Let me tell you first off, it's not easy. I know you're struck speechless by that profound statement...what I mean though is that you get stuck in the mind frame of being a fat girl.
That's me Thanksgiving 2011...4 months post-partum...closely resembling Jaba the Hut. CRAZY!
I had tried (not very hard) to lose weight during the end of October/beginning of November. I ended up losing maybe 5lbs. Then, I gained 10+ pounds over 2011 holiday season. I was employed at a corporate office and made sure to sample every cookie, nut, toffee, candy that darkened our doors. I didn't care. I had a baby on my hip and a hubby who loved me no matter what-so why not eat to my heart's content? Food has always been the celebration tool of choice for my family, why change? I was so happy with my little family, or so I thought.
Wearing a shirt I had bought for pregnant Christmas 2011...size 24/26...came from Omar the Tent maker. This is the closest picture I have to the beginning of my weight-loss journey fully clothed. (I started during my early journey pictures in a sports bra, not thinking about how I would not want to post those anywhere!)
This is my 'in progress' picture. Probably late July/August 2012-January 2013...50lbs since keeping track, 60lbs since heaviest with baby.
I'm amazed at myself most days...I mean how many people can say that? I lost 50lbs in 6 months! Believe me, it was all the Good Lord giving me the strength and motivation to take care of business and get it done!
I have made my weight loss journey about becoming educated. To be honest, nobody every taught me how to eat correctly. I'm not blaming anyone, just stating a fact. I read everything I can get my hands on: articles, newsletters, books. I've learned not everything that makes you lose weight is
A.) healthy
B.) going to get you to your goal weight (a.k.a. keep working)
C.) going to work for everyone
My Instagram feed is a constant stream of positive reinforcements. Body builders, trainers, motivational quotes, healthy cooks and others looking to get/stay fit are the majority with dear friends scattered throughout.
I search out blogs who have similar goals or have been successful in their journey's (loves me some Mama Laughlin!).
I have a Pinterest board that mirrors my Instagram as well as a healthy cooking board.My facebook feed is just reinforcement of the above.
I am constantly inundated with a message of success and healthy living. I believe my faith in God, Phil. 4:13 and surrounding myself with images and messages of success have helped propel me this far.
Well, What'cha doing to LOSE already?!?!
You're not going to like this: diet and exercise.
I use the Loseit! app and log everything I put in my mouth.
I try to drink 72oz water a day.
Most recently, I have cut my Coke Zero consumption to 1 a week maybe.
I try to hover around 1200 calories (give or take)
I supplement with protein shakes.
Currently, I train with C25K 3 days a week, cross train with Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 DVD and go for long runs on Saturday. REST on Sunday.
REST is just as important as your workouts.
Weight loss=80% diet & 20% exercise.
I started losing weight eating lean cusines but have since tried to take out more of the processed foods.
Currently, trying the Shred Revolution diet.
Cooking Light and Eating Well are two great resources.
Healthy living should be a life long pursuit we never give up on. Even little changes here and there can start to add up quick! Quit drinking the sodas, cut out the fast food/sugar, and GET MOVING!
XXOO
Classy Cowgirl
