Hi SusanB, what does 'eat clean' mean in your signature?

Hi Babybrowneyes, the collar bone comment is a good one! I noticed mine the other day - I had forgotten I had one!!!

Eat clean? for me? Whole natural foods, lean proteins and things that grow. Not much processed, not many additives ... as best as I can afford ;)

Cauliflower and broccoli and a pork chop.
Leafy green salad and chicken.
Oatmeal, grainy bread ....
Ya know? real.

There are so many positives that we cannot possibly list them all. A fun one for me, however, has been shopping! The whole mall is open to me now as opposed to one or two stores. And Macy's? Good lord I need to stay out of that place! I now have the WHOLE TOP FLOOR to shop in instead of that little plus sized department shoved in the back corner of the lower level!

AMEN SISTER!!!!!!!!!!

I am eating VERY healthy now and am much more happier about my (healthy!) eating lifestyle now.

I also have slipped discs in my back and guess what? NO MORE BACK PAIN NOW! It was so bad when it first happened that just sitting in a chair was impossible for me. I had to stand (which still hurt) or lay down. A couple months ago, I was sick for a few days straight. Sat in bed and barely moved for 2 days and NO back pain! I can sit through a day of work and not have pain, too.

1. My health has improved dramatically
2. My pain has drastically decreased
3. My energy level is so much better
4. I no longer dread getting up of the morning and I don't have to roll to get out of bed now
5. I can sit in the floor or on the ground without worrying about who is gonna need to heft me back up
6. Heat doesn't bother me near as much so I don't avoid the outdoors
7. I haven't stepped in a Lane Bryant now in 2 yrs.
8. I take much better care of myself now and no longer ignore MY needs
9. I can now tie my own shoes and paint my own toenails and shave my legs without major effort
10. I'm no longer at all embarassed to go out in public
11. I don't stand out in a crowd now and worry that everyone is looking at how big I am
12. I feel good about how I look in my clothes
13. I'm not too ashamed to go swimming
14. I have more money as I don't spend near as much on my medicines now
15. I get very approving looks from DH
16. My kids are proud of me and never embarassed or ashamed of me

My list could go on forever.

I just checked because I had no idea, and holy crap... I'm now a Canadian 11/12 (was a 16 when I started)...and my US 9/10 clothes can be pulled off my hips without undoing the fly, so I guess I'm a US 7/8 now?! O_O;; WOW!!!

Okay, let me add one more positive to my list: seeing clothing sizes shrink is a HUGE self-esteem boost.

That is absolutely awesome! I have boxes of 11/12 clothes up in the closet, right next to the boxes of 13/14, 15/16, 9/10, and 7/8 sizes :D

Okay, I get it. I have been trying hard to eat like that, but sometimes when I'm running late or tired I just do a lean cuisine and salad. I know the 'real' unprocessed food it much better but it takes some effort. I'm trying though.

I love how much I enjoy my meals when I'm eating light and healthy ... being actually hungry when you eat makes food so great!

I like how lean and strong I feel.

I like the compliments.

I enjoy wearing cute, skinny clothes. . . tight jeans, shirts that hug my waist, tight dresses...

This weightloss journey has been such a positive experience for me that it almost, not quite but almost has been worth being morbidly obese just to experience the wonderful things that I have. I get so much joy from things that most likely people who have always been a normal weight think nothing of. There is not one aspect of my life that is not better and more enjoyable. Here are just a few things. There are literally thousands.

-I no longer dread social engagements. I simply can not wait for them. I LOVE being around people now. Ihave soooo much more confidence.
-SHOPPING. Oh boy. This is a biggie. I can't stop myself. I have sooo many beautiful outfits now. I love getting up in the morning and picking out my clothing.
-I no longer have 3 horrible, over priced, understocked stores to choose from. I get to actually wear clothes that have style. I went from being one of the worst dressed people I know (lack of choice) to one of the best dressed people I know.
-Heck, I even love going in the morning to my underwear drawer. I get a huge kick out of seeing my small underwear. I still can't get over it.
-So yeah, even the laundry is more enjoyable. I love folding my small sized clothing.
-My stamina has increased dramatically. As has my energy level. And my activity level is still mind boggling to me.
-I have gained back my femininity. I feel so girly and sexy and together and with it.
-I don't dread hanging out with my girlfriends for fear of talking about subjects that I couldn't participate in - like shopping and "diet" talk. People actually look to me now for "diet" and exercise advice.
-I no longer fear chairs, fitting in them or breaking them.
-Hubby can't keep his hands off of me or stop complimenting me - constantly. He has new nicknames for me - slim and tiny just to name 2.
-I am so proud of my food choices. I no longer have to hide my horrendous eating habits from the world. I eat better and healthier then anyone I know. Anyone.
-Being in control.
-I no longer fear that I am putting myself at increased risk for horrible and deadly diseases.
-I can participate in life, not look in from the sidelines
-I simply adore beyond belief all my new found bones. Collarbones are just so unbelivably sexy. I love them.
-I love my muscles as well.
-My family has been so incredibly supportive. It's just so heartwarming. They are just so proud of me.
-I love sharing clothing with my daughters.
-I feel so darn - normal and regular and ordinary. I used to feel HORRIBLE about taking up so much space where ever I was. I just always felt like I was taking up more then my fair share of the universe.
-Going to the doctor is a better experience.
-EVERYTHING is a better experience. EVERYTHING and anything you can possibly think of. From doing the dishes to taking out the garbage to doing my taxes. I am healthier, happier and more content.

And that's just the beginning...........

-I feel so much more confident and sexy. Sometimes I'm mean to myself and poke and prod at my fat but I'm starting to be able to look into the mirror again and see my old skinnier figure coming back.

-Some days I wear nice clothes instead of dressing slummy all of the time. I'm finally ready to take baby steps away from hiding my body with baggy clothes.

-I feel more ownership and pride over my eating habits when I'm eating healthier.

I can think of a lot more things but most of them stem from my increased confidence.

LOVE the responses!!!!