It ain't easy, my friends. 3rd update, 125lbs down from my absolute heaviest. I posted in r/progress pics as well, but I wanted to do something more detailed.

Here are the pictures, since those are always fun.

Face

Body

What I do:

Food - Count calories (1700/day, 2100 on workout days). Lowish carb (I was stricter about it [under 50g/day], bringing it back up, cap it around 100g/day, 150g on heavy work out days). I eat every 2-3 hours.

I still drink alcohol, I still have treats every so often. I recognize this is how I need to eat forever, depriving myself of things I really like wasn't going to work out. I'm able, however, to just have ONE of something. I had to teach myself this, but it's possible. Just one cookie is way better than just one pan of cookies.

Exercise - Strong Lifts 5x5, 3 times a week along with 3-5 mile runs on those days. I started with c25k, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to get into it. I LOVE running, you might not. Do what you love. On off lifting days, I either bike 8-10 miles or swim for 45 minutes (unless I am sore, then I take a rest day). I also walk everywhere, as I have the luxury of living in a big city. I have become WORLDS more active and healthier. I look forward to my workouts, especially running.

Currently 225lbs, 5'10. I do not have a goal weight set, nor time period of getting there. I don't weigh-in frequently, I think the scale is such a small, and often unreliable part of the whole picture. I go by how I feel, how clothes fit (was a US size 28 and 3X, now US 16 and L) and my measurements.

This is literally the best shape I have ever been in, in my entire life. I feel like I tapped into some hidden athlete and have fully embraced it as my lifestyle.

Whether you have 5 or 250lbs to lose - just know you are totally capable of it and no one is standing in your way but you.

I read your stories every day. You are all so inspiring!

EDIT: Shameless self plug here, but if you're on dailymile, let's be friends :D http://www.dailymile.com/people/MalarieB