Sometimes life is hard. I realize that it's supposed to be that way so we can appreciate the good times, but geesh! I will say that these past few years have been some of the most fun, rewarding, and exciting years; but there have also been some extremely stressful, sad, and upsetting times. A couple of these times took me a while to admit and face. I would try to avoid it by doing mind-numbing activities like watching TV, movies, and web surfing, but most of all...eating.
Before I realized it, the pounds had crept up on me. I remember looking at a photo that I had been tagged in on facebook and thinking "that's not me". It really opened my eyes. I was sad and very disappointed in myself and realized that something needed to change. I enrolled in an Aerobics class at BYU-I, started a My Fitness Pal account and began to make better food choices. It has taken over a year, but I'm finally down 15 pounds and only have about 10 more to go until I reach my goal!
I used to hate having pictures taken of me, but I don't mind so much anymore! ;) While it's a little embarrassing and humbling, I wanted to post some before and after photos as a reminder to myself to keep going! (And also, so you guys can hold me accountable!)
The before was taken in January of 2010 for our Interior Design Senior Show. I was around 135 lbs (which may not seem like a lot to you, but I'm only 5'1 and was 105 lbs when I got married). The after was taken on Memorial Day of this year, just 2 days after I dyed my hair auburn. I weighed about 120 lbs at that time.
The before photo here was taken in May of 2010 by my friend (and great photographer) Geri. I was about 128 pounds. The after photo was taken 2 weeks ago in Coeur d'Alene. I am now 117 pounds! Woo woo! (I've noticed most of the changes in my face!)
It has taken a year and a half to get this far. I have definitely had my weeks/months of plateauing and discouragement, but overall, I'm proud of myself for getting this far. It's been VERY hard to change my lifestyle and habits, but I have learned a lot and accomplished many goals.
My little sister, Kelsey, gets married in just under 2 months so my latest goal has been to get this last 10 lbs off my body! I've been walking, jogging, doing pilates, and yoga. I'm determined to stay on track and get the beach body of my dreams...I'm so close!
For those on the same adventure, what has worked for you? How do you stay motivated? What do you like to eat? Let's be in on this together, because it has definitely been the encouragement from my wonderful husband, family, and friends that have kept me going!
Look at you go!!! I love that we can chat about this whole weight thing..... having someone like you to talk to about loosing weight has been a major motivator for me. Talking about it helps me sooo much because it reminds me what I'm doing (or what I should be doing). Thanks pal!!!
ReplyDeleteWeight loss and I are very, very old friends.
ReplyDeleteSince having our second baby, I'm keeping track of things with MyFitnessPal, too, and I LOVE that site! It keeps me honest. I've also been teaming up with another Mommy friend in another state sharing goals, reporting them, talking about our weaknesses and strengths and even our prayers. It's been so awesome!
I've also been playing around with the right combination of calories in and calories out and have been really surprised to see what works for me. I started out with 1700 calories/day but big, big workouts burning 800-900 calories. I lost weight, but not much. Then I switched and and did 1500cals/day and about half as much working out right around 500cals. And would you believe, I started losing twice as much!
I think we all just have to find our mojo.
And if it's any consolation, I've been following your blog for at least 2 years now (I know, it's weird, we've never even met, but I just happened on it randomly through Thomas on Facebook and just loved what you had to say and how you say it) and I haven't noticed that you've put on any weight at all in the pictures you've posted along the way...
Keep up the good work!
im really proud of you :)
ReplyDeletei always struggled with my weight
and i know how hard it can get :(
xoxo
www.onlyaflightaway.blogspot.com
You look awesome, Caley! I am a complete "stress eater" and my fitness motivation comes and goes. (It's currently gone.) You look great, and it's so motivating to see your progress- especially your HEALTHY progress. You are inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing Caley :) Great job!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I know the whole weight loss thing sucks... Having babies makes it oh so much more enjoyable, I mean you have a baby to thank after right? Wrong! hah! It helps just to have someone to talk to. Myfitness pal is wonderful! You look great!!!
ReplyDelete