stamped silver bracelets

Tomorrow has always been my favorite day.

It’s the day where I get everything done.

You know.  As in….

Tomorrow I’m going to get healthy.

Tomorrow I’m going to exercise.

Tomorrow I’m going to eat right.

Tomorrow beets and broccoli and cauliflower will be my new favorite food.

I think I love it because just between you and me?

It’s only a day away.

Except.

For me…..usually my much-anticipated-constantly-promised-over-achieving tomorrow…..

…..never arrives.

sense of wonder

About four months ago. I decided that the day had finally come.  I was tired. I didn’t feel good. I was carrying around almost an extra person with me wherever I went. The weight was weighing me down mentally and physically.

And in full embarrassing transparency?

I was worried I wouldn’t fit into the seat at the theater.

I was worried I wouldn’t fit on the ride.

I was worried the seatbelt might not buckle.

I was worried I was going to end up on a reality show where everyone eats broccoli and tries to lose weight.

On the outside, I smiled.

But inside? Where it counts? I was exhausted and tired and overwhelmed.

So I gave myself a pep talk and a lecture all at the same time. This time self…..when I say tomorrow…..I mean it.  Absolutely, positively no more procrastinating.

And it worked.

For almost four months….I did it.  I ate healthy and made good choices and walked more and sat less and flossed every day and smiled at random people wherever I went to let them know how joyfully happy I was with all the changes I was making in my life.

And I never cheated or ate something I wasn’t supposed to ever.

In the history of ever.

And I lost 50 pounds.

But then? The weight loss slowed down. I plateaued this week and haven’t lost anything. It’s a little discouraging.

And suddenly all that healthy food that tomorrow brought along for the ride…..

…..was totally getting on my last nerve.

i hope you dance stamped silver

And so it was that late last night, I decided I had enough of all these good choices and I decisively (topped off with a little bit of self-righteousness) walked into the butler’s pantry and opened up the cabinet door….

….and there they were.

Rows of Oreos.

Softly and sweetly calling my name.

And at that point, I was so hungry and so frustrated I could have eaten the two entire rows….

….and finished off a pan of brownies for dessert.

I stared at the Oreos and slowly reached into the pantry and took them out and opened the top and stood there silently for a moment as the chocolate and the icing I had missed so much enveloped my senses.

“Really”….I told myself.….“Self….you have been so good with your choices.”  

“Self…. it has been four months without an Oreo to tide you over.”

“Self….you deserve it.”

“Oh….and self…..after all…..

….there’s always tomorrow.”

I hope you dance

I shook my head.  WHAT WAS I THINKING?  I had a plan.  I had a goal.  I was stronger than this.  And with the strength of Samson and those powerlifters you see on television, I peeled those Oreos away from my fingers and put them back into the cabinet and left the room.

And drank two glasses of water.

And tried to read a book.

And prayed.

And called my mom.

And brushed my teeth.

And closed my eyes and imagined myself running on the beach in an amazing red bathing suit (cue the Baywatch intro.).

But nothing worked.  The siren song of the Oreos was much too strong.

I hope you dance bracelets

And I marched back into the butler’s pantry and reached for the door…..

…and paused.

At the risk of sounding overly dramatic (and let’s be honest….when has that ever stopped me before) I felt like I had two roads before me.  One path was the one I had been down so many times before.  We were best of friends….that path and I.

I knew it.

I understood it.

I had traveled that well-worn lane over and over and over again.

The second path was new.  It was a little scary and overwhelming and full of steps I’d never taken and making new choices and overcoming bad habits.

But what if I didn’t succeed?

What if the path was too hard?

What if I lost my courage?

What if….

……what if tomorrow never came?

Spoiler alert.

I didn’t eat the Oreos.

I shut that cabinet door and shook my head at the fact that I had just stood in the pantry and argued with a snack food.

Truth?

These past four months have been a journey. Four months of healthy choices and deciding I could do it and exercising and learning that facing a challenge only makes you stronger.

50 pounds down.

5 bracelets on my wrist.

No Oreos in my tummy.

And on this amazing journey, along the way, I have learned that on the road less traveled…..

