Hey ladies! I am new here but I was going through my pictures today and was happy to see the progress that I have made after starting my workout and weight loss journey from about a year ago.

I want to eventually get down to a size 4 (though I may find a 6 more realistic to maintain). I definitely have my bad eating days but my choices are still so much better than they used to be. I workout at least 5 times a week and actually enjoy going to the gym. I have plateaued for the past few months, but I know I've gained muscle and toned up a bit. Still, I want to start restricting calories again to reach my goal by summertime!! Thanks for the support.

Congratulations, you look great!

Oh and...

Excellent way to ring in the New Year, charlottekelsey!!!!
Congratulations. Your accomplishments are healthy and inspiring.


Jean

Wow thats amazing!!!! Thats so great!!
These stories help inspire and motivate me to continue and not give up on my goals
Care to share some tips/suggestions that you did to reach this goal??

Thank you!! Trust me, I joined this website for a reason...inspiration is so so so important for weight loss, maintenance, and just life in general! Choosing to live a permanently active lifestyle and realizing that there was no quick fix really got me to be realistic with weight loss.

*I've found that it all comes down to calorie deficit. I joined 24 Hour Fitness and started going a few times a week, eventually increasing along with my fitness level.

*I cut out the things I knew I couldn't keep away from that had no nutritional value (simple sugars, white starches, etc.) I am not great with portion control so I definitely load up on dense non starchy veggies to keep me full between/during meals.

*Because I like to keep my metabolism revved, I aim to eat 5-7 small meals a day (180-300 calories) depending on how active I am.

*Celery has lately been great at filling me up after dinner...I try to go to bed satisfied/a little hungry so that my body can burn fat while I sleep.

*EAT BREAKFAST! Even if you aren't hungry because you didn't have a deficit the night before, eat an apple or something to kick start your metabolism.

My staple foods:
*OATMEAL (Quaker's Weight Control, Low Sugar, and Sugar Free, or slow cooked oats are good sweetened with Stevia or raisins and a few almonds)
*Sweet Potatoes
*Turkey, Beef Jerky (after a workout I sometimes stop by 711 and NEED something!)
*FAGE Greek Yogurt 0% (great with blueberries, granola, sweet potato)
*Almonds (portion control is super critical but they are great Omega 3's)
*Organic Crunch Peanut Butter (again portion control is key here)
*Egg Whites (great protein source)...make yourself a nice big omelette
*Whole Wheat English Muffins (Make a breakfast sandwich w/ eggwhite!)
*Apples (BUY HONEYCRISP--they are the best apples ever.
*Bananas


I am always on the go so I always carry something with me if I will be out for a few hours. Sadly, the majority of places in America besides grocery stores don't have ready-to-eat veggies/protein so always be prepared for your hunger strikes. And...DRINK WATER!

Congrats on your success - and great tips, I couldn't agree more about the oatmeal, breakfast, creating a calorie deficit, etc.

Keep up the great work and you'll be at goal in time for swimsuit season!

Congrats. You look wonderful!

Congrats - you look terrific!

Thanks for posting your pics, they are very inspiring. Way to Go!

great job

Great work!

You have come such a long way, you look much healthier now. Congratulations on your weight loss! You are a beautiful looking woman.

Btw- what does your tattoo say?

You look fantastic!

Great job, thanks for sharing!!!