About
Hi! My name is Mary. I’m 25 years old and a blogger and writer. I blog about my weight loss attempts and health(ier) lifestyle, I blog about my food, and I also recently started blogging about my wedding planning. I also write freelance articles and help new bloggers start blogs and make them better. I spend a lot of my time writing and thinking and I love it.
I’ve struggled with my weight for a long time. Since I was a child I struggled with emotional and compulsive eating, behaviors I developed as a coping mechanism for verbal and emotional abuse. I reached my highest weight of almost 260 lbs around my high school graduation.
In college I decided to get healthier and I lost 55 lbs and kept it off for 3 years. After college graduation I moved home and regained the weight after returning to the old habit of emotional eating during a period of depression.
In 2009 I restarted my weight loss at 251 lbs. I’m determined to reach a healthy weight and stay there no matter how long it takes me. I’ve used my blog to work out the majority of my emotional eating issues and have been tracking my healthy relationship with food via my food blog for accountability.
I’ve lost a bit of weight (40 lbs) and though I’ve still got a ways to go, I’m much healthier now than when I started blogging.
I’m also much more active and enjoy a wide range of activities (my favorites are kayaking, snowboarding, cycling, hiking, and Zumba).
In 2011 I completed my first triathlon!
I love to travel and I’ve seen a lot of the world. I’ve also lived in 5 different states and three different countries.
I’m also a bit of an adventure junkie - I’ve para-sailed and bungee jumped, I love roller coasters, and I will try anything once. I decided long ago that life should be lived to the fullest and nothing would hold me back, especially my weight.
This site is a personal weight loss blog (and a food blog too!) meant to share my story of becoming healthy. As I’ve blogged over the years stories from others trying to lose weight have weaved into mine. From weight loss success stories to my weight loss blogging love story with Kepa, this blog has become bigger than just me. It’s about my story, and many others, all of us trying to lose weight and live healthy, happy lives.
Yep, I met my future husband through blogging. Our love story is chronicled on the blog here, here, and here.
In August 2010 I moved to Auckland, New Zealand for love and I currently am adjusting to living in New Zealand with Kepa. I’m always excited to meet more kiwi bloggers, so please say hi!
I’m still focused on using exercise and healthy food to make my body feel better and make me happier. My philosophy on weight loss and healthy living is a simple one: eat less (and better) and move more. This doesn’t have to be complicated either – just do the things you enjoy. Life is too short for anything less.
Subscribe:
If you want to follow my weight loss journey please subscribe to my blog by RSS or get daily update to your inbox when you subscribe by email! And make sure you check out my food blog and read some of my best blog posts.
Disclaimer:
I’m not a doctor/nutritionist/dietitian/personal trainer. Basically my opinion is NOT what you should base your own healthy living decisions off of. I recommend you contact a qualified professional if you are planning to change your exercise or eating habits. They can be invaluable and help you safely start a weight loss or exercise program. My blog is only my personal experience in what has worked for me. :)
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
I just discovered your blog. Interesting stuff. I live in Memphis, too, so I wanted to say hello!
Good luck with your weight loss journey, Mary. I wish I had latched on to a healthy lifestyle when I was your age rather than seeking the next diet and miracles that just left me heavier in the end.
It’s a tough journey. Just take it one day at a time and if you slip, get back up and try it again. Slow and steady wins the race. You can do it!!!
Recently found your blog and I’m loving it so far :) I also enjoy the DMB reference at the end there haha! Best of luck, I will be reading….
Love your blog, Mary. Thanks for checking out mine earlier!
I just came across your blog. I love your positive attitude! I’m maintaining a 30-pound weight loss and I can’t imagine how I’d do if I were to gain it back. Would I have the motivation to do it again?!? I’d look to you for inspiration!
Sounds very cool to me! I can’t wait to read more!
I’m lovin’ the picture show.
Hey thanks for stopping by my blog! I love the way your blog is set up. I can’t wait to read more!
