walk or bike everywhere, and I have a healthy, exciting sex life, which doesn't hurt anything
but I've put on about 10 pounds in the past year, and I know I look and feel better at a different weight. I've only just now (as of the past few days) nailed down a work schedule that will allow time for working out and cooking meals and am just hoping I can stick it out. My goal weight is 145. I like the way I look as a size 8. The last few times I tried to lose the weight, I got discouraged because it was taking so long. I plateaued after 2 or 3 weeks. My 'journey' isn't as long as some people's I've read on here (you guys are amazing) but it's been lifelong! I want to feel good again! Thanks for inspiring me!