I shared this in an email with several family and friends and wanted to share it with all of you too. You are part of why I have come so far....



One year ago today, I set off on a journey to get healthier and lose weight. Wasn’t sure at first how I was going to accomplish that. I had been on so many diets before and failed at each one. I needed to incorporate good habits into my life that could last a life time. I am here to say that one year later I have lost 63 lbs and over 42 inches. I went from a size 20 to a size 6 and my BMI was 40.5 and now it’s 27.5. (3 points from normal) I changed my life. I follow the USDA food pyramid and eat healthy whole foods as much as possible and avoid artificial ingredients, hydrogenated fats and especially high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). There were few things I have cut completely out of my diet. The main thing was soda. I used to drink a 2 liter a day or more. Empty, nutritionally bankrupt, full of HFCS and not a whole lot more. I started out with a few tools and then gained more and more knowledge and my healthy eating progressed. My family is eating healthier now too.

I started working out on December 29. I worked out at a gym at first for 5 solid months 3 – 4 days a week. I bought several pieces of equipment and by May had my own gym. I work out exclusively on my own at home. Strength training and cardio, an equal balance of the two is important. They are both fundamental in losing weight for the long haul and creating lean muscle.

More than the weight loss is the way I feel. I feel fabulous. I look better. I am in the best shape and health of my entire life at 34. My journey is far from over. I still have 16 lbs left to lose and then I have maintenance to learn. I accept the challenge with zeal. 

I owe a lot of my success to my support systems. First and foremost my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for without Him, I would not have come this far. When God is your personal trainer, you can’t wrong. Secondly, but a close second, is my dear husband. He gave me so much inspiration, time, support and praise. With God’s grace, if His will allows, I plan on spending my golden years with my hubby. And someday beating him at push-ups! My two son’s. I want to be a part of their lives as much and as long as possible. I want to be there at graduations, weddings and grandbabies. And it had better be in that order!  My friends, they are truly the best. My family, they flood me with compliments that help me and keep me going. My co-workers who, although they have only known me a short time have given me so much praise, kudos and support, they have no idea how effective they have been. Last, but certainly not least, 3fatchicks.com. The advice, story sharing, laughs, tears, recipes, diet tips, exercise tips, etc… have been priceless to me. I cannot begin to thank those 3 sisters (Suzanne, Jennifer and Amy) enough for developing this online community of wonderful women (and men too). Meg, Mel, Ellis, Ilene, just to name a handful, are some of the most patient, wonderful women. They give excellent advice and keep the reader in perspective at the same time. They use life experience to help others. That’s wonderful. Thank you all! Thank you all! Without each and everyone of you who has helped me through this journey, I know I would not be as successful.

I feel like I am in control for the first time in my life. I have conquered unhealthy eating, overeating, sedentary lifestyle, being at risk for type 2 diabetes, being at risk for heart disease, obesity, depression, self-hate and more. I am not finished by any stretch of the imagination. I have so many other things in my life I want to improve. This process has helped me develop the self-awareness and discipline to know that I can accomplish anything.

Here are some pics. Sorry these are so huge....

You look incredible!! Congratulations on what you have done for yourself in such a short time frame!

Way to go Libby! You look wonderful!

WTG! You look great!

Ladies:

Thanks for all your kudos.

You look amazing and your effort has totally paid off!! Thanks for sharing your story. Very motivational

Libby! You have done an amazing job! I really like how you have incorporated exercise into your plan, and it has really paid off. Good job, and thanks for taking the time to share your story.

WTG Libby I actually read this post on your blog but couldn't leave a comment there. I have been watching your progress for awhile now as we have alot of similarities. I am aprox the same height as you (before you grew an inch ) and had almost the same amount of weight to lose as well. You are an inspiration to me. I am so happy for you. Keep up the great work! BY the way, your "little guy" is absolutely adorable!

Christina:

Thanks for your kind words. The jury is still out as to whether I truly grew an inch. I will have to find out in a few weeks when I see my GP next. Thank you so much for complimenting my little guy. He's a large part of the reason why I made the decision to change my lifestyle.

Take care and congrats on your wonderful progress too!