…tomorrow has never ever ever looked so bright. 🙂

 

PS  With each milestone on the journey, I bought a bracelet to remind myself of where I had been.  They are stamped with the words to one of my favorite songs:

“I hope you dance.”

PPS If you ever want to reward yourself with a bracelet, I bought them here (affiliate).

You can custom order your own saying stamped on to them.

And here’s to all the tomorrows we will conquer together.  🙂

Happy day rock star.

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Comments

  1. Image for Wen Wen

    KariAnne, You Rock - your story is very familiar to everyone of us! Thanks for sharing that! My food that calls me to pantry is Kettle Chips... easily eaten in one sitting. You are such a great inspiration to me in many ways .... keep on shining bright! Wen

  2. Image for Lou E Gipson Lou E Gipson

    Hey You Gorgeous Rockstar! Yes YOU KariAnne!! Your song?mantra KariAnne Can! so proud of your accomplishments on this journey! Your positivity! Your goal setting! your follow thru DAILY! your desire to go where you've never gone before..FURTHER! always reaching for tomorrow.. look in the mirror TODAY! Oreos bedamned! success is weight loss! yes i am only one of a million fans cheering you on! to commemorate your success... I walked 4 city blocks in my shoes! in the sunshine and fresh air.. a first for me since moving here.. but..there has to be a starting point! Yours is 4 months in the distance behind you!!! what a wonderful gift you are giving yourself and your family.. a beautifully revamped, re packaged , less is more..YOU Rock on you amazing ROCKSTAR!! (Perhaps Nabisco,knowing how loved by the masses OREOs are, could somehow remove all the fat calories leaving only the deliciousness to be savored?? hmmm maybe TOMORROW?

  3. Image for Cindy Cindy

    Wow! That is quite an accomplishment! I am so happy for you. I know how hard it is to stay focused on a goal like this. My turn is coming. Thank you for the pep talk and your always encouraging words. You are an amazing lady with a beautiful calling on your life. Thank you for your ministry. It is so needed. Merry Christmas!❤️

  4. Image for Jennifer Dynys Jennifer Dynys

    Gah! This took my breath away! We ALL have some struggle with self control in at least one area of life! Thank you for reminding us that we can be over-comers! You look amazing and happy!

  5. Image for Bab Bab

    Will power! You beat the devils voice that told you to give up. Keep up the good work and the positive changes you are making to take care of your body in the long run. I have viewed the goodies I crave as the enemy and the enemy can never win. You look great! Always enjoy your blog. You have a gift for story telling. 😉

  6. Image for Teresa Gonzales Teresa Gonzales

    I use the mantra-"Choices have consequences" when the chips do the siren call. Salty things are my oreo cookies. I have gone so far that I put the chips beside me as I work and sneak looks at the unopened bag. Consequences wins for me. You have done fabulous and are the light for all of us. You are beautiful inside and out! xxoo

  7. Image for Candace Courtney Candace Courtney

    Speaking from one who cannot even bring Oreos into my house, I’m in awe at your willpower! You are amazing! I’ll think of your post whenever I need some extra motivation.

  8. Image for Eileen Eileen

    I'm going to be tough on you. Oreos don't belong in your house. No one in your house needs to eat them anyway. I stopped eating chocolate about 30 years ago and it was really a non-event because my MIND made it a non-event. The results, on the other hand, were so beneficial, healthwise. No more energy swings up and down constantly. No gas, sorry, TMI!! I felt in better control. I stopped eating donuts, cookies, cake and pies about three years ago. Best second thing I've ever done for my health. Again, it's a decision in your MIND!! I started intermittent fasting about two years ago. I stop eating at 6pm and have breakfast around 10-11am, I lost 10 pounds doing nothing!!! I found myself standing in front of the refrigerator at 8pm at first, but that went away. You are doing so beautifully and you look wonderful. Keep on keeping on, put yourself first and bring your family along your healthy path. Written with love.

