Rachelle Wood lost 120 pounds!

In 2002, I was so happy because I'd lost more than 80 pounds. But by 2004, I had gained all that weight back and much more. I weighed 273 pounds. I cried because I let so many destructive things consume my life. I know that subconsciously I did not believe that I was perfect or of worth.

Right after I graduated from college, I saw a picture of myself, and I could see straight through my own smile. It took everything I had inside of me to stop hating myself and start loving everything that I'm made of! I decided to make a lifestyle change and began biking, and slowly I went from three to five miles to an easy 18 to 20 miles. I saw so many changes happen inside and out when I rode on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. I realized I also wanted to run, even though I hated it so much when I was younger. I started just little by little, and now I can run six miles straight without stopping. The biggest hurdle is doubt. Doubt within yourself and doubt from other people. I felt ugly compared to my happy friends. But I wasn't ugly because I weighed 273 pounds; I was ugly because I hated myself. I hated that I couldn't tie my shoes without nearly suffocating.

When I stepped on the scale in summer 2006, I realized I had lost 120 pounds! I have wavered here and there, but I know how to get what I want and maintain it because I know that this is how I deserve to live.

There are so many options to help promote healthier habits; my favorite is Pizza Fit'n Free because they are completely fat free and low in calories! You have to make small changes in your lifestyle.  I still stay very active, and I make sure to never give up because I have the rest of my life to make up for all the mistakes!

-Rachelle Wood (Florida)