When I turned 50 I started gaining weight for the first time in my life. Not a few pounds of vanity fat but 30 pounds, gained over a short period of time. In February of this year, I reached my highest weight EVER -- even when I was pregnant I didn't weigh anywhere near this amount.

I finally decided enough was enough and got off my fat rear and got active. I didn't exercise per se, but I began some projects that required a lot of physical activity. My diet hadn't changed that much, so that wasn't an issue as much as just getting busy.

Since February, I have lost 12 pounds. I'm pretty proud of that but -- the weight loss has now stopped and I'm stuck at a weight I'm still not comfortable with. I have been buying a lot of Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones, Boston Market, etc., dinners which I eat for my evening meal. Since my husband is gone a lot through the week, this works well for me. Comparing the prices, I figured I could join a weight loss program that supplies the meals for not much more than what I was already spending each week.

I finally decided it was time to take a different approach to this weight loss issue, so, today, 8-8-08, I have joined Valerie and Queen Latifah, and turned to Jenny (Craig) for help. I have made a goal to follow this program for at least one month to see if I can begin taking off that last 15+ pounds that is sooooooo stubborn. To keep me honest -- you can read about this life-change here and hopefully send me some encouragement and advice to beat this stubborn fat. You can even join me and take off a few pounds yourself, if you find yourself at the same place in life I'm at ... menopausal ... with crazy hormonal fluctuations!