Everyone loves an “After” photo, and for many years I was that “After” photo. I kept 33 lbs off for 15 years by consistently exercising and following one diet program after another. But that wasn’t even the first time I’d lost 30+ lbs. It was my second, and I thought “This time is for real.”

Imagine my surprise when I found myself needing to lose 30 lbs AGAIN! What happened? Well, clearly I have an issue with food, but it was the perfect storm of a thyroid disorder (I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2005) and concentrated stressful events in 2006, including a herniated disc which was treated with two courses of Prednisone, that brought the déjà vu. Seemingly overnight, I was right back where I started.

Update July 2011: Since T3 therapy and a devotion to clean eating, The Belly Fat Cure, and WeightWatchers, I am now down 19 lbs. Though I’d still like to get back to my original goal weight, I feel good about the progress I’ve made so far.

Besides how much I weigh, who am I?

I’m happily married to a man who doesn’t care what I weigh. We are child-free by choice and have a dog and a cat who are ridiculously spoiled. I have a deep passion for sustainability issues and a deep respect for the American Farmer. Every day is a careful balance of work, social life, and smart food and exercise choices. This blog is my way of connecting with similar voices who know what I’m talking about. I look forward to hearing from you!

Photo courtesy of Valentina Vitols.