  9. Image for Liz Hayes Liz Hayes

    This is the perfect message at the perfect time for me, so thank you so much. I have gained 40 pounds in the past 10 years. I take care of my precious daughter who is now on hospice and late at night, after she and my husband are asleep, I go into the kitchen and drown my feelings with food. I think I have given up on myself and can't bear to even look in the mirror. Reading your posts and seeing your transformation is inspiring. I am declaring today the first day of turning this train around and getting myself back in shape. Thank you for your inspiring words and shining example.

    1. Image for Denise Denise

      Liz, love and embraces to you. Concentrate on the time you have with your daughter - I promise you won’t regret it. When the time is right, concentrate on you. Spreading yourself too thin will only bring disappointment.

    2. Image for Debra Debra

      Liz, I hope you can carve out 15 minutes a day to pamper yourself, whether by walking in a tranquil setting, soaking in a bath, journaling, or calling a good friend. As a loving mother and caregiver, you are a rockstar! Take all the me-time you’ve earned to get back in touch with your beautiful soul.

    3. Image for Julie Julie

      And remember Liz one day at a time...........the weight didn't come on all at once and Friend it's not going to leave all at once either...........if you can have a support group that would be awesome. If not, there's your faith in knowing you REALLY CAN DO THIS!!!!! I've had many chats with God already on all kinds of things. He's a great listener and will help you if you seek it. Please keep us posted when you're on this journey, and blessings to your dear daughter.........

  10. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    50? WOO-HOO!!! That is soooo awesome! So proud of you. You look more glorious in every picture. Congratulations on your cookie refusal! (And besides, Oreos are sooooo bad for you!) Just remember: you can celebrate once in a while with a treat. Just don't do a pig-out! Do a happy dance today! You deserve to celebrate! 😁❤

  11. Image for Pamela Smith Pamela Smith

    YOU are the Rockstar!! You look amazing! It is such a difficult road, but you got this! I love the bracelets and how you used them to reward yourself. You go girl!!! ps I love the picture of you and Denton!

  12. Image for patricia patricia

    We started this journey at nearly the same time. In January I gave up all desserts and candy for one month. At the same time I also began a diet. I eventually lost a total of 17 lb and a dress size. I feel good about how I look. I've long been happy with myself and my life, body image was the last step. I noticed a while back we were seeing "less and less of you" but in the best sense of the word. Stay healthy and strong.

  13. Image for Heather Heather

    I’m so proud of you for arguing with a snack, specifically Oreos!! Yay, because Galatians 6:9!!!! Thank you for sharing this sweet Karianne!!! 🥰🙌🏻

  14. Image for Cynthia Cynthia

    Your waist looks teeny tiny, Little Missy! I would have had to crush those oreos under my heel to keep from eating them! LOL But aren't you proud that you'll be starting a new year at the top of the mountain instead of the bottom ?!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  15. Image for Deb Moeckel Deb Moeckel

    You look great!! You should be so proud of yourself! I love reading your columns! You are an inspiration to so many of us!

  16. Image for Cheryl Cheryl

    Good for you KariAnne! You are looking wonderful, AMAZING! I remember it took me almost two years to lose 100lbs and one reason was because I didn't have the best eating habits. I did lose them but the struggle is real. I believe in you, you can do this!!

  17. Image for Lyn Lyn

    Be strong! You look fantastic. I just said to my husband sitting here at lunch - big green salad, with olives, tomatoes, artichokes, fire roasted red peppers, etc., etc., - that hopefully, all our healthy eating will keep us healthy and strong as we age. This time last year I heard about something called "Sugar Free January" so we did it. and it was actually fun. We have never had weight issues, but there is always room for improvement. I haven't put sugar in my coffee for probably 15 years, but my husband tried it without sugar last January and he has never looked back. One day by mistake he added it and said it tasted awful. This year I haven't done any baking for Christmas, and I haven't missed it a bit. If my husband wants a bit of a sweet treat he eats a couple of squares of dark chocolate and he's satisfied with that. Happy holidays to such a sweet gal, and all of you in the Thistlewoodfarm blog world.

