Ava – First of all congrats on losting 25 lbs! That’s amazing in it self! Honestly when I first started to try to lose weight I knew I could not simply give up all of the foods that I love so I just cut everything in moderation and started to exercise. I discovered running and that has had a huge impact on my life. What you see me eat today is what I have been eating all along my journey. My greatest motivation to stay on track is the way I feel and the results I see. I honestly feel better now then I did before when I was lazy and ate junk. Just stick with it and you will slowly reach your goal. Remember its a marathon not a sprint! You sounds like you have already been a success just be proud in what you have already accomplished because I’m sure you already look amazing!!!

Caroline – Thank you so much for your comment!! I’m glad I nipped it in the butt too before my lifestyle got out of control. I am sooo much happier now and I am glad it shows!

You look great, thanks so much for posting the before and after photos. A great inspiration and knowing that you did it healthy and found a form of cardio that you love is such a great story!!

I am sooo impressed with your story and shhh I am almost twice your age (hard to see in writing yikes) but I envy you that you addressed this head on when it confronted you (wish I did!). I get great ideas from you and all the other blogs and even at this age I am inspired by what the blog community is doing….does that make me sound old…:(

Anyway…great job. Keep it up.

i love Halloween haunted houses and scary things. makes me feel like a kiddie again since i cant really go trick-or-treating (although some kids do it in our dorms haha).

i loooove the combo of apple/chicken too! yummmmy.