Hi Mary, just found your blog when searching for our client Taupo Bungy. Wanted to say congrats on the jump but also congratulations on this blog! I’m getting my house in order with health and fitness etc. and it’s quite a journey – good on your for sharing it with the world. May many others return you the happiness and openness that you convey.
Hi Mary,
Congrats on all your successes! And thank you for sharing with the world. I’m sure many are inspired with your help.
I’ve personally never dealt with weight. My body doesn;t gain weight when I eat poorly, but I get many other symptoms that led me to want to master nutrition.
The biggest issue I’ve had with maintaining the best health and energy, is finding the time for the cooking.
After years of inconsistent healthy eating, my partner and I developed a system that makes all of our meals 15 minutes or less. It involves prepping larger amounts of food twice per week for about an hour. We love it! The keys to our success are planning ahead and having a prep-buddy – which makes it more fun and go by quickly.
We’ve documented all our recipes and meal plans. I’d love for you to take a look. If you find it interesting, maybe you’d consider trying it out and reviewing it on your blog. Let me know if you’d like to check it out.
Blessings,
Luke
I am on a similar journey to you, I am also trying to lose weight and have been dealing with depression for many many years. You are definitely inspiration.
xo Lauren
Hi there
Came across your blog and thought I’d drop in. I’ve started a weight loss blog today; I’m hoping it will inspire me and keep me motivated. You’re not alone with the whole depression thing – I’ve been battling depression for years and it’s led to me developing binge eating disorder.
Keep up the good work.
What a neat blog! Excited to follow!
Cheers,
LC
What a great blog you have! Thanks for stopping by mine.
Tootles,
Jasmine
Hey honey…thanks for commenting on my blog so I could jump over to yours. I am excited to follow you along on your amaing journey! Rock it girl! :)
I like your general approach to weight control.
I have a method that has worked for me for the last 50 years or so. I have chosen a weight just a pound or two over my actual weight. For me, this is 130 pounds. I don’t let myself go over that. I weigh myself almost every day, first thing in the morning. If I am a bit over that weight, I am very careful the rest of the day, and the following days, until I am below the chosen weight. I eat low calorie foods, and eat only about 3/4 of the usual servings. Low (pun intended) and behold, in a couple of days I am back to below my chosen weight.
This involves losing, usually, only half a pound or so at a time, what seems like an easy amount.
Many of us are over weight. Some of us have lost weight, only to regain it. If you are over weight and have just noticed it, you have probably been gaining weight. It will take some will power to stop gaining weight. Instead of setting a goal now to get to your ideal weight, realize that if you could just stop gaining, you would healthier than if you keep gaining. Why not pick a weight just a little more than your present weight and set a goal to not exceed that for the next six months? It would be easier than trying to lose many pounds, you would only deal with about half a pound at a time, and it would not put your body on a yo-yo weight pattern, slow down your metabolism, etc.
I know that weight can vary from day to day, especially for women that are menstruating, but I do not allow myself any excuses. If my weight is higher than my chosen weight, I work to reduce it. If the weight gain was from premenstruation, I may lose an extra half pound that I didn’t need to lose. That is OK. I will have fun gaining it again.
Wow. I really enjoy your blog. It is inspiring to see how much you have done so far before reaching your goal weight!
There is noway that you are only 3 years older than I am! You are so mature :)!
I *love* your blog! I think we’re twins! I too met my BF online, basically, and we corresponded for over a year before I moved to England to be with him :) it’s such an adjustment!
Can’t wait to read more! And congrats!
Great blog here. I find that the best way that Iose weight is to actually get plenty of sleep lol. I notice that when I lose sleep, I start craving all kinds of fats and sweets.
Hi Mary,
you can certainly reach your weight goal, as you did a few years ago. Go for it!
I like your pictures, especially the para-sail one. I used to go para-sailing, too, and I have taken very similar pictures. Where is this place in the picture?
That’s Innsbruck, Austria. :)
You amaze me with your sense of adventure! I love to travel as well but haven’t quite worked up the nerve to do some of the things you have!
Great “about” page and great blog. I look forward to reading more!
