BY LEIGHANN BUTLER (Special to the Morning News)

Well, the end has arrived. I personally am so far from the end of my journey; I am really just getting started. I think that all of my loser friends would agree that we are just getting started.

Ten weeks may sound like a long time, but it went by so fast. We have gotten just a taste of success and satisfaction from working out and eating right. We can’t stop now!

This competition was exactly what we all needed to kick start a healthier and happier lifestyle. Along this journey we have met new friends, done things we didn’t think we could and learned a lot about making healthier choices.

I want to share with you a few things I learned during the past 10 weeks. The most important thing I have been reminded of is “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I think everyone wants weight loss to happen fast. I have to remind myself daily that this takes a while and I have to keep pushing forward.

This has been hard for me. I have hit a few road blocks along the way, but the most important thing is I didn’t give up. Life happens and it is full of road blocks. We all must not let those road blocks stops us. As I am writing this, these lyrics from a song Jesse sang on an episode of “Saved by the Bell” come to mind

“Put your mind to it, go for it, get down and break a sweet, rock and roll, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

That is how I feel when I think about this journey and what is to come for us all. We have to make up our mind and go for it.

If I had to list the most important things I have learned thus far in my weight loss they would be this:

>>Food preparation is key. Plan your meals ahead of time and you make better choices.

>>Don’t completely deprive yourself of things you enjoy. Splurge every now and then.

>>You will have bad days. Tomorrow is a new day! Move forward!

>>Find a friend! Things are easier when you have someone to show the journey with.

>>Pay attention to the ingredients of the things you eat.

>>If it comes from the ground, it is better for you!

>>It is not easy, but if it was everyone would be doing it.

I am so glad I was able to share my journey with you. I say to you all “put your mind to it, go for it!” You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Focus on your success and don’t let anything stop you. You will experience highs and lows, but just remember it is all part of the journey. Keep moving forward and don’t look back. Remember to be patient, plan your meals ahead of time, and don’t ever give up. Happy weight loss, Losers!

 

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