My Names Michelle and I'm a Taurus

I was born in the month of May and that makes my astrological/Zodiac sign the Bull.
If you're not familiar with the qualities of a Taurus, here's a quick over view.
When Taurus work, they work hard. They do it with a steadiness that may rarely be considered quick--rather it's a dependable, plodding, and steady effort that has its payoffs. Security is immensely important to Taurus--some of them actively seek wealth, while others are content to be "comfortable". The Taurus definition of "comfortable" may not be exactly the same as the rest of the signs, but comfort is definitely a driving force.
Although hard-working, their fixed and comfort-loving nature sometimes makes them appear lazy. This is only because they separate work and leisure so well. When they work, they work hard, and when they play, they don't really "play" as such...they relax. A Solar Taurus who has kicked his or her feet up is rooted there--you'd be hard-pressed to get them to move. On a mental level, you'll likely have the same problem. Taureans stick with things and ideas, and therein lies one of the reasons why they are known for their stubbornness. Taurus is a fixed sign, and they have a fair measure of tradition and steadiness in their make-up that keeps them rooted.
I say this because I've been thinking a lot about my stubborn ways and the ideas that mold me, the process in which my actions are formed.  The ideals I believe in.  I don't usually give much credit to astrological signs and horoscopes, but I found them fitting for this very post.
I've had a profound passion for food.  I LOVE the stuff.  The salty and fatter the better!
Mashed Potatoes, Flaming Hot Cheetos, Jalepeno Cheddar rolls, Popcorn smothered in butter, Alfredo, Cheese, Pasta, French Fries, Ranch Dressing.  Did I mention how much I LOVE these things?
My love for these foods has shown itself in the extra weight I've lugged around almost my entire life.  I don't know what It feels like to be thin.  I had moments in my life where I was thinner, but actually being at a healthy weight always seemed out of reach for me. 
Most of my life I watched my friends partake in crash diets, get on prescribed weight loss pills, have surgeries and lose weight.  I was happy for them when they felt good about themselves, but inside I was a little envious, maybe even a little bitter, that they could afford to go and have the hard part of weight loss magically taken care of for them.
I always knew (believed) that if I was going to lose my weight I was going to do it the good old fashioned way of eating less, eating better and exercising more. Some times I tried really hard to make changes in my life, sometimes I gave up trying and just enjoyed eating myself into oblivion. 
In many ways I had all the tools with me, that could help me be successful in losing weight and getting healthy.  I just wasn't sure how to use them.
For the last 6 weeks I've been following a program called Kristi Approved (Live the Live), one that has helped me put eating and exercising together in away that is enjoyable and satisfying to me.  I've certainly had days where I have wanted to rip open a bag of cheetos and eat the entire thing.  I've had moments where I've wanted to just go get a shot of hormones and watch my weight melt off in a month rather than having to have self control for the rest of my life, but over all I'm proud of myself for working at something that is hard for me.  I'm proud that I've stuck with it!
I have lost 15 pounds.  I've lost a few inches here and there.  Progress is slow and steady, but I also hope that means it's permanent.  On an interesting side note,  I've always had healthy blood pressure, but my heart rate has always been really fast/high.  It was always 90 (plus) beats a minute.  Now when I go in and have my blood pressure measured my heart rate is significantly lower.  The first time it was 64 beats per minute, yesterday it was 74, so apparently eating healthy has been good for my heart too!
So here's to being stubborn and believing that I can lose weight and get healthier by eating less and exercising more!