JulieJ08's PICS of 57# Lost
 

Here we go again! Weird timing, since I'm pre-TOM, but oh well. :dizzy:

Sorry the front pic is blurry, couldn't seem to get my shooter to resolve that. Kinda bummed about that because my collarbone should really be showing now :), but I'll have to get other pics for that I guess.

On the side view it almost looks like my tank sticks out as much in the last pic as the first - but in the first, my stomach was pushing it out. In the last, it's just the fabric hanging weird.

My favorite thing about the back view is the my shoulder shape has changed from so rounded to nice and square. :)

Thank you everyone has expressed interest in new pics!


0. 4/14/08, 197#, waist at least 36.5 (starting point)

1. 4/29/08, 190#, size 16-18, waist 35.375
2. 7/15/08, 170.5#, size 14, waist 32.5
3. 9/28/08, 154#, size 12, waist 30.375
4. 1/11/09, 140#, size 8/6, waist ~28.5

And because everyone asks ... here's a recent post explaining how I do it :)

***

I started in mid-April. I lost 39 pounds by September 1st. At that point, I became vegetarian, and I also stopped calorie counting. I've lost 18 more pounds since then. I'm losing about 3 pounds a month these days, but the clothing sizes are changing more rapidly.

Until August, my exercise was 1 1/2 hours of yoga every morning. Then in August I started the C25K program, which I finished in later October. So now I do yoga, and I run 3 miles M-W-F.

My food approach has been a whole foods type of thing from the beginning. Low sugar, almost only whole grains, lots and lots of veggies, plenty of fruit too. Lots of beans. I use things like olive oil, avocado, and nuts a lot. I don't drink cow milk, but I am still using cheese several times a week. I use the best full-fat, strong tasting cheese I can. I'm on a learning curve with tofu. I don't generally use fake meat products, although Tofurkey has an Italian sausage that adds a lot to dishes and has ingredients I feel pretty good about.

I don't do desserts or treats at home, except dark chocolate. I'm really loving how tame my sweet tooth has become, I would never have believed it. But if there's something really good when I'm with family, I will have some and I don't believe in feeling guilty about it.

The whole point is developing something I can live with for the rest of my life, and enjoy it. I've never been super strict, but also my choices are more motivated by health than calories - to me, that makes it easier to stay on track most of the time. It feels proactive instead of punitive.

You go girl. Thanks for posting. You look awesome! :)

wow!! i was waiting for you to update! haha you look stunning!! fantastic work wow what a difference!

You're looking good!! Only 10 pounds until your goal. Good luck!

Julie, you look absolutely amazing. This is just wonderful. You have been such an inspiration--and after seeing these photos, you will definitely continue to be. High Five, Girl! WOOT! WOOT!

Awesome, Julie! You look so fit! Keep up the excellent work and thanks for sharing your results!

Beautifully written!

My foods are in line with yours mostly except I do take chicken breast and fish.

Wow! You look FANTASTIC! :) Keep up the good work!

Woohoo!! You look awesome Julie!

:carrot::dancer:

Nice work :D

Wow!! What an inspiration you are!! Keep up the great work.
I especially love the definition your arms are getting. That encourages me to get working!!
Thanks again,
K

fabulous baby!

You are looking so trim and fit.

I love your food plans too.

WOW! great job! you got curves in all the right places now! I hope I look tat good!

NO WAY! You rock! Look at the side view, check out the way your guns and quads are progressing. Beautiful!

ETA: Thanks so much for posting new photos (I was one of the people who pestered) - so inspirational. You've come a long way babes!

Dang, girl, you look AWESOME! Those side guns are almost making me jealous! :eek:

it's amazing how you went from a chunky girl to having a perfect hour glass shape, too. rock on. :D

kittycat40, jahjah1223, WormwoodDoll, walking2lose, jerzeezfinest, mazza, buddly, mariamherrera - Thank you so much!!! You really know how to make a girl feel good :) :hug:

Right back at ya: High Five, and WOOT! WOOT! :) :carrot:

Awww, I'd blush, but we're talkin' muscles here. Blushing just doesn't go ;)

I used to lift, many years (cough decade cough) ago. So far I'm only doing yoga (but you know, there's pushups and plenty of planks in there!). But I have resistance bands and NROLFW arriving in the mail any day now. :D I want to take some pics flexing, but I need to get my own camera. I can't bring myself to do that in front of my nephew and his camera :o

Thats a diet that will def keep it off... Great job. I hope im heading in the same direction!

You look *great*!!!

pics...and your weight loss
 

Julie, you have given me hope, I have about 60 lbs. to lose and haven't been here for over a year.

Thanks for the information on your trip to a healthier body...

Kermit

Thank you :) You don't have to "hope," you can just do! It's a great feeling to get past the "hoping."

:D Thanks!

Kermit, that is so sweet. I'm so glad it helped.

Pardon me, but are "guns" another term for arms? I've never been the poetic type! ha ha

It's lovely seeing your hourglass figure emerge. Those back photos show it the best - what a reward for you!

I, too, like your moderation approach, and focusing on whole/real foods.

Lookin' good, Julie!!

And look at that figure! Wow!

Thank you so much, Hyacinth and junebug! On the one hand, things are going pretty slow right now. On the other hand, I'm realizing that I'm getting used to my new figure. I mean that it's not surprising me as much as it used to :)

:bravo: great job!

Not necessarily a bad thing! I was so determined to get to my goal that I paid no attention to letting my head catch up. Also, Glory had kind of a similar experience. She stopped at what she thought was her goal weight and when she tweaked her plan (increased calories) she lost I think 10 pounds.

Either way, you look amazing and healthy :)

You look great, good luck with the rest of your journey.

WOO HOO JULIEJ! I can't believe the progress you have made, you look amazing! Way to go girl!

amazing =]

:bravo: Great job!! You look awesome and keep up the awesome work!! Thank you for sharing. :)

Liliann

You chickies are all so kind. Thank you for posting a word of support, I most appreciate it :)

i just wanna bump this... wow, julie, you've done such an amazing wonderful job. your an inspiration!!

Wow, amazing job! You look radiant!

stellart and Amber, thank you so much. It's funny that even after losing a lot, you sometimes still need someone to remind you that it *shows.* :)

Well done you, you look fabulous. It goes to show all that hard work and effort is so worth it.

X x

What a transformation! Congrats!!!!!!!

you look amazing!

congrats!! you look awesome!

Aw, thank you guys, it means a lot to me, at just the right time :)

Great job!
 

Congratulations Julie! I enjoyed reading your "how-I-did-it" post
- Excellent! You've chosen a healthy common-sense approach. You demonstrate what can be achieved through making a decision and following it through with persistence and discipline. Your no-guilt perspective on dessert is terrific. You've made a lifestyle change, and it will surely serve you well.

:)