Nothing can stop you, except yourself.

Childfree1991

Have you ever thought to yourself "I can't do it. I try and try but all fails"? Yes you can do it. The only thing holding you back is your inner judgmental self. I was there. I was very overweight once (close to obese, at 187 pounds). I tried different things that I thought would help me lose weight but nothing was working. Also, I was blaming (without realizing it). "It's my depression. It's my birth control. It's my medications. It's my tubal. It's my metabolism. I'm too tired. I can't do anything right. Blah blah blah." Well one day when I took a close look in the mirror, felt sluggish and struggled to get my clothes on, I realized that there must be something I'm doing wrong. I decided to attempt to make a change, a real change (though with somewhat low motivation to start). In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes at first but after realizing all the excuses I was making, I felt that something had to be done. First I eliminated sodas which resulted in 5 pounds lost. I felt a bit better though wasn't sure if it was coincidental but I looked at myself again and decided to continue. Next, I eliminated juices and other sugary drinks along with a few desserts which resulted in 5 more pounds gone. I also decreased my portion sizes. After losing 10 pounds and recovering from surgery, I began exercising but switched from cardio to weight training. I also no longer drank my calories and instead water. I also decreased my dessert intake even more. After a few months, I had lost 20 pounds (from a size 11 to a size 8). I continued this healthy eating and intense exercise pattern by switching simple carbs (white rice/pasta/bread) to complex carbs (brown rice/whole wheat and beans), and eliminated almost every dessert except dark chocolate and on rare occasion cheesecake or pie. I increased my workouts and reps. I included ab exercises. After a year, I had lost 50 pounds and dropped to a size 3-5. I've been continuing this pattern except smaller more frequent portion sizes and 70 oz of water (or more) a day, more reps, included squats, healthy snacks, and high protein. It's been almost 2 years and I've lost 64 pounds, over 15% body fat and am now a size 0-2. Everyone has potential and the ability to do the same. The only thing that can stop you is yourself (the judgmental side). Don't let it. And most of all, don't let yourself make excuses. Depression didn't stop me (I actually meditate which is highly effective for stress and depression). Birth control didn't stop me (it made me feel hungrier but in the end it was up to me to resist a snack or not, and same goes for my prescription meds). My tubal didn't stop me (I was aching for a while but I didn't quit). My "tiredness" was a side effect of a medication but that's what hydration and high protein foods are for. I lost my first 10 pounds without any exercise anyways so even if/when feeling tired, weight loss is mostly based off of eating habits. Speaking of my surgery, it was a pacemaker. But I realized I couldn't use that as an excuse either and I didn't. The point I'm trying to make is, you can either keep trying until you finally reach your goal or you can blame and complain. The only one who stands in your way is yourself. This is my success story and I've learned that excuses are NOT an option.

Liftng4Lis

Awesome work! Way to get it!

maroonmango211

Wowza! What inspiration. I totally remember feeling the way you did at the start of my commitment to weight loss and health.

You look amazing and I'm sure you feel amazing too, great results and great story!!!

cbhubbybubble

Awesome work. You look great.

slbale

I'm on day 18 of my new lifestyle, I really needed to read this today! Great inspiration!

blankiefinder

Wow, you look fantastic, thank you for sharing your story!

yarushajimenez411

Very inspiring and amazing that you became the person you had envisioned

astrose00

Congrats and thanks for sharing your story!

heathmc9907

Very nice. Great to know small changes started your transformation and motivated you more and more. I think we would all be better off taking the small victories and adding to them.

minniemickey

Inspiring! Thank you!

Childfree1991

You're welcome. Good luck to you all (those who are still on the journey).

vanessalillian82

Pacemaker buddy! High five! My most recent surgery was a year ago this coming Thursday and have really only been hitting the gym in the last month, after realising the same thing you have - that I am the only reason I am not where I want to be. Mind you I also did three hikes in the interim so I haven't exactly been a couch potato since my surgery, but same as you, I'm not one to use it as an excuse. Nope, recovery was an excuse for a month or two, and I'll just have to own my laziness for the rest! Thanks for the inspiration

kikichewie

You are an inspiration!

totaloblivia

Childfree1991 wrote: »

