Do you ever look at pictures of people losing weight and think their before looks like they were inflated with extra air or something? I’m not trying to insult myself, but when I stare at my nearly 300 lb. self from January squeezing into an XL shirt, I think that. I went out in public like that regularly. I’m really embarrassed thinking back on it, but I always told myself that I was not a size 2XL shirt gal. Clearly, I should have been.
It’s been a little over seven months, three of those being a lull for me (I sort of gave up in the spring…woops!), but I finally reached the 260s this morning! That’s 10%, yall!
I took these pictures tonight, and while I don’t see much of a body shape difference, I definitely see that the XL shirt is a LOT looser. And yes, that’s the exact same shirt and capris I’m wearing in the pic to keep things uniform for progress pics. I also see it in my face…my double chin is slowly going away. 🙂
And yeah….I realize that after taking these pics that I was totally wearing a standard bra and in my current pic I was wearing my sports bra. So, things do look a lot different in the ladies department in these pics, but the difference isn’t that drastic. 😛
10% is a big step on this weight loss journey for me. While I still have about 85 lbs. to lose, I think this may have been the biggest hurdle for me to cross.
I feel like I’ve found a good balance, food and exercise wise. I’m on my weight loss plan every day. There are no “cheat days” for me, because I do not want to fall off the wagon like I have in the past. I log every single bite, but I still enjoy a weekly treat and/or meal. I just don’t binge anymore. In fact, you may notice I’m still baking like crazy (if you read my food blog). I’m happy that I get to enjoy every dish that I write about but now, I’m no longer eating 3-4 brownies in one sitting or a heaping bowl of homemade ice cream. It’s much smaller servings this time around, and I’m completely fine with that. As long as I have the calories (or since I’m giving Weight Watchers a try for a month right now, points), I don’t feel an ounce of guilt enjoying a treat.
Weight loss for me isn’t happening quickly. I’m not losing 5 lbs./week. I’m averaging about 2 lbs./week lately, and I’m completely stoked about that. In fact, I haven’t gained any weight the past 7 weeks that I’ve been back in the weight loss groove. 😀 So, while it’s slow, I know I’m still losing, and to me, that’s all that matters. At this rate, if I keep losing 2 lbs./week, I’ll be at my goal by spring of next year! That’s a really exciting thought, y’all!
Here’s some NSVs (non scale victories) that I’ve noticed since starting my weight loss journey:
- Pants size before: 26 —– Pants size now: 22 or 24 depending on the jeans
- Work shirt size before: 22/24 or 3x —– Work shirt size now: 18/20 or 2x (although I tried on a 1x shirt at Macy’s last week and that fit perfectly!)
- I have to hook my bra on one notch in instead of pulling hoping that it hooks on the last notches.
- I had terrible lower back pain this past winter. That’s not an issue anymore.
- I ran for 5 minutes in a row TWICE this week (Thank you Couch to 5k!).
- My BodyMedia Fit armband is no longer squeezing on my arm. It fits, but it doesn’t leave a red mark where the band was when I take it off.
- My wedding rings are starting to feel loose again.
I know this post may come across as braggy, but I can’t help it. I’m VERY proud of myself for reaching this step. Look at what losing 10% can do! I even get a little reward for losing 10%. 🙂 Just all sorts of great things, y’all!
So, here we go to the next milestone! 50 lbs., here I come!
Congratulations! The biggest different I have noticed is the big cheesy grin on your face! Most important part! Keep it up, you are doing so well!
I see differences. Great work. I am soo happy for you. Keep plugging away 2 lb/ week is a really good sustainable pace. We wil get there. Awesome job o. Cto5K. Congrats, enjoy your reward!!!
Thanks so much! I’m just glad I’m losing 2 lbs/week, rather than gaining. 🙂 We definitely will get there!
Congrats Amy! I love seeing your running posts on twitter and it has motivated me to download the app you use and start the couch to 5k program. I’ve been putting it off for months, but I’ve really stalled in my weight loss (and gained some due to 100*+ weather & an issue with positional vertigo). It’s really awesome to see your progress and reminds/encourages me to keep going. I don’t think you sound braggy,just happy! Congrats and keep going, you are doing great!
Thanks so much! I saw that you did your first workout today! The first week definitely seemed like the longest one to me, because of how many runs you have. Believe me, it gets much better. I’m down to 4 runs/week now! You can do it!
I am so proud of you, Amy! You’re doing fantastic and you can see it not only in the photos, but in your attitude! Keep it up 🙂
Thanks so much! 🙂
Amy, that’s awesome! You have much to be proud of + are inspiring so many {esp. this girl}! Keep at it, friend! <3
Aww, thank you, Marissa! 🙂
It is impossible for me to fully express how proud I am of you. This. is. awesome!! YOU. are. awesome!!
Thanks SO much! 🙂 I hope you know you’re awesome too!
I can totally tell around your face!! You’re doing an amazing job. Go girl!!!
Thanks!
Great job, Amy!! The goal is good health as well as weight loss! You already look and feel better.
I have found that it is all about balance and feeling in control and empowered with good nutrition and exercise. I love the couch to 5k as well… except I am continuing to power walk more than ‘run’. I still go for 30 to 45 minutes, and that helps boost metabolism and burn calories as well as tone.
Good job! Keep up the good work!
I think this is awesome! & 2 lbs/week sounds like the healthy, most realistic way to go!
Definitely! I know I’ll eventually get there. Even if it takes two years, it’s better to do something now than to sit for another two years, doing nothing. 🙂
This is awesome!! I’m so proud! What an accomplishment! Don’t even think twice about bragging–you deserve to brag a little. 😉
Thanks so much! I’m glad it wasn’t TOO braggy!
I’m so proud of you!! I love hearing the changes that you’ve experienced since since losing your 10%. Congratulations on your hard work continuing to pay off, you are so inspiring!
Thanks girl! You’re definitely inspiring me too! You’re rocking at this weight loss thing, for real!
so inspiring to see such great progress! slow and steady wins the race :-). Are you going to share what you buy/make with your fabric shopping spree?
great job Amy!! Have you gotten that pedicure yet? what is your award for 10%? keep it up!
I did! I think I’m going to get another one very soon though… 🙂
You look great!!! You are such an inspiration to me and I love cheering you on for this journey. I definitely see differences between the before-after/during photos- especially in your face. And I am very proud of you 😀 Keep at it girl!!
Thanks SO much for cheering me on! The support really helps. 🙂 You’re such a great friend!!
Congrats! I love the feeling of losing weight! You’re doing AWESOME! And looking goooooooood!