Amanda Shed Over 70 Pounds with Weight Watchers

Every week, we introduce you to bloggers who share their weight-loss journeys and hefty doses of inspiration with their readers. This week's featured blogger is Amanda from Another Prior Fat Girl.

Name: Amanda Bartschenfeld

Age: 25

Start weight: 219.2

Current weight: 147.8

Goal weight: 139

My weight loss approach: I joined Weight Watchers in May 2008 because I knew I needed a lifestyle change -- not just a lose-weight-quick fad diet. Now I pay attention to portion sizes and eating healthfully most of the time. I've learned that I love fruits and vegetables, and I try to incorporate them into every meal. My Weight Watchers leader often says, "you crave what you eat," and I couldn't agree more. I never thought I would literally crave a big salad or fresh fruit, but now I do! I've also noticed a lot of positive changes in my health since becoming a lacto-ovo vegetarian one year ago. Eating better food helped me lose weight, but, more importantly, I feel wonderful and healthy.

Being active has also been instrumental in my weight loss. I work out about three days a week. I ran my first 5K last September and really enjoyed running and walking outside while I was training for it. However, I'm not a die-hard runner, and the Minnesota winter is keeping me inside these days. I recently started kickboxing at a kung-fu studio and am loving it! I get a good mix of cardiovascular conditioning and strength training in a fun, energetic class. No matter the exercise, my body feels so much better now that I'm dedicated to moving more.

Why I wanted to blog about it: Blogging holds me accountable. Don't get me wrong, I still have unhealthy meals and happy hours here and there! Only now in the back of my head I'm thinking, "Oh geez, am I going to have to fess up to this on the blog now?" We're all human, and I like people to know that you can lose weight without starving and while still having a life.

The best part of blogging is: The comments people leave are truly encouraging and motivating. I've never been in it for the cheering section, but it sure doesn't hurt!

Best comment I've received: I can't think of a particular comment that sticks out above the rest, but in general I think it's amazing when someone says I inspire them. I never would have guessed that my body and lifestyle would inspire anyone!

What's next for my blog: I want to keep on motivating others (and myself!) while I work hard to lose these last 10ish pounds. It's going to be a struggle, but I'm comforted in knowing that my readers and I are in this together.

She looks great! Head over to Amanda's blog to find out more about her amazing journey.

Feeling inspired? Check out how Amanda's blogging partner, Jennifer of Prior Fat Girl, also beat the bulge.