So, just exactly who is GraceGirl7? Well, my name is Malinda. I live in Georgia with my wonderful husband and beautiful 2 year old son. When I met my husband, I was quite small. I was also very unhealthy in my diet and lifestyle. When we got married, I immediately started gaining, but not necessarily because we were married, but because I had made the decision to stop living a reckless life and doing drastic things to lose weight. I've done it all to lose weight. If you can think it, I've probably done it.

This time the pounds came on really quickly as I put my body through a detox period. I gained about 30 pounds in 6 months and then decided it was time to start exercising. I was at the gym 5 nights a week for 3 months before I realized I was pregnant. Knowing nothing about pregnancy, I thought it was harmful to a developing fetus to continue exercising, so I quit. I also started eating for two, literally. I ate everything and anything in sight when I was pregnant, and the pounds packed on. I was about 245 when I gave birth. I'm 5'2", so 245 is HUGE!!! I lost a little weight after my son was born, but noticed I started gaining again. At 233, I knew I had to do something. I wanted to have another baby (though not right then) and knew if I didn't lose weight, I could get to 300 pounds. That scared me. So I decided to make a change. That's right. I made the decision. You see losing weight is a decision you have to make for yourself. You have to make it a priority. I made up all the excuses. "I have no time!" I'd always say to myself.

Well, that was just an excuse. If you really want something, you'll make the time.

I joined Weight Watchers Online at the prompting of my mother who had lost about 40 pounds on the program. My first day was January 3, 2005. Losing weight just clicked for me. From day 1, I drank all my water and started exercising. (For more on my fitness routine and what I did to start, visit my fitness page.) My first weigh-in had me down 6.5 pounds! From that point on, I was hooked! My motivation was my losses. Everytime I would see more weight drop off, I would work even harder the next week. In 5 months, I had lost 50 pounds! That was all the motivation I needed! (Although my family have been a HUGE support system for me.)

I have lost 114 pounds with Weight Watchers, and I have REACHED my final goal! So will you, if you don't quit. Remember the only way to fail is to quit. Stay with the program, and you will reach your goal. I know you've heard this a thousand times, but if I can do it, ANYONE CAN!!!