Spark Spotlight: Teresa (TEXASHSMOMOF3)

By , SparkPeople Blogger
At SparkPeople, we love helping people accomplish big goals—but we believe it's equally important to celebrate the small successes along the way. Each week in the Spark Spotlight, we'll check in with a featured member about his or her proudest moments, biggest challenges and advice for others on living, thinking and feeling healthier. We hope these quick snapshots will help motivate you to keep moving steadily toward your own goals, week by week.

This Week's Spotlight: Teresa (TEXASHSMOMOF3)
Age: 45
Location: Dallas, Texas
 

Teresa's Small Success of the Week

Losing 40 pounds!

What's your overall goal? 

My overall goal is to be healthy. The more weight I lose, the more I realize it's not about appearances--although that's nice, I absolutely love how much stronger I am becoming! I have muscles--real muscles!
 
How is SparkPeople helping you get there? 

Spark is helping me with motivation! Do you know how much it means to me when I post my weekly weigh-ins with pictures and get hundreds of hearts and encouraging comments? Whenever I even think about splurging or having a "cheat" day or don't want to work out or am just getting discouraged, I go back and read through the comments and it always gets me right back on track.

What's your biggest challenge right now? 

My biggest challenge right now is patience. ;) I want this weight gone and gone now--not to be "skinny," but because there are more intense workouts I want to do, and I can't do them just yet.

What advice do you have for someone who just joined SparkPeople? 

Take pictures--as much as you don't want to, take them anyway. You will be amazed at the difference. And be brave enough to post them; the encouragement from the SparkPeople community will do the rest! Measure--I didn't start out measuring, but I really wish I would have. Don't get overwhelmed by the big picture--if you have 100 or more pounds to lose, like me, just focus on one habit at a time, one pound at a time. You will have gains; don't let them derail you. Find a workout you love and go for it! I started out just walking, but I am loving circuit training and kickboxing right now.

Want to be the next small success we spotlight? Share your successes on the goal feed or in the comments below, and you might be the next person we contact!