  18. Image for Patricia Patricia

    Karianne...you look FABULOUS and your emotional health is apparent in your SMILE. Great job, girl. Keep up the great job. I think on my follow in your footsteps, wish me luck! 💕🙂

  19. Image for Cheryl W. Cheryl W.

    Please share your eating plan! I have been in the up and down weight battle for years. Bless you for sharing and your encouragement.

  20. Image for Sherry Morris Sherry Morris

    You look fantastic but the more important part is you feel so much better. You always have . I am with you and the Oreos. They are very very hard to deal with. Plateau are a pain but after a while they too go away. Happy Christmas 🎄 to you and your family.

  21. Image for Jackie B Jackie B

    Kari Anne, I am so proud of you! You are such an amazing inspiration to all of us! You are doing an awesome job celebrating with a non food item such as your bracelet. So smart! Keep the pictures coming!

  22. Image for Kris Kris

    So, KariAnne, 14 years ago I lost 60 pounds through the Weight Watchers program. I kept all of it off for well over 10 years but in the past few years I've been dealing with elderly parent issues and have had a 10 pound fluctuation. I tell you this because I want you to think in terms of the long haul. I think it's pretty typical for people to get to their goal weight and then, after awhile, the kudos you get from others which motivated you to lose in the first place stop coming and you start to slip up little by little. And then if a big difficult life event comes along, you go right back to your old ways of coping. I think part of what you are experiencing in a plateau is what you will experience in maintaining your weight loss--so I would encourage you to look (as you already did!) for motivation other than the number on the scale, or clothing size, or positive comments from others. For me, it's health--the older I get, the more I realize that controlling what I eat directly affects my health. And that makes me more motivated. If I'm doing it for how I look in the mirror, I will never be satisfied. And when you slip up (and you will!), learn to forgive yourself and get back on that horse and ride!!!! You got this! BTW, I'm not a proponent of all or nothing .... I think you can enjoy the occasional treat if you PLAN for it. And .... (apparently I have a lot to say!) please find some way to be active. You don't have to be a gym rat or athlete .... but some sort of regular physical activity will help you maintain your weight loss (and you will feel SO much better).

  23. Image for Rita Grisetti Rita Grisetti

    You are even more amazing that I thought! You're the Rock Star. I'm inspired. Congratulations on your weight loss. Rita

  24. Image for Gina Gina

    You look amazing. Love the bracelets. Love the song. I once started crying at the grocery store when 'i hope you dance' came on. I am on a weight loss journey, too. Lost 40 pounds, then ate all the leftover Halloween candy. But I'm back on track starting today. Thanks for sharing. Still your cheerleader!!!

  25. Image for Amy Amy

    Yes!!! You did it....jumped over that bump in the road and conquered! Oreos can be the devil's tool sometimes! You are stronger than you know!

  26. Image for Joanne McNevin Joanne McNevin

    So proud of you KariAnne! This year I’ve been on the same journey. I’ve lost 110 lbs! Still 30 to go but who can’t relate to your story? I think I’m finally understanding about this being a life choice not a diet. If some day you eat that Oreo promise me you’ll forgive yourself and love yourself after. I say To the Lord everyday- You give me the power to succeed! God Bless you and your family this Christmas season. I enjoy visiting and sharing your blog everyday!

  27. Image for LINDA SHARP LINDA SHARP

    I am so proud of you. This blog post is so moving. I'm not on the same side of the battle as you, but I recognize all those same feelings that you expressed. As I approach retirement, so I want to face a sedentary life with health challenges, or live a full enriching life?!! Kudos to you--would love to hear more from you about the program you used and how you adapted to the good choices you are now making. Best wishes! L.

  28. Image for Maria Maria

    Holy cow!! What you are doing is so freaking hard. But, you are doing it and you will continue to do it because you must be so incredibly strong. DON'T STOP. KEEP GOING. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!

  29. Image for Linda Linda

    You look Great ! Keep up the good work! And yes it is work hard work. I've lost 7 lbs but hey that's better than gaining 7 . You are beautiful inside and out ! Hang in there !

  30. Image for Darla Monzon Darla Monzon

    You look fantastic!! Way to go! I'm struggling to lose weight and you have totally inspired me. I would have probably gone for the oreos. Next time, I'll think of this post! 😉

  31. Image for Perry Perry

    Well done, young lady! Impressive and you’ve given me the encouragement and impetus I need.. Thank you and once again, WELL DONE!

