I am 26,  And in the last 7 years I have become very aware of the things I put into my body, and how I need to take care of it.  When I was 19 years old, I had a doctors appointment early in the morning, I was running late so I decided to stop and get breakfast at no other than the infamous McDonald's.... I still remember what I ate that morning.  I had not one but 2 bacon, egg, and cheese McMuffins, the 2 hash browns from a large meal and the large orange juice.... then I had to get on the scale at the doctor... and that my friends is where my mentality changed.  I was 198 lbs.   EEEEEKKK I said... how DID that happen.  I quickly discovered that I couldn't eat all I wanted and that I needed to work out or do something.

So I did.  I read and learned about dieting and the smart ways to do it.  I learned about Atkins and how great it was for obese people.  And yes at 198 I WAS obese.  So I did Atkins, I lost 30 lbs and kept it of.   After those 30 lbs and a much more energy later I decided I needed to learn about exercising.  So I hired a trainer and he taught me about my Cardio Vascular health and how to lift weights and which muscles... blah blah blah... well to this day all of that has still stuck with me  and now I am more determined than ever to be as healthy as I can be.

I have learned to set attainable goals and goals that can give my competitive self a good challenge.   I want a nice lean body.  I don't set my goals for goals on the scale, but goals in my performance on the treadmill or in the weight room or for the .25% decrease in body fat!  

All in all I have come a long way in 5 years I've lost 44 lbs, but not only that I have not gained any of it back thanks to my new and improved eating and exercise habits.  And I NEVER will.