I began fast-five “full throttle” in September of 2005. I had tried the diet a few months before, without reading the book first, and was not successful. After receiving it, and thoroughly reading the text, I knew it was a diet that would work for me, and it most certainly has. I started the Fast-5 diet at age 17. I’ll be honest; I had a lot of crazy stares and questions, especially at school. In fact one of my biggest concerns about starting this way of life was the social pressures at both high school, and work. Both were a cinch. Fast-5 at school allowed me to have extra time for school work, last minute homework, and talking with friends. The money I began to save was incredible, just another one of the great incentives.

As one of the first fast-fivers, I was a little skeptical. I had tried many diets, weight loss pills, and exercise routines in the past, none of which had any long term results. I wasn’t sure how this could possibly be different than those of the past. So many of the things I had tried were quite capable of helping people lose weight, however, so many of them left you with a lack of content. I was giving up, favorite foods, holiday traditions, or a good time. I was not willing to make this sacrifice, even if it meant I was losing out on losing weight. Fast-5 was the best of both worlds; I could lose the weight, without giving up the things that meant a good deal to me.

Weight has been something that has shadowed me my entire life. I have never been Barbie thin, or even just “thin," however I have always had the desire to be. I first felt overweight at the young age of 10. I still remember the dreaded nurse checkup at school when I found out I was 100 lbs. I felt huge. From that moment I constantly battled with self image problems, and lack of self respect. It was a way of life that I had no desire to live any more.

Fast-5 was, and continues to be a life saver. I have lost 20+ pounds, and am continuing to lose the weight. I feel healthier, more fit and oh so much happier. I am not afraid to wear the shorter skirt, the tighter jeans, or the fitted shirt. I am perfectly content with who I am and who I am going to be as the pounds continue to shed. Fast-5 has been something that I share with anyone and everyone I come across who just needs a little something to put them on this great and fun road I am on. I have a very exciting road ahead of me; I just moved halfway across the country to begin college, I am a new nanny for three amazing children, and am quickly seeing what it is to be an adult. I have people looking up to me, now more than ever, and I am not about to let them down. I now can walk this new road with confidence, self control, and self respect. All I can say is thank you Fast-5 for giving me “the me” I have been striving to become, and now officially have!