For some time, I'd avoid replacing the battery in my scale. When I finally did, I was shocked: The display said I was carrying 157 pounds on my 5-foot-7 frame. I knew I'd be gaining weight, because my clothes were getting tighter by the day, but I didn't expect the number that stared back at me. My father died at 42 of a heart attack. I had heard about the Body-for-LIFE Challenge, and I knew I was ready for a life change. I accepted the Challenge and was on my way.

When I took my "before" shots, I got my second shock - I really saw myself so different in the mirror from what the pictures showed. That was enough inspiration for me! My real inspiration, however, were my two boys, 2 and 4 years old. I wanted to see them graduate from high school, and to be a grandma someday. I wanted to see everything my father missed in his life.

When the 12-week challenge was over, I had gone from a size 10 or 12 to a size 3/4, from 28 percent body fat to 15 percent, and from 156 pounds to 130. I felt so great that I wanted to show the whole world the new me. My husband and I had planned a trip to Hawaii the week the Challenge was over.

When I first looked at the before-and-after photos in the book, I thought, "There's no way a woman can change her body so drastically in 12 weeks!" Well, now I am one of them, and I have the pictures to prove it. I learned that with hard work and self-love, you can change your life. I will never forget that lesson.