Dear Audra

You are doing this! Even though last week was really heard due to PMS cravings and last night you gave in and ate some pasta, you are still on the right path.

The reason you no longer eat starchy carbs such as potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread is because you don't process them as well as others. You want to take a nap within 30 minutes of eating them. You have a black streak line on your neck, a sign of diabetes, at the age of 26.

Feel empowered by your choice to get healthy, not defeated.

Your portion sizes were out of control before. You know we are still working on that. It is hard enough to not eat potatoes. You are doing great though.

You have set some goals for yourself and you can reach them. It is just going to take time. Probably a lot of frustration and tears too.

As you are writing this I see you crying because you really really so badly want those white powdered donuts that James bought yesterday. You know that you CAN eat them. You are choosing not to eat them. You don't eat that way anymore, Audra. I DON'T EAT THAT WAY ANYMORE.

When you lose 10 pounds you WILL get that pedicure.
When you lose 20 pounds you WILL get a heart monitor.
When you lose 30 pounds you WILL get a new pair of tennis shoes.
When you lose 40 pounds you WILL get laser hair removal.
When you lose anything greater you WILL be getting new clothes.

Audra, this is not just about losing weight, this is not about looking great, though those are great motivations. You are making healthy decisions. You want to be there for your kids one day. You want to be able to have kids and carry them to 40 weeks healthy! You want to be proud of yourself for once.

I see you bawling your eyes out knowing that this is a turning point. Stop crying, wipe those eyes, feel empowered.

You know in your heart you are doing this for you. Your husband loves you the way you are. Your friends love you the way you are. You even love yourself.

You have enjoyed every dinner party that you ate plates of pasta and potatoes. You had a blast drinking those high calorie alcoholic beverages. You had a lot of fun getting up to 196 pounds. You are who you are. Though you may lose weight, never forget that you have loved yourself along the way. Your friends have loved you all along. Your husband has loved you all along. Your savior has loved you all along.

Even though you are not all alone in this fight to get healthy, you have friends that walk with you and a husband who will exercise with you. It is your responsibility to put the fork down. You are the one who is going to have to say no thanks to potatoes or that bread basket. No one else can do that for you.

I am doing this for me. I am doing this to be healthy. I am doing this because I love myself.