2 years ago I was at my darkest point. 257 lbs and hating everything about who I was. My life was blessed and good, but inside, I was depressed and feeling so alone. 

I started watching the Biggest Loser and seeing Jen Widerstrom's coaching and great info was the little piece of inspiration I needed to pick myself up. I completely changed my life, pushed myself further than I ever thought possible - I lost 76 lbs and was filled with confidence and love for who I was and was becoming. 

On December 13, 2015, my then 4 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Something that couldn't have been prevented or predicted. Our happy, healthy and active son was diagnosed with a chronic disease that we can not cure. His pancreas stopped producing the insulin his body needs to allow sugar to enter cells to produce energy. He depends on insulin and we have become his pancreas to keep him alive each day. 

This devastating news left me broken. How could this happen to our sweet little boy? He doesn't deserve this life and was forced to grow up quickly. Everything he eats or does has to be considered - every meal is weighed and measured - every bit of activity he does and anything he faces in his day affects his blood sugar and where his number is at. Being poked 10 times a day is no way for a child, or anyone for that matter, to have to live. It was a huge adjustment for all of us and for others who know what it's like to have a child with a chronic illness, the worry hangs on your heart every day. Every night I put him to bed, I pray he will wake up in the morning.

The last year has been a difficult one. This won't go away or "get better". This is our life now, our new normal, and as strong as I am, I let daily struggles fuel my excuses and bad choices. No one's fault but my own.

Now I'm here again. I haven't gained back all of the weight, but pretty damn close. I am depressed and frustrated about the way I look and feel. Why would I let myself get back here again?

 

This DietBet is another beginning for me. A small blip in my journey, but an important one none the less. I need this to be the last time I am at this point. It took me a long time to make the decision to work on myself again. It wasn't an easy one, but I'm ready now. We all have our struggles, and it's learning how to deal with them that will make all the difference. Good luck and wishing you all the best on your own journey!