The SLIM CHANCE contest has come to an end and all I can say is, "WOW"!

I could not be more proud of our contestants. They all worked so very hard and the end result is that they all look absolutely amazing. Even though we had one overall winner- they've all won because they all lost an incredible amount of weight and have started on the road to a healthier lifestyle and a longer, more fulfilling life.

Martha, from FortSmithMoms.com, lost 21 lbs and an amazing 42"!Alex, from B98, lost 25 1/2 lbs and over 22"!
Angela, lost 33 /2 lbs and 23"!
Our winner, Stephanie, lost 42 lbs and an incredible 52"!

Yep, you can say it now too, "WOW"!. Please join me in congratulating each of our contestants and take a look at their incredible pictures- before and after- below! 

 
Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors- Fort Smith Athletic Club and Metaolic Research Center. All of this would not be possible without you!

The competition is over now and I won big. I won a jump start to a healthier lifestyle. I learned to believe in me and take care of me. In the last three months I have lost a total of 33 pounds. I didnt reach my target goal but I am very happy with what I have accomplished. I will continue with the program to reach my target weight. I am happy were I am now but it would be nice to be a couple more dress sizes smaller. If you know someone that wants to lose weight, be supportive and help them a long the way. It is a hard struggle but nothing in life worth having comes easy.

Who am I kidding? It will never be over. For the rest of my life I will have to be aware of what I put into my mouth or how much exercise I've done. It's the nature of the beast. The contest is over but my healthy lifestyle is just beginning really. 3 months isn't really that long in the grand scheme of things.

Yesterday was our final weigh-in for the contest. Everyone did so well! Except for the occasional passing by at the gym or Relay for Life, we (the contestants) haven't really seen each other. It was SO fun to see everyone and how FANTASTIC everyone looked! The change has been amazing!

In the end, having lost the most pounds (42) and inches (52) I was 'crowned' the winner! Yay!!!

I REALLLLY wanted to post the before and after pics of me and of the group that MRC took but I haven't received them yet. I will post as soon as I get them!

This was such an incredible opportunity. I am SOO grateful for Catherine and Martha for choosing me to participate. It has been an life changing experience. I feel happier and healthier. And I look DANG good!! (or so my husband tells me!)

Now, time for a very badly needed haircut!

So many of you have asked what I won. Well, here's the scoop:

• 3 additional months free at the gym (Fort Smith Athletic Club)
• Photo session for the fam with Raye Law
• 4 sessions at Malibu Day Spa (which includes the badly needed haircut)
• $50 gift card to Newport News or Spiegel
• One admission to Pink on the Links (part of the Fort Smith Classic) and T-shirt
• Metabolic Research Center cookbook (which I managed to go 3 months without and now am glad I have one!)
• Arbonne gift bag including Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Cleanser and numerous samples
• 4 FortSmithMoms.com Snap Caps (for soda cans to make them like bottles)
• 2 bags of M&M's (thanks, Martha!)
• 5 cards for buy one get one free cookies at Great American Cookies (once again, thanks, Martha!)
• and finally, I got my life back!!!

This has been a lot of work AND a lot of fun!

Six more weeks of stabilization and a year of maintenance should be just what I need.

I went camping with my family this weekend.  We had a great time, but I strayed from the food plan AND ate way too much.  Smores, rice crispy treats, hot dogs, cokes, chips, and MORE!  It was so good.  Last night when we got home I went out for a run to see what I could work off.  It's going to take a few days to level out.  Yikes! Moderation: it' not something that comes easy for me.  We're going to have our final weigh-in this week.  I can't believe I went so far off plan right before this event.   

I'M 40 LBS LIGHTER!!

I never thought this possible. Ever. I had only hoped. Never imagined it really happening. And yet, here I am 40 lbs lighter and happier than I've been in years.

What a great gift from Fort Smith Moms. What a great gift that I've given myself. The gift of life. I have my life back. Thank you.