Seven months ago, truth slapped me in the face. It hurt my feelings, shook me to the core and gave me all the encouragement I needed to make a life altering decision.

This?

Photo credit: Marc Orbito, Hungry Eye Photography

This is Truth. An in-your-face-this-is-what-you-really-look-like-so-stop-pretending photo.

Ouch!

I’d been hiding from obesity for three long years; avoiding mirrors and pretending that the weight I’d put on following the birth of my youngest child didn’t really exist.

My avoidance tactic didn’t work, but this photo gave me the push I needed to finally make better choices about my health. Like exercising regularly and eating healthier foods.

I’ve lost 39 pounds over the last seven months!

And you know what? I feel great.

I’m fit. I’m strong. I’m active. And thanks to the Map My Fitness Quaker Challenge, I’m still on track, maintaining my success and continuing along this journey toward a healthier me.

My experience with the challenge was great. I met my challenge goal of completing 15 workouts in 3o days and I’m determined to keep going. Tracking my workouts on the Map My Fitness site was a cinch. The group forums were overflowing with support, encouragement and inspiration. And best of all? It was free!

Does get it any better than that? Absolutely.

You can win $750 in the Quaker Oats Sweepstakes! Just leave a comment below for your chance to win.

February is National Heart Health month. Even if it’s only 5 more minutes a day, what extra step will you take to stay fit?

For your chance to win $750 complete these two steps:

1. Share the challenge with your friends.

2. Tell us that you’ve invited your friends to join the challenge AND share the extra step you’ll take to stay fit below.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats Company. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.