Have you ever thought to yourself "I can't do it. I try and try but all fails"? Yes you can do it. The only thing holding you back is your inner judgmental self. I was there. I was very overweight once (close to obese, at 187 pounds). I tried different things that I thought would help me lose weight but nothing was working. Also, I was blaming (without realizing it). "It's my depression. It's my birth control. It's my medications. It's my tubal. It's my metabolism. I'm too tired. I can't do anything right. Blah blah blah." Well one day when I took a close look in the mirror, felt sluggish and struggled to get my clothes on, I realized that there must be something I'm doing wrong. I decided to attempt to make a change, a real change (though with somewhat low motivation to start). In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes at first but after realizing all the excuses I was making, I felt that something had to be done. First I eliminated sodas which resulted in 5 pounds lost. I felt a bit better though wasn't sure if it was coincidental but I looked at myself again and decided to continue. Next, I eliminated juices and other sugary drinks along with a few desserts which resulted in 5 more pounds gone. I also decreased my portion sizes. After losing 10 pounds and recovering from surgery, I began exercising but switched from cardio to weight training. I also no longer drank my calories and instead water. I also decreased my dessert intake even more. After a few months, I had lost 20 pounds (from a size 11 to a size 8). I continued this healthy eating and intense exercise pattern by switching simple carbs (white rice/pasta/bread) to complex carbs (brown rice/whole wheat and beans), and eliminated almost every dessert except dark chocolate and on rare occasion cheesecake or pie. I increased my workouts and reps. I included ab exercises. After a year, I had lost 50 pounds and dropped to a size 3-5. I've been continuing this pattern except smaller more frequent portion sizes and 70 oz of water (or more) a day, more reps, included squats, healthy snacks, and high protein. It's been almost 2 years and I've lost 64 pounds, over 15% body fat and am now a size 0-2. Everyone has potential and the ability to do the same. The only thing that can stop you is yourself (the judgmental side). Don't let it. And most of all, don't let yourself make excuses. Depression didn't stop me (I actually meditate which is highly effective for stress and depression). Birth control didn't stop me (it made me feel hungrier but in the end it was up to me to resist a snack or not, and same goes for my prescription meds). My tubal didn't stop me (I was aching for a while but I didn't quit). My "tiredness" was a side effect of a medication but that's what hydration and high protein foods are for. I lost my first 10 pounds without any exercise anyways so even if/when feeling tired, weight loss is mostly based off of eating habits. Speaking of my surgery, it was a pacemaker. But I realized I couldn't use that as an excuse either and I didn't. The point I'm trying to make is, you can either keep trying until you finally reach your goal or you can blame and complain. The only one who stands in your way is yourself. This is my success story and I've learned that excuses are NOT an option.

Great post! You are so right.

r_wilson9

Wow you look great! Great story and most of all I'm glad you are at your healthiest!!

Timshel_

Wowza. Great results.

Childfree1991

Thanks, you all. All of us have potential. It's just about finding it. And remember to ignore those who attempt to discourage you in the process. There were multiple people who made fun of me when I was overweight (my sister, my ex-boyfriend, co-workers, etc.) but I couldn't blame them for "making" me feel upset about my weight so eventually I gained enough motivation to ignore all rude comments and judgement. Optimism and pride is your best friend.

gems1313

Childfree1991 wrote: »

Have you ever thought to yourself "I can't do it. I try and try but all fails"? Yes you can do it. The only thing holding you back is your inner judgmental self. I was there. I was very overweight once (close to obese, at 187 pounds). I tried different things that I thought would help me lose weight but nothing was working. Also, I was blaming (without realizing it). "It's my depression. It's my birth control. It's my medications. It's my tubal. It's my metabolism. I'm too tired. I can't do anything right. Blah blah blah." Well one day when I took a close look in the mirror, felt sluggish and struggled to get my clothes on, I realized that there must be something I'm doing wrong. I decided to attempt to make a change, a real change (though with somewhat low motivation to start). In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes at first but after realizing all the excuses I was making, I felt that something had to be done. First I eliminated sodas which resulted in 5 pounds lost. I felt a bit better though wasn't sure if it was coincidental but I looked at myself again and decided to continue. Next, I eliminated juices and other sugary drinks along with a few desserts which resulted in 5 more pounds gone. I also decreased my portion sizes. After losing 10 pounds and recovering from surgery, I began exercising but switched from cardio to weight training. I also no longer drank my calories and instead water. I also decreased my dessert intake even more. After a few months, I had lost 20 pounds (from a size 11 to a size 8). I continued this healthy eating and intense exercise pattern by switching simple carbs (white rice/pasta/bread) to complex carbs (brown rice/whole wheat and beans), and eliminated almost every dessert except dark chocolate and on rare occasion cheesecake or pie. I increased my workouts and reps. I included ab exercises. After a year, I had lost 50 pounds and dropped to a size 3-5. I've been continuing this pattern except smaller more frequent portion sizes and 70 oz of water (or more) a day, more reps, included squats, healthy snacks, and high protein. It's been almost 2 years and I've lost 64 pounds, over 15% body fat and am now a size 0-2. Everyone has potential and the ability to do the same. The only thing that can stop you is yourself (the judgmental side). Don't let it. And most of all, don't let yourself make excuses. Depression didn't stop me (I actually meditate which is highly effective for stress and depression). Birth control didn't stop me (it made me feel hungrier but in the end it was up to me to resist a snack or not, and same goes for my prescription meds). My tubal didn't stop me (I was aching for a while but I didn't quit). My "tiredness" was a side effect of a medication but that's what hydration and high protein foods are for. I lost my first 10 pounds without any exercise anyways so even if/when feeling tired, weight loss is mostly based off of eating habits. Speaking of my surgery, it was a pacemaker. But I realized I couldn't use that as an excuse either and I didn't. The point I'm trying to make is, you can either keep trying until you finally reach your goal or you can blame and complain. The only one who stands in your