  32. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. I so get it. You are remarkable and I cannot believe how different you look, KA. You GO, girl! Wow, well done - you are actually giving yourself and your family the gift of a longer life to live. Don't lose hope now. Oreos be danged. Ya know? A moment on the lips, forever on the hips - Joan Rivers.

  33. Image for Mildred Mildred

    I love bracelets and that you wear an armload of them. So proud of your self control and weight loss. Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas!

  34. Image for Becky Becky

    Wow! You are amazing! YOU LOOK SOSOSOSO GOOD!!! I envy you big time! Your self control is inspirational. I need to start... tomorrow. 😁

  35. Image for Marty Marty

    I am so proud of you. I argue with myself all the time. and this is such a good reminder that I am stronger than that cookie or whatever. Good for you, you go girl I know you can do it.

  36. Image for Detra Coley Detra Coley

    You are The Rockstar! Congratulations on your weight loss, you look awesome! I cannot believe Denton is nearly a head taller than you!

  37. Image for Lori Lori

    For all of you on this weight loss, self torture...please, first hug yourself for thinking of your health BUT then STOP!! Lol....One thing I've learned over all my years (schooled on the subject but a normal human here:0)....don't ever NOT eat something you really want to eat....just don't eat it today...choose one day a week that you decide you will have your special treat, dinner out, that favorite doughnut or doughnuts then eat it on that day...say 8am-5pm...then stop...go about your healthy week..don't eat after say 5pm...but when your special day comes you can eat it. It works because you never deprive yourself, that's not realistic and its setting yourself up to fail. Do your workouts/walks/weights or whatever movement you desire but take one day off of your eating plan to have a treat day. I found eating any carbs or starches early in the day helps. It's a body for life. For life and it shouldn't be torture. We're all different to what works for our bodies, yes. All the cross training I have done over the years and I find that ballet barre moves with a chair work better for me than long runs or weight training. I finally slimmed my hips and thighs.....who knew, right?...Love yourself! You look great Karianne! I apologize for my rant..hope it helps someone?! Lol

  38. Image for Brenda Brenda

    You look beautiful, you're glowing. I too love I hope you dance, it was our mother/son dance at my sons wedding. Don't be so hard on yourself. If you can maintain where you are now through the holiday season then you won this part of the battle. Stay on course and you will see success tomorrow.

  39. Image for Reba Reba

    You are such an inspiration and encourager! So proud of you and I love your blog! Merry Christmas to you and your family!❤️

  40. Image for Kim Kim

    You look amazing! I appreciate your honesty with your struggle. I think many of us feel the same way. I have had many tomorrows - too many. You are an encouragement for me to begin today!

  41. Image for Sandy Mccrea Sandy Mccrea

    You look fabulous!!! You have a very special gift. Thank you for sharing your talents n wit with all of us. You are an inspiration.. you are very special . Many blessings to and your family.

  42. Image for Elizabeth Elizabeth

    Congratulations KariAnne, you have so many people cheering you one and the most import person is YOU! You are the one who is doing all of the hard work, making the right choices and doing everything you can to get healthy, feel good inside and outside, and looking fabulous along the way. You go girl!

  43. Image for Jan Fusco Jan Fusco

    Oh Karrianne that is so wonderful! 50 pounds in 4 months! Wow! Today marks four months for me too. I've lost 28 pounds but Friday night is my cheat night. So I'm happy with my progress. I do need to get some exercise. I know that would help. Keep up the great work.

  44. Image for Gail Cunningham Gail Cunningham

    KariAnne, You are looking wonderful, doing an "Atta Girl" job on this journey, and I'm ecstatic for your progress. You will get past that plateau sooner than you think; incorporate a bit of HIIT if you aren't already; look at Kathy Smith's FB exercise group for her free walking video, she's fantastic! Keep on keeping on, beautiful!

  45. Image for Sara Sara

    You look wonderful and your smile is awesome. Congratulations on changing your eating habits! What kind of eating lifestyle ( not diet) are you doing? Keep posting your beautiful pictures?

