People have asked… “How’d you do it!”

Lately, people have asked me how I did it and exactly what did I look like before? Well to answer the 2nd part of that question I thought I would post some pictures of myself before. Throughout the years, I have always documented my progression, not to call attention to anything but for my own satisfaction. In addition to the fact that I just LOVE pictures!
Pictures are worth a thousand words and the only thing I wish I could go back in time to figure out are…my thoughts at that very moment. My thoughts of when I saw those pictures…was I confortable in my own skin?...was I ok?...was I sad? I look back now and ask myself… “How did I allow myself to get that big?”

This was 4 years, 4 different events and the changes I have made!

This picture was taken at SEA WORLD several years apart...Any difference?

To answer the first part of that question is HARD WORK & DETERMINATION. When I first started to lose weight it was all about looking good and feeling great in my own skin. It later became about pushing myself to new limits and trying new things out. I can remember when I hit 200lbs and I finally could go sky diving. I remember when I hit 180, my high school weight and how different I looked compared to then. I remember I hit 165, which has been the lowest, and felt soo amazing. I went out and bought 2 pairs of size 8 pants! That was short lived through all my training – my lovely thighs won’t allow me in size 8 pants! So really to answer anyone’s question….HARD WORK has sure paid off. I haven’t looked back. I no longer weigh 165lbs but it’s ok. I look & feel so much better about myself. I’m finally HEALTHY. I can do way more than I used too. I can climb a flight of stairs and not wonder if I’ll pass out at the top. I can play softball and round the bases without feeling like I need oxygen at home plate. I can’t say I took the easy route and tried a CRASH DIET or trained in the gym for 20 hrs of my day. No, I trained 2x a week for 30 minutes with a trainer early on, cut my calorie count in half and maintained a good overall positive life. Throughout the years I have increased my calorie count as I do more weight training, long distance training and softball 3x a week – I’m allowed more room for flexibility. However, I still know how to eat right, follow a semi- right meal plan and push myself to recognize unhealthy foods. It’s been a learning curve and I’ll admit I’m not a PROFESSOR yet…I’m still a student! If anything, I just might be an advance learner of the game rather than a newbie!

Congrats to my friends who have lost weight over the last few months. As you know, I’m always there for you. If I don’t know the answer, I know someone or somewhere that will have the answer!