I was not taught healthy eating and exercise habits as a child. My dad only knew how to make things out of a box and, while academics were valued, athletics were considered to be a waste of time. Being thin, dressing well, and looking "stylish" were allvalued in my home, but not actually being healthy.

I was thin as a child but, in my late teens, eating unhealthy food and sitting at a desk to study all the time caused me to gain weight. It wasn't a lot, but it was enough that I went up a clothing size or two. I honestly didn't have the knowledge necessary to know what to do to lose the extra weight.

So, at 19, when I was in college and living on my own, I decided to join a gym and join weight watchers. I lost the weight quickly, but I didn't commit to a lifestyle change. So, for the next few years, I would go into a patten of being super healthy-- stop and gain 10 or 15 lbs-- go back to be in healthy and lose it--- repeat.

The problem for me was that I didn't LIKE the exercises I was doing, I was doing them at night when I was already tired, I was eating the same boring foods over and over, etc. I was also looking at it as a "weight" issue instead of as a health issue. It all changed for me when I realized that I had to find a lifestyle & routine that I actually enjoyed and could maintain.

I discovered that, for me, weight lifting is an exercise I LOvE. I hate Zumba, yoga, spin,, etc. but I love bodybuilding. I also found that while I hate running outside in my neighborhood, I love running on the treadmill in front of the TV. I did the same thing with foods. Then, I set a routine. Get up, rwork out first thing, eat a protein bar, and then go to work. I discovered that when I work out in the morning, it actually GIVES me nervy to help me get through the day. I can not only see the results in the mirror, but I feel them. I'm strong, fit, and healthy and it makes me feel good. It gives me self-esteem and helps me combat all the other stuff that gets thrown at me.

I think the key is finding a routine you enjoy.