  46. Image for Toni Toni

    I'm glad you shared a picture......YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!!!!! What an encouragement to us "fluffy women" Thank you for doing battle with the Oreos.....that is an inspiration! Keep up the good work!

  47. Image for Donna Marie Donna Marie

    So proud of you--It is hard and you have successed!!! Keep going, and pray when you get those cravings. Love you!!!

  48. Image for Jerry Stocks Jerry Stocks

    I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Anyone that can do all the things you can do can certainly add taking control of her health to her repertoire. You are one amazing lady.

  49. Image for Patricia Patricia

    Congratulations ! What a huge accomplishment ! Will you share with us your strategies ?? You look amazing - so healthy and happy !

  50. Image for Rev. Suzanne Taylor Rev. Suzanne Taylor

    Oh my, KariAnne, you have the body of a 16-year old. Congratulations on all the victories it took to get where you are. I pray the flavor of Oreo's, or anything else that could set you back from your new path, disappears, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.

  51. Image for Sue Sue

    You look amazing! I have seen photos in your blog before where you were smiling, this smile, though, seems so much brighter knowing your tomorrow is right in front of you.

  52. Image for Calypso in the Country Calypso in the Country

    Yay for you! You're so inspiring. I know, those trips to the pantry can be so tempting. Congrats on your progress! Cheers! Shelley

  53. Image for Laura Laura

    Your honesty and vulnerability inspires so many! I love the visual of the bracelets per every 10 pounds! I started drinking twenty gulps of water while my coffee brews! I watch all my shows on my treadmill. It motivates me.

  54. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    KariAnne, thanks for sharing your precious heart with us today. You look so good with taking off all those pounds! Losing weight is never easy and you have done so well! So glad that you left the Oreo cookies on the shelf! You had the inner courage to do that, I know. While reading your post, I knew that you and the Oreo cookie would part ways! Ha! Ha! YOU CAN DO THIS, KARIANNE! I'm so proud of you and am praying that you will reach your goal! Weight loss can be so difficult at times -- and reaching a plateau is always hard to accept. That was such a nice picture of you and Denton! He's so proud of you -- as are all your family. You are such an amazing gal and we all love you! So, keep up the great work! It's so worth it. You are such an encouragement to all of us! Bless you, dear friend!

  55. Image for jane jane

    You are such a beautiful woman, inside and out. I almost hate to say this, because I would not want you to think it took your weight loss for you to look amazing but... you look amazing! Mostly because, your joy shows on your face. Keep it up and achieve your goal, whatever it may be!

  56. Image for Carol Karl Carol Karl

    You are looking AMAZING!!!! I applaud your strength. I don't have such strength. Having said that, it's absolutely OK once in a while to slip. My Dad used to say 'tomorrow never comes' because tomorrow you can always say 'I'll do that tomorrow' again. You have wrestled with tomorrow and won. Well done.

  57. Image for Glenda Shine Glenda Shine

    I am soooo proud of you! I have been there in your struggle. When I was pregnant with my second child, an observant nurse recognized that I had a thyroid problem. Of course it had to be hypo thyroid that makes you gain weight. To top it off, I had married into what I called “The Stick Family” where everyone was lean and lanky. None of the women weighted over 105 pounds. I felt like I was the elephant in the room. For 25 years I struggled. I exercised 5 days a week and followed weight watchers. I felt that was the best plan for me because it taught me to think about not only what I was eating now but as a part of the whole day and week. Fast forward to 5 years ago, I learned when you are tested for your levels each year, the correct level is a “range” than you can fall into anywhere from the top to the bottom of the range and they will say you are good. For me, that range was too big. I asked that my doctor be brave with me and allow me to change my prescription. Wonderful news was that I still fell within the range but didn’t have to struggle to maintain my weight anymore!

  58. Image for Dee Dee

    How inspiring. I am in the infant stages of the same journey. I hope to be as successful as you. Way to go girl! Stay a strong!