Hi there
I randomly came across your blog today and I’ve really enjoyed reading so far! You and I have a very similar past with weight etc. I also live in New Zealand altho I am a nzer born and bred!
Can’t wait to read more!
What a great blogging story for you and your husband!
I have been reading your blog for the last few months and recently started my own. I am trying to get the hang of it and give you a great deal of credit for all you do. Your blog makes me want to do better for myself, it’s truly a wonderful blog. Thank you for everything.
Hi Mary! Just came across your blog and wanted to say how much I am enjoying it. I am very much looking forward to new posts and following you on your journey. Cheers!
Hey Mary
Thanks for your great description of making almond butter. It made me chortle. I followed the instructions (but roasted them first), and hey presto, yum.
Thanks and keep writing, it is delightful to read
Hi Mary!
You are truly an inspiration. I love your blog.
Keep up the great work :)
Hey mary
I have just started my own weight loss journey after years of personal neglect and emotional eating I decided it was time to get off my backside and start doing something about it. It’s been a tough journey so far and every day I am reading other peoples blogs and looking for inspiration.
I have bookmarked and subscribed to your blogs RSS feed and I will be coming back here often to find tips, advice and inspiration.
RGS. Justin
Hello from a NZer!! Just came across your blog and am very inspired! I just joined weight watchers today and trying to find some blogs, or people that I can keep in contact with and find support through.
Hi! Just wanted to leave a note to tell you that you are an inspiration to me. I found your blog about a month ago and was so inspired that I have started my own weight loss blog. I’ve tried dieting over and over and I never stick with it. I’ve found that creating a blog and sharing it with my friends and family (and whoever else might read it) has been the most motivating and freeing experience. It’s better than any diet I’ve ever tried. Anyway…just wanted to say thanks for putting yourself out there! :)
Here’s my site if you’re interested in checking it out – http://movingmeredith.blogspot.com/
Hi from Vancouver Canada. Just found your blog today and find it very inspiring. Love the pictures. I am considering starting a blog on my most recent weight loss/exercise journey. I talked to a friend yesterday who is 57 and had a heart attack. Made me think – I’m turning 60 in June and if I don’t stay healthy it is a slippery slid downhill from here.
I just found your website. My story is very similar to yours, Im glad to see you are dealing with the emotional issues at 25 rather than 46 like I am. Too many people never do the work necessary to nake a permanent lifestyle change.
Continued success to you !
Hii Mary! Great meeting you here! I love your story and your positive attitude. Thank you for being so open with us! keep rockin’ :)
Hi Mary, I was just looking through your blog and I like how friendly you are with all the people. A lot of bloggers who have been around for a while, usually are snobby towards new bloggers. But you are so cool!
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Is your boyfriend from the Basque Country? I mean because of the name (Kepa) and because he looks like! Basque guys are the best! ;)
Nope. Auckland, NZ.
Hi! What a nice ‘about me’. :) Like you, I believe life should be lived to the fullest, if not, then whats the point? I want to live with NO regrets. After all, we aren’t on this little round ball that long….
Take care! :)
Ashley
Hello Mary,
It was great to find your blog today. I too have started my blog on weight loss and hope to connect with others who are doing the same. My site is just a couple of days old so there isn’t much to see yet but I will be updating it regularly. I have about 60 pounds to lose. I was in NZ just a few years ago and went parasailling in Queenstown. I think we both have a lot in common. I will be visiting your site regularly.
Lynn Madore
Ontario, Canada
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Not a Kiwi, but definitely a neighbour. A big wave hello from Australia. I am slowly working my way through your blog archives and I am very inspired for my journey ahead. Keep up the good work, Ill be coming back often through out my challenge.
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I just wanted to say HI. I found your blog today and it has definitely sparked my interest. I was looking at your graduation picture above & I believe we may be from the same hometown…Memphis? The building in the background looks like the colliseum. Anyway, just wanted to say Hi & would love to know if we did indeed have one city in common. New Zealand is a bit far for right now, but I would love to visit one day.
Yep! I’m from the Memphis area. :)
This is excellent and good to know the results your efforts produced.
