I recently completed a 12 week weight loss challenge through my fitness center. When I started this challenge, I was feeling overwhelmed and to be honest, I didn't think I could do it.  I mean 12 weeks, that's 3 months! I immediately gave myself an out, I said "well if it gets too hard I will stop." I didn't stop, and it wasn't nearly as tough as I thought it would be. I am proud to say not only did I complete the 12 week weight loss challenge, I still follow the program about 80% of the time.  This program gave me so much, it improved my fitness level tremendously, it changed my body dramatically (I lost 14 lbs) and most importantly it built my self esteem. The thing that drove me forward was having a goal and when the challenge was over I actually felt sad and at a loss. Surprisingly, I was scared to eat again after being so regimented, it felt unsafe to just eat what I wanted. I knew that after 12 weeks I would be so conditioned that I would most likely make this a lifestyle chan...