My name is Melanie and I live in sunny Florida. This site as well as the journey has gone through many revisions ~ new beginnings ~ new plans ~ new goals. Its many changes seemed to reflect my attitude about my excess weight and myself. When my original site was created I wanted a Victoria's Secret body. Life was on hold until that image I had in my mind was attained. Then in 2001, I lost my husband of 18 years to cancer. Through the grief and transitions I have come to realize that my life is precious, each day a gift from God, not to be wasted or regretted. Life has taken on a new meaning. Today is what is important - something to be celebrated and enjoyed ~ today, not tomorrow when I reach that magical number on the scale or that certain clothing size. That is why this web site has taken a new direction once again.
Weight has been an issue most of my life. It began in my childhood when I was teased for being fat. I married young, had two beautiful children and later found the strength to leave a very unhappy marriage. I was near a healthy weight when I remarried but when I became pregnant with my third child and weight came back on. Various weight loss attempts brought minor success but eventually I was right back where I started and then some.
Now today I am very aware of the toll physically that this extra 100 pounds has taken on my body. The swollen ankles, hurting knees, and a recent diagnosis of diabetes have gotten my attention. Emotionally, I feel like a stranger in my own body.

But I am so thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the lover of my soul. I am finally realizing that in all my weight loss attempts in the past, I had left Him out. So, once again, I begin. Only this time I am not doing it alone. This time my God and Creator is included in the equation. After all - He created me so He certainly know how to fix me!

My food plan is quite simple - healthier eating. More fruits and vegetables, lower fat, smaller portions and more exercise. I am using Weight Watchers Winning Points although I don't attend meetings due to financial constraints. Most importantly, I look to God for help.
Simple to say ~ not so easy to do! But with God's help, I will try.

This time ~ this is for me - Melanie ~ and I am taking my health back!
I'm so glad you have chosen to join me on this journey. Please keep checking back to see my progress. And as I demonstrate success in this venture, I will pass on some tips and inspirations onto you.

My prayer is that if you have found this web site and struggle with the same issues and feelings that I have, that this site will be a blessing to you.
May God bless you abundantly.

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This site created and maintained by
Melanie Cook ~ 2003