This morning NBC's Today show featured an inspiring story about a woman who lost 100 pounds.

Carolyn Leonard is a 57-year-old telecommunications sales manager, mother of one and grandmother of two living in Tampa, Fla.

At her heaviest, Carolyn, who is 5'2'', weighed 252 pounds.

Carolyn had lost and regained 50 pounds twice in the past, but it wasn’t until a traumatic event in October 2005 that she found the determination to lose and keep off 100 pounds.

Carolyn and her husband Richard made the decision to start eating better in April 2005, and by October 5, Carolyn had already lost 20 pounds. That morning as Richard was leaving for work, he turned to tell Carolyn he loved her and fell to the floor. Richard suffered a massive heart attack and died in Carolyn's arms before the paramedics arrived.

“There was no looking back,” Carolyn said. “I needed to lose weight and improve my health. I was taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and pain. I decided to make a permanent change to be here for my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. I did it for us.”

After Richard’s death, Carolyn's doctor told her to keep a journal to help with the healing process. As part of her journal, Carolyn documented everything she ate, and in that way realized she was eating even when she wasn’t hungry and choosing food high in fat and sugar.

Carolyn stopped buying junk food so the temptation wouldn't be in the house. She started packing her lunch (which also saved a lot of money), and purchased smaller plates for dinner to help with portion control.

Another big key for Carolyn was walking. She now walks every day during her work breaks, lunch and after work. She parks at the back of the parking lot and when she goes to the mall, she parks at the opposite end of her favorite department store.

To read more of this amazing story CLICK HERE!

Carolyn and other women like her are members of the Joy Fit Club!