Before and after :-)

Shauna2626

I'm still a work in progress - there's always room for improvement, but I've come a long way!! Sometimes I need to stop and remember where I was when I first started my fitness journey and appreciate that my hard work has paid off, rather than focus on my shortcomings
I was around 170 lbs in the "before" picture, and around 125 lbs in the "after."

karyabc

AMAZING! TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR STORY! NOW I'M CURIOUS

sandicat6

wow good for you!!! you look terrific.

toofatnomore

You look amazing.

Shauna2626

Thanks!
During my teen years, my parents struggled with overeating and as a family, we didn't eat a very healthful diet. We went out a lot and ate too much fast food. I really struggled with overeating, emotional eating, and body image issues.
During my first year of college, I was on the university's meal plan, which meant frequent access to buffet-style meals. That didn't go very well for me.
Finally I decided that I had to get off the meal plan and start buying & preparing my own food. I started eating more sensibly, made myself get used to correct portion sizes, and also decided that I might as well take advantage of my school's rec center.
I started counting calories and working out, and the weight steadily came off. I lost about 45 lbs.
I later re-gained some of the weight due to life circumstances (new boyfriend who I'm now married to, traveling abroad, graduating college, etc.) so I joined MFP to take it off again! Now I'm focused on keeping it off, and gaining some more muscle definition.

I'm 23 years old, and about 5 ft 2 in. tall.
HW: 172 on 2/17/2011
Previous lowest weight: 126 on 1/25/2012
Regained some weight, later joined MFP
GW1: 128 - achieved on 7/30/14
Currently around 125 lbs and 26% body fat

keelz2010

Good work, you look great.

Shauna2626

Thanks! I still have struggles, but I'm better equipped to handle them now. I still also really enjoy eating, but I taught myself moderation and thankfully I really like working out now, which was NOT always the case, lol.

marciebrian

you really do look fantastic and it's amazing that you were able to accomplish so much with so many detractors. Congratulations!!!

Juliemoo1960

You look fantastic.

Shauna2626

Thank you all!
I lost my dear father in May, and I had been scared that when something heartbreaking inevitably happened in my life, I would revert back to my old eating habits and re-gain lots of weight. I did gain a few lbs right after his passing, as I consciously allowed myself a break from calorie counting and ate things I normally wouldn't as a source of comfort.
However, instead of going back to my old ways, I have been using the gym as a healthy outlet for my emotions. Working on my fitness goals has really helped me keep going and focus on something positive.

luista205

Shauna2626 wrote: »

I'm still a work in progress - there's always room for improvement, but I've come a long way!! Sometimes I need to stop and remember where I was when I first started my fitness journey and appreciate that my hard work has paid off, rather than focus on my shortcomings
I was around 170 lbs in the "before" picture, and around 125 lbs in the "after."

mizpoke

Fabulous! And that is so inspiring how you manage your emotions without resorting to food.

Tinytaru

Congratulations! You look great!

aquamarina_182

you look awesome. well done!!!

astrose00

Congrats, you look amazing!!!

lilscuder

All your hard work has paid off ~ You really look Great !!! I'm sure you feel a lot better in more ways than one. I love MFP and how it keeps us accountable as well as eating right ~ in moderation along with good exercise. CONGRATULATIONS ! Keep up your new lifestyle and Congrats. on the marriage.

cindys921

You look amazing! Great Job!

KHaverstick

Fabulous! I never get tired of seeing before/after pics and hearing success stories. You look great!

cds_momto3

You look wonderful!! What an inspiration.

RUNNING_AMOK_1958

You are so awesome, friend! I gained after my mom passed away and it took everything I had in me to not go off the deep end. I still struggle now and then, but am better equipped to deal with it. Having friends like you as an example and for support plays a huge part in my success.

GreatCthulhu

You look absolutely incredible! Amazing