I've struggled with my weight all my life. My mother served soda at dinner and we had a "snack drawer" for after school loaded with all kinds of unhealthy crap. I'm also from an Italian family--they guilt you to death if you don't eat what's on your plate. I'm recovering from an addiction to Coke, pasta, carbs, and pizza. I've finally decided it's time to forget the word DIET and change my mindset and lifestyle. Since I embarked on this new lifestyle, I have more energy, the cravings have subsided, and I'm sleeping better. Win!

UPDATE 7-16-15: Down 36 pounds and going strong! Have donated a few garbage bags full of my "fat clothes" because I will NEVER fit in them again. Enjoying my new Levis Signature Skinny jeans.

UPDATE 7-23-15: I have reached my halfway point! *happy dance*