[Girlie]

I didn't start working out until April 2008. Since then, I'm down 52 pounds. Slow and steady!

Over the weekend, I donated blood and the woman was the same who drew my blood six or so months ago. She said WOW, how much weight have you lost?!

I didn't think I have changed much so I was surprised. Today, I found this picture a friend took from a year ago. I have very few pictures from the past few years. This is the proof I need to keep me going. Can't wait - my next goal post will be 100 pounds down! It might take another year, but it will be worth it!

Everyone - take pictures so you can see how far you go. It will motivate you!



January 2008 - I felt like I was looking good because I'd just bought that cute dress. I was right about 260 pounds here.




January 2009 - about 213. At the time of this post, I'm at 208.




January 2009 - back. I was trying on a new sweater.



Goodbye double chin! And - is that a collarbone?

[sweet_talker]

wow!! what a difference! your waist looks so much smaller especially. and you're totally rockin' some hot collar bones. great job

[Bunnababy]

Looking good, congratulations on the loss.

Isn't it nice to see shape coming back to our bodies?

[ann]

hi girlie thanx for your reply to my thread i just looked up you profile and you look great i look forward to more advise from you ann

[mg1969]

Great job , i have the same ammount to loose, would be nice to tell me how you managed. Bravo

[Girlie]

Hi, thanks for the compliments. For those who asked:

I eat a "normal" diet. I don't count calories, or anything like that. I eat what I want...but in moderation (which is easier said than done). I have always been a foodie and if I deny myself, I feel like that's too negative. I eat a lot less than I used to. Once I start to feel full, I'm done. I serve myself small portions and if I want more, I get a tad more but I can't stand feeling a little bit full, so I put the fork down, and then chug water or Crystal Light.

I do consider carbohydrates and sugar. With my meals, most tend to be meat/veggies and whole wheat, high fiber toast if I feel I need a bit of carbohydrate. I don't drink calories very often - it's always water or Crystal Light and an occasional Diet Mtn Dew, although I try to stay away from carbonation in general (bloating!).

I also burn a lot of calories. This is what has contributed the most. I started by doing 45 minutes of cardio a day, typically the elliptical machine. My current routine includes going to the gym 5-6 days per week. I always take a class, either yoga or body pump (weights) and then I do a 45 minute run, then usually about another half hour of cardio (like the elliptical) and I do a lot of walking and stretching in between. I start a running group next month, and running a 4-mile race in June.

Sounds like a lot and maybe it is, but until I get to goal, it's going to be necessary to be hardcore about exercise. Exercise can taper off a little in when you're maintaining, but I've got to keep the metabolism going.

[Rosinante]

what a difference! well done! there is so much definition in your body shape now, I'm very jealous! (in a good way, inspired)

[time2lose]

Wow! There is a big difference. Congratulations you have done wonderfully!

[Newshinyme]

Big difference . Congratulations!

[mariamherrera]

you go girl! It must feel great!!!!!! and what a huge difference it makes!!!!I can not wait to get to 50 lbs lost!!!!!!! hopefully I'll be there in the next 2 months * keeping fingers crossed*

[amynbebes]

Awesome, way to go!!

[Inkabetty]

AWESOME results! I really like that you are losing the natural way. With healthy eating and exercise. I am doing the same and I hear that is the best way to keep it off.

CONGRATS again!!! You look fabulous!

Congratulations! I am inspired. You look marvelous!!

[seegore]

You look great.

[alsten02]

looking great, grats