My healthy lifestyle change started in March of this year. At that time in my life I was almost 10 pounds heavier than after giving birth to my son four years earlier. I felt like my weight and unhealthy choices were controlling my life.

I was drinking Mt. Dew constantly and eating foods that contained more carbohydrates than I needed all week. I was tired all the time and barely had any energy left for my son when I got home from work. All I wanted to do was grab fast food, head home, and hope to be on the couch for the rest of the night.

Aside from our nightly chores the couch is where I stayed until bedtime. I realized then I wanted something more for my son. I wanted to go home, cook a healthy supper, play in the yard, and chase him around if that’s what he needed from me. Not to mention my self-esteem was at the bottom of the totem pole.

First, I changed my eating habits. I cut out breads, noodles, foods high in carbs, and sweets. I started buying fresh fruits, veggies, and lean meats. I also increased my water intake to about eight bottles a day. Instantly, I started losing weight and feeling so much better. My energy returned and I felt like doing so much more during the afternoons with my family.

After a month of changing my eating habits, I decided to join the gym. My friend Wanda Mullins inspired me to do more in my healthy journey. We started working out together, which really helped because I had someone to hold me accountable.

On the nights I wasn’t working out with Wanda, I went to the gym and walked/ran on the treadmill. Slowly but surely I am now able to run one to two miles a day. This isn’t much to some, but to me it’s a huge improvement from where I started.

My goal is to eventually run a 5k. Since my journey started, I’ve lost almost 30 pounds but what I’ve gained is my life back. I feel so much better about myself and the choices I’m making. I want to be an example for my son.

Our summer has been filled with fun and adventure and I’m able to give my family the best of me. I’ve really only started, but I never want to go back to my old lifestyle.

Anyone can change their life for the better and I can honestly say getting started was the hardest part.

For more information please contact April Speck, Clinton County Healthy Hometown Coordinator at 606-387-2051 or april.speck@clinton.kyschools.us

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Marcy Aaron, above before making healthy lifestyle changes prior to March, and below, now after just four months of working toward becoming healthier and losing over 30 pounds.