Diet & Fitness: Weight Loss: Weight-Loss Success Stories:

 Gertie

 I was in a six-year relationship with my ex-boyfriend. We went out for food a lot and it didn't bother me that I was gaining weight because I was "happy." And being emotionally comfortable, I was not proactive in making changes towards better health. Even though I was not happy with how I looked, I thought it didn't matter because I had someone who loves me for the way I am.

 My ex-boyfriend cheated on me. I felt betrayed and angry, but instead of reaching for the tub of ice cream in the fridge and wallow in my self-pity, I decided to channel my emotions into getting to the gym and prove to the world that I am beautiful and I deserve better than how he treated me. I dumped his sorry butt and got my sexy back. The best decision I've ever done in my life!

 It's all about baby steps. Every week, I set up a nutritional goal ( i.e., more fruits or veggies, cutting back on desserts) and an exercise goal ( i.e., 20 more minutes in the treadmill). I choose activities that I enjoy, like salsa dancing, as my workout. I learn to not make any compromises with my gym sessions. I don't think about it, I just drive to the gym and do it. Like the Nike commercial: "Just do it." I don't deprive myself. If I'm craving sweets, I'll have a piece and that's it. It's all about moderation and learning how to walk away.

 What help me the most in my weight-loss journey is writing my thoughts and goals down. I keep a journal where I write down my feelings, my plans and strategies, every step of the way. I reward myself with every weight loss (i.e., shopping, spa trips). I write down what motivates me. I think its easier to get things done when you write things down.

 Sometimes its difficult to eat healthier when you go out, but I learned to stop and think so I can make the right choices. What I do to keep motivated is reading my journal and reminding myself exactly what my goals are.

 Setbacks happen. I don't beat myself up. I just get back on.

 Sometimes I will catch a reflection in the mirror somewhere and, thinking it's someone else, I say to myself, "Whoa, that girl is hot." And then I realize, "Oh, that's me."