Franklin

Member Since March 2008

My Story
My Curves Journal. My name is Jo Anne Kitchen and I joined Curves on March 3, 2008. My friend Kay Vargo had told me how great it was and she was really benefiting from it. It really shows. I looked after my Mother until she passed. I basically let myself go so I felt it was time for me to do something for myself for a change. I figured this huffing and puffing has got to go. I really dont know how I ever survived without Curves. The ladies greet you with a smile and give you so much encouragement. They really listen to my concerns and help me keep focused. The encouragement HUGS make me feel important. It really makes my day. So far I have not lost a lot of weight but stress is a key factor in my life. I started out weighing 219.4. I never told anyone how much I weighed because I was so ashamed. I used to weigh more than that but I stopped getting on the scales. I dreamed of fitting into clothes that others wear. Face it, not much to choose from in the Plus Size section. I continued with Curves and started seeing results. It made me feel so much better. The best feeling was when I put on a pair of my favorite slacks and I had to hold them up. The waist was so aggravating. I went to Wal-Mart and picked up several pairs of slacks. I decided to try on a pair that was smaller just for fun. Low and behold, they fit. I was so excited. So onward and inward I started my journey towards a new me. I have now been a member for over a year. I made my goal of weight loss but Im not stopping there. To date, I have lost 50 lbs. and 28 inches, not to mention the body fat 33.46. My friends are amazed and very encouraging. People that used to ignore me comment on how good I look. I am quick to respond that is because of Curves. The main thing is that I feel good. With stress of no employment, it is easy to find yourself going to the refrigerator and thinking of the candy bar hid in the secret spot. I now look at labels and am eating healthier than ever. I dont deprive myself of things that I want but portion size is a big factor. I was so excited that someone gave me a size 16 jeans. I never wore jeans before because I couldnt get any to fit that didnt make me look like a barn door. They fit and I was so excited. Another friend gave me an incentive outfit. It was a size 14. I figured I would never get in it. I wore it Easter Sunday and felt just as good as I looked. My friend Kay gave me a size 14 pair of jeans. Thats my new goal. I can get them on; just not sit down in them comfortably. But with Curves on my side, anything is possible. Thank you Jan and team. You are the best.

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