Fall 2010 I found out that I was wayyyy over weight. It really creeped on me too. When i moved to NY in 2009 I was pretty good with what I put in my body but I got off track when I got promoted and began a stressful job with a non profit. I didn't have much time and didn't invest in any healthy options when I took that position.
Late in 2010 I went to a family member's house and I weighed myself and was shocked by the 260+ mark on the scale. Awfully embarrassed, I said to myself, "no way." No way I wanted to stay in an unhealthy mode of living.
With my new doctor I began to craft a better way of living but it was not easy. She wanted me to agree to a 1300-1500 caloric intake which I wasn't on board with but I told her I would work hard to make some life changes. I didn't want to do a diet. Quiet as it was kept, I had tried everything from Jenny Craig, Slim Fast, The Grapefruit diet and the Lemon Cleanse, so at the beginning of 2011 I started with Weight Watchers...and thus my journey began again...
With Weight Watchers I lost 20 pds, then I left there to do Myfitnesspal.com which has been awesome. Although I do not log my food every day, I have completed close to 200+ days of logging food. There is no secret to my plan. I just found what worked for me. During summer months I walked, ran, jumped rope, did the 30 day Shred, videos by Leslie Sansone and Donna Richardson. Hitting the floor to do crunches also, dancing to house music, and drinking lots of water helped. Making substitutions for my snacks and eating vegetarian foods also helped me crack my plateau. I stopped weighing myself a while ago and only went on how my clothes fit my body. I allowed myself burgers, chips and other things in small quantities. Very small! I did not deny myself anything -- I cooked everything fresh, fresh smoothies, fresh meals, baked, and no greasy stuff was allowed. That is how I got rid of most of the weight. Focusing on mixing odd combinations of things and discovering new ways to eat, has helped me sustain myself even in a crazy holiday season. My rule -- meat is 10-20% of my diet and the rest is veggies. This might not work for everyone.
My results -- close to 75-80 pds gone. No more high blood pressure and I got rid of some health issues. My hair is healthier. I no longer wear any plus size things unless I want to. I'm closer to a 16 and I wear large blouses, no more 1X, 2X or 3X stuff. If I mess up on eating, I don't punish myself I just start a new on the next day.
I am sharing some of the pictures that chronicle my weight journey...maybe you will get inspired. I know I am still on a journey and still have pounds I'd like to get ride of, in a balance and healthy way.
In this picture I am a size 24:
In this picture I am a size 20:
In this picture I am a size 18:
Goals for 2012 is to be a leaner and better pam. Not sure where I will end up. I will start with the Daniel Fast in January and will continue the journey, please feel free to join me! You can't do it alone....
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