Another way this kind of results can be achieved easily is by dancing especially with your loved one. The whole method and type of dance are described on my page and it is something that is easy enough for anybody to do.
Am impressed with your results, keep it up and regards to your future husband. You both look good.
great blog very interseting…
Can’t wait to read more!
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Thanks again for working with me Mary and sharing my EasyLunchbox System with all your fans!
I discovered your blog last night. I just started my own weight loss blog so that I can be motivated to con’t.
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Greetings from Melbourne. Thanks for the useful info. I’m doing a project at uni and your content was quite useful. Thanks for sharing :)
Hi Mary, what a lovley blog! I like your story and look forward to reading more. Lana
I just discovered your blog, and am definitely going to keep reading! Your story is amazing (Moving to New Zealand for love?!?! That’s so cool!) and I admire your efforts, as I am just beginning in my own. :)
I just found your site and bookmarked it instantly. I love NZ and hope you’ll keep us updated. I’m also a dog aficionado and if you ever come across a dog herding sheep and have your camera nearby…
Thanks :) .
hi mary
i am from oman in middleeast i liked your blog and you look amazing in the picture with your future husband and i can see that you have lost alot of weight and how you feel i too am was in the same situation like you and hope have a great life hope to keep in touch with you
take care and keep writing
asif
Love your blog, i hope i can have some success in the weightloss department too, more for my health and happiness than anything else, i have been overweight for so long it is now affecting my health, so well done to you , your looking great.
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
omg your story inspires me!!! Ive had the same problem and I even stoopped eating completely because of it :( trying to find other ways to lose weight! I love your blog! <3
Thank you for commenting on my blog so I could discover yours!
I love your story, and how adventurous you are! Good luck with your weight loss journey, it looks as though you’ve already come a long way!
Hi Mary,
I discovered your site yesterday. Great website, great girl; please, keep your lifestyle and your website going. Be glad that you have discovered a healthy lifestyle in such a young age (you could be my granddaughter :-)). I never had real weight problems, but running a mile in my mid-thirties was quite a bit. During a stressful career situation with 40 plus, a neighbour coaxed me to go to the fitness studio with her. Good luck for me. I did that more or less in the following years. Even when I was extremely busy, I tried to do some ab exercises, my favourites. They are fast and effective. Today, in my mid-sixties, I enjoy the benefits: A good health and strength. Over average muscle mass is not to see, but it helps to keep strong and the weight under control. Hope our examples motivate others to act and enjoy.
Best regards to New Zealand,
Your German fan in Texas,
Wilma
Found your site when I was researching for our website yourbirthdayweek.net. Like what we saw on your site; interesting, good information/topics, layout, and very helpful to others. Thanks for your site, keep up the good job.
Dudley Mitchell
Hey Mary, I found your site because I was looking up a recipe for making mashed potatoes out of cauliflower. Sure enough, I stumbled across your site and LOVE IT!! I, too, am eating proteins and minimizing carbs and calories. I try to eat like a diabetic, because when I was pregnant 2 yrs ago, I did have gestational diabetes and learned how to eat properly. I have never been grossly overweight, but have about 20 lbs to lose. To avoid diabetes in the future, I have adopted a healthy eating lifestyle. I love eating broccoli, along with my 9 yr old twins. Now I am going to perfect the mashed cauliflower and roasted cauliflower to change up our vege choices. Thanks for your inspiration… keep on rocking!! Jackie :-)
Love your blog!
Hi there! Found your website while looking at almond butter recipes. Love your life views and how active you are!
Great work.
Stay at it.
Wow. Just stumbled upon your blog and I can’t help but leave a comment. Just want to tell you I’m so happy for you and Kepa. :)
Hiya from San Francisco! Really love your blogs and your inspirational weight-loss journey (and your blog love story). I’ve lost about 50 pounds over the last couple of years, and I am still on my journey to drop 40 more to reach my healthy goal. I’m also a big traveler and I love to try new activities. I love to find other gal and guy bloggers out there working hard to live the best life they can. You can bet that I’ll be following your journey from now on!
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