  59. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    I’m a little late to the party...but you look great Woman! Proud of you....you stared down the demons...oreos! Keep it up!! ;)

  60. Image for Nicole Nicole

    Oh my gosh, so good to know I'm not the only one who struggles with sugar! The pull and mind battle is REAL! So proud of you for walking away. Going to remember this the next time I need a little extra help (which this time of year is daily).

  61. Image for Christie Titus Christie Titus

    Oh my gosh, I love this story! You look fabulous and younger and all of your talking to yourself has paid off!! You've got this!! Just keep moving ;) Merry Christmas and Positive Vibes for the New Year to come.

  62. Image for Pam Christiansen Pam Christiansen

    Yes, it is a journey! You are doing wonderfully and doing it for the right reason: for yourself! Keep up the good work trying to stay healthy. I, along with many, also struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for being brave enough to talk about your challenges- you are not alone.

  63. Image for Teddee Grace Teddee Grace

    That takes strength! I am able not to have anything in my house that is too tempting. I'm not sure I could go for four months if I had treats around and easily accessible. Good for you! You know you are a beacon for those of us who have to fight to maintain a sensible weight so please keep it up!

  64. Image for Bonnie Bonnie

    Thank you for being so transparent & for sharing your story. I'm so very proud of you. You look awesome & what an accomplishment to lose 50 pounds in just 4 months.

  65. Image for Jayne Jayne

    KariAnne, you look amazing! The next time the oreo monster rears it's ugly head, take a another look at this photo of you looking so vibrant with your son and shove those oreos to the back of the cupboard! As you are on fond of telling us all.........YOU GOT THIS FRIEND!

  66. Image for Michelle Michelle

    So many of us can relate to this dilemma. Your body deserves the respect you're giving it. So happy you decided not to go down the familiar road. You're beautiful, both inside and out. Thank you for inspiring us! XOXO!!!

  67. Image for Tammy Brace Tammy Brace

    Thank you for sharing your story! I have made the decision to go down that path as well, beginning January 1, 2021. I quit smoking in 2018 and gave myself a year to get used to not smoking and not to beat myself up because the weight gain. Well it's been over two years and now it is time to get myself to a point that makes me happy. I love the idea of rewarding myself with a bracelet and thank you for being an inspiration.

  68. Image for Lauri Lauri

    Love the bracelet idea! I really like your bracelets with the gold balls. Can you share where you got them? Thanks!

  69. Image for Cheryle Podgorski Cheryle Podgorski

    I cannot the difference between you and your daughters now! Triplets, I say! So impressive, KariAnne!

  70. Image for Pamela Pamela

    Look at little itty bitty you! Good work! You look fab, but the main thing is: to feel fab! Stay strong girl. I have been trying to modify my diet for approximately 7 weeks now. I somehow went up 3 pounds in one day! I am really hoping it was liquid retention. My doctor told me I was prediabetic, so I am trying to cut down on sugar, eat more salads and just cut out the starchy foods I had become accustomed to. Because I have a sweet tooth, I allow myself 3 after eights at the end of my day as a reward for being good. That is my one indulgence, so I don't feel like I'm doing without. I just need to incorporate some form of exercise now. Not sure what, besides walking, since we can't go to gyms here due to covid. I guess walking will be it. Sorry to ramble on, but your article just hit the right spot to remind me to stay strong. Your picture is an inspiration for me to keep it up. Thank you KariAnne!!!

  71. Image for Debbie Debbie

    You are my hero! Way to go! I am doing the same thing you are. You are truly an inspiration!!! Congratulations. You look fabulous!

  72. Image for Susan Weinberg Susan Weinberg

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have inspired me to keep trying. And the idea of a reward after each 10 pounds? Brilliant!

  73. Image for Paula Patton Paula Patton

    I LOVE your writing ,and this really connected with me.. The first thing I did was look when you posted, because you have come soo far since then.. Everyone's Journey is different and I love as a Health Coach to inspire others... YOU have inspired me through your Journey, because you are full of JOY!! This is the difference in the corporate world.. You are making a Lifestyle change and days will be good and bad.. You chose your Journey over the choice of a fleeting moment. You choose YOU!! Blessings..

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