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Name: Melody Millay

Age: 28

Height: 5'4"

Before Weight: 265 pounds


How I Gained It: My brothers and sister were always involved in sports, but I was very lazy as a child, and I had no desire to play any sports of my own. I grew up not knowing how to eat healthy because the house was always stocked full of junk food and soda. When I went to college I started to pack on the pounds. It didn't help that the relationships I was in weren't very healthy, so I was both physically and mentally out of shape. I never felt comfortable in my own skin. I hated dressing up for teaching experiences in the classroom because I knew the kids would be brutal and honest about how I looked and dressed.


Breaking Point: I saw a picture from Christmas 2008 that my sister had posted on Facebook and MySpace that was me at my worst. I was so embarrassed that I didn't even want that picture on there. I couldn't believe that I had allowed myself to gain that much weight. I knew then that I had to get up and move and do something better for myself. I've always wanted to wear cute clothes, run 5Ks and feel proud and confident. I used that photo as my motivator from then on to learn how to eat right and workout daily.


How I Lost It: I researched tons of websites and bought tons of books to help me figure out how to learn to eat clean. I cut out a lot of processed foods and soda altogether. I bought several workout DVDs and started walking to help provide a variety to my routine. Changing it up every couple of months helped change the muscles in my body. I became a Beachbody coach[2] to hold myself accountable for my journey, as well as help others with their own. It's been five years since I fully committed to becoming the person I've always wanted to be. I've had ups, downs and many injuries along the way, but I never gave up on myself! I've had tons of support from family and friends. Listening to their encouraging words has helped me stay committed. I'm very close to my ultimate goal, and I'm hoping to reach it by my 29th birthday! I plan on training for local 5Ks in the future!


After Weight: 165 pounds

2013-07-22-MelodyMillay.jpg

The Huffington Post publishes photographs as they are submitted to us by our readers.


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