Hi there everyone, I'm new to the site and wanted first of all to say that there are some amazing success stories and want to congratulate you all for taking control of your life by getting healthy.

I found this site accidentally but I was reading some of the threads and wound up in the "before and after" section. I have to say, in reading the stories of how some of you lost weight and toned up really made an impression on me. Some of you have accomplished fantastic goals of losing anywhere from 5-200 pounds and that is amazing! Anyhow, I've decided to take charge of my weight as well. There's no reason that I can't lose the 15-20 pounds that I need to lose..especially not after seeing the initiative some of you have taken.

So, it's official..I'm going to start the process to lose 15-20 pounds by cutting back on carbs..that's my weakness=) and exercising more. (4-5 days a week with 30-45 minutes of cardio) Here are some before pictures..

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Not sure which you are in the pics, but nonetheless I'm sure you're beautiful since all the girls are in said pics!

Dropping some cals by controlling your carbs and adding some cardio is a fine way to start out.

Eventually I'd add some resistance training, but one step at a time is the way to go!

Best to ya.

Ha, so sorry about that...

In the first pic, I'm the one giving the kiss..in the second pic, I'm the one with the brownish shirt on...

Thanks for the compliment and insight..I'm at about 150 lbs and I should be around 130-135 lbs...I think the main thing for me is to get motivated to work out more! I am making it a priority now..just like work and school. Because I work and go to school full time, it's easy to say "I don't have time to work out" or "I'm too tired"..but I am going to start making time!

It's easy to convince yourself that there's no time to dedicate to exercise and diet. I think most fall into that trap at one point or another. Ya soon realize though that life doesn't get less busy, so if losing weight is going to happen, you must prioritize.

The way I look at it is what do you have if you don't have your health? And how much happier would you be if you had control of your body?

Controlling your perceptions is a big part of establishing motivation and consistency.

Exactly!! You have to make eating healthy and exercising a top priority, just like anything else in your life of importance.

I agree that it's not all about looking good (although that is an added bonus). People should take control so they can live happier, healthier and longer lives.

Anytime you want to shoot me advice, feel free...from your pictures I see you know what you're talking about=)

I'll help whenever I can.

Trust me though, there are plenty of people that look better than me and no shit all about fitness. Don't let physiques fool you!

Ah come on...don't be so modest=) I read your first thread and it says you're a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast..you definitely know enough, IMO.