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Introduction Text I joined SparkPeople in 2007. I had just given birth to premature twins with special needs and I was having trouble adjusting to their care schedule and returning to my pre-pregnancy weight. I decided to use this site as a calorie counting tool and nothing more. Five years later, my sons are still a joy and a challenge. I never returned to the active, healthy lifestyle I enjoyed before my children were born. I gained weight steadily at a rate of about 10 pounds a year, my poor diet and insomnia were causing me to age rapidly, and all of my hair fell out. Finally two things happened: I had a cancer scare and I was mistaken for a senior by a stranger. I knew that if I didn't make some changes, My life was going to end and my children would be alone. I wallowed in pity for awhile when I came to that realization. Then, I got moving. My goals were to get healthier, adapt to my life's stress, find a social outlet, and to keep moving forward (no excuses, no regrets).

My neighborhood playground is closed for renovation this winter. When it reopens this Spring, I want to be able to keep up with my children when they play. My goal is to stay focused on my program, improve my coping skills, become more adaptable, and, on my 36th birthday, to take a family portrait with my children that we can be proud of. My weight goal is to lose 100 lbs before my children turn 7. Goal Loss with Rewards (using the 10% Goal System): Goal Weight / Reward 240/Wii Accessories 216/FitBit 195/Vitamix & Portraits 176/SparkCoach Membership.

I perform low-impact exercise 6 days a week and strength train 3 days a week. I use the caloric guidelines that SparkPeople provided and eat mostly whole foods. I perform some relaxation activity everyday (aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, etc.). When I get closer to the 200 pound mark, I will add more strength training and high impact exercise.

I am a single mother of twins and live in Philadelphia, PA.

I love to read! My current favorites are some help help and a lot of sci-fi (especially anything with a strong female lead). My favorite authors are Louise Hay, Connie Willis, Ursula K. LeGuin, George R.R. Martin, and Octavia E. Butler. I love serial novels, so I'll give almost anything a chance.

Add a Link "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." Henry David Thoreau
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