A gift far greater than I ever expected! Through every diet I've been on (and there have been a lot of them) I never once paid attention to calories. I ate whatever I wanted, especially when I was pregnant with my daughter. My husband Billy and I celebrated the whole time. I gained 100 pounds during that pregnancy. When I delivered her I weighed 248 pounds. I was so big I could barley fit between the shampoo bowls to do my clients’ hair.

I lost a bit after she was born but not the healthy way. I always turned to diet pills instead of good old-fashioned diet and exercise. I wanted it fast and easy as most of us do. Every time it came back plus more. I'd feel great for a while but always went back to my old eating habits.

This experience on The Biggest Loser was not a diet, it was a lifestyle change. As cheesy as that sounds it’s true. I was gone long enough to truly change my frame of mind to now enjoy healthy food and exercise. This is so difficult in the real word but with support and dedication it’s possible. Incorporate these changes in your everyday life and start changing those bad habits.

If you have kids, keeping them interested in healthy eating choices can be a challenge. Kids can be picky eaters so it’s important to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables with a well-balanced diet. Starting children early with good habits is a gift that will last a lifetime. According to the USDA the definition of a healthy diet is one that:

· Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products
· Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
· Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
 
Take time to make your self a priority, you'll thank yourself tomorrow!

Andrea Overstreet, BL2
www.andreaoverstreet.com
Live Life, Have Fun and Stay Centered!