What a difference a year makes!
 

One year ago I decided enough was enough. One year ago I made the first step. One year ago I knew that this was it and that my life would never be the same. One year ago I weighed 198 lbs, today I weigh 158 lbs :D.

I was always a chubby girl and struggled with weight issues from my childhood. I tried several methods to lose the weight - including the dreaded cabbage soup diet - but of course none of those methods lasted.

In my attempt to lose weight, I joined the gym 4 years ago and to be honest, I have never looked back. I love exercise and the way how it makes me feel - that rush, that feeling of accomplishment. However, I gained 32lbs while during those 4 years even though I was working out faithfully at least 4 times a week. I realized that the problem was my diet - I was eating healthy foods alright - just too much.

I made the decision to put a stop to it on May 19, 2010. I was fed up after seeing a picture of myself. I looked disgusting. On the 19th of May I went to see a nutritionist and he showed me what the proper portion sizes are...and since then I have not turned back.

I began calorie counting on May 20, 2010 and I can say calorie counting works! I got to my goal of 164 lbs on December 22, 2010 - in a mere 7 months. Since then I have dropped an additional 6 lbs for a total of 40 lbs down! Talk about self confidence through the roof! Things I have learned:

1. Nutrition is key - fill up on filling foods such as veggies and whole grains
2. Eating 5-6 small meals helps to curb hunger
3. Exercise is important
4. Food journalling is a must
5. Having a food scale is an awesome tool to help track calories
6. Resisting temptation is hard but it CAN be done
7. It's ok to go off plan once in awhile, just as long as you get back on track right after
8. People DO treat slim persons differently but I think it has to do with an increase in self esteem and confidence on my part
9. Shopping for clothes ROCKS!!!
10. I am in love with myself!!!!

Since reaching goal in December 2010 I have been focusing on lowering my body fat and I must say I have been seeing improvements in my body definition too. The first pic is of a wedding I went to in 2008; clearly the dress cannot fit me now. The third pic is of my abs when I got to goal and the fourth is of my abs in March :D

:bravo:What a wonderful update! You stuck to it and you changed what wasn't working and here you are, feeling fantastic and being an inspiration to others! :cp:I'm so happy for you! :cb:Way to go! :dance:

What an inspiration. Thanks for sharing. You look great.

Great job! You look fantastic and must feel that way too.

This is very inspiring! You have such a muscular body!