Once again, I’m seriously flattered.
When I first started this little blog (that I’ve affectionately called “The Little Blog that Could“), it was a HUGE secret. While I was determined to change my life this time around, I wasn’t sure how public I was willing to make the journey.
A rare full length picture circa 2008
I chose to blog so that I could document my final weight loss journey. I’d lost weight so many times. Up and down. Up and down. I thought that blogging would make it more permanent. More lasting. Afterall, everything you read on the internet is true, right??
Painting with friends in 2009
The crazy part: I was embarrassed to tell anyone that it even existed. I mean, how could I be so honest about how I felt and have people read it?? In the beginning, I just couldn’t. I felt horrible about letting myself slip that far into obesity. I felt embarrassed that I had 91 lbs to lose to hit my Jenny Craig goal.
Days after joining Jenny Craig in 2010. I barely recognize this girl….
As I started to build up my confidence in the process and began to see results, I felt better about sharing my little “blog secret” with others. I thought that others who had similar weight to lose might be relate to my story.
About 30 lbs gone at this point…
I cautiously started posting to the Jenny Craig forums, encouraging fellow “losers” to try out my JC “volumizing” recipes. Next thing you know, I was sending email to close friends inviting them to check out the site… and then I started sharing it with other friends, family, and even some co-workers.
About 50 gone….
I never expected it to become what it is today or to have other people recognize my site in any way. Actually, I’ve said it before… but those of you who’ve sent me notes, made comments over the last year and a half, and have cheered me on via Twitter/Facebook, you’re more recognition than I could have ever asked for. I have you to thank for many of the pounds I’ve dropped from my frame over the past almost two years. And, I can’t thank you enough.
When I got an email from Healthline yesterday sharing that they’d picked my blog out of a sea of bloggers to be on their “Top Weight Loss Blogs of 2012” list, I gasped! I’m listed amongst women who are so big time that they have t-shirts and products and with women that host blogger conferences for healthy living (including the one I’ll attend in September!) And, then…. there’s me.
Almost 83 lbs lighter… and so happy
Immediately, I clicked through the list to see who else was there. I’ve made a few friends in the blogger community and I had a few names that I expected to see. While not everyone had made the list, there were a few familiar faces (and URLs) on the list. If you haven’t met them yet, I’ll introduce you below:
Andie from Can You Stay for Dinner? – She makes the most beautiful dishes and is the most amazing writer. She’s taught me how to roast broccoli and gifted me the most amazing pork taco recipe that makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat – Monica is a bundle of energy who’s always on the go. She inspires me to build the perfect salad, to reconsider my hatred for running, and taught me how to integrate Chia Seeds into my diet! Love her!
I’m also super-excited that I now have a few more weight loss blogs to check out. Healthline has named their favorite weight loss blogs, but I know my readers have other faves that didn’t make the list. Heck, I have more faves that didn’t make the list.
Who are your favorite Weight Loss Bloggers? Is there anyone else out there I should start reading?
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
my biggest food craving is cake, so I totally feel your domain name.
I don’t crave it as much as I allowed it. I feel like I would eat cake, and then more cake, and then a cupcake, and then a cake ball. It was never ending. It’s all about getting it into control I guess. Though, I have my eyes on a new cupcake recipe. You’ll see it soon.
Congrats! What an accomplishment and wonderful recognition! You have done (and are doing) AMAZING!!!!! You go girl
Thanks, Kelly… You’re quite the rockstar yourself, my dear!
You have done so well and you look SO GOOD. I have made several of your recipes – love your step by step pics in the blog. You deserve this recognition – you rock!
I saw your site listed there yesterday and thought to myself – “I read her blog!!” Very excited for you!
Congratulations! How awesome! You look great too. I know it must feel awesome to get that kind of recognition
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Way to go! You have come so far already and have helped so many realize that a good attitude and new habits can make all the difference and let you become the person you aspire to be! So proud of you! Keep it up!!!
Congrts! That is exciting news. I love to read your blog and see how you are doing. I am very impressed with your weight loss and love your blog.
Congratulations! Your blog is the ONLY blog I read, but I would love to have a list of weight loss inspirational blogs to choose from. I love your style of writing and your thorough steps with pictures. Great style, great lifestyle, great taste and great vacations! I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that you have never eaten a strawberry? Silly girl. Great job!
Awwww… thanks, Cathy! I have to tell you I ate one a few months ago. And, I’ll probably do it again. I ate it in a fruit salad, quickly and didn’t make mention of it. It was just OK. I feel like there’s better ones out there though!!! So glad you read… and funny that you remember my strawberry story. Love it!
Way to go mamacita!!
I found your blog through their list, and have spent the last 3 days reading through it from the beginning. Way to go! I’m almost halfway through my goal of losing 148 lbs — for the second time. I can realate to so many of your struggles. And, I found so much inspiration and lots of great tips! You rock! Don’t sell yourself short. You rank right up there with the best of the blogs! Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to see you celebrate your goal — I’m rooting for you!
Congratulations on your top blog status! That is how I came to find your blog and I am loving reading it and about your journey. I just started my own blog recently to document my own weight loss journey. I have well over 150 pounds to lose and am determined to get it right this time. I have lost and gained back 1000 pounds over the many years and am determined that this time is “IT”. I am 47 now and want this to be the last time I have to struggle, You are in inspiration and I can’t wait to read more! Nice to *meet* you!
Congratulations!!! The recognition you received is well deserved. Keep up the good work, because I can’t wait to read more.
Kelly – I am SO thrilled for the newbies who found your blog all because of Healthline. By now, they’ve probably quickly realized what they were missing by not following you!
You are incredibly deserving of this recognition they are giving you! I wish I could remember how I found you way back when, but I’m so glad I did. You have been such an inspiration to me in that you started where I am now and it helps me visualize my journey by following your story. Hopefully that makes sense. You’re just relate-able – and I love that about my favorite bloggers I follow. You come across as a genuine and kind person and I’m so excited to finally meet you in real life in just a few weeks
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Such a nice comment, Hil! I can’t wait to meet you in September too! This Healthline thing came out of nowhere, such a nice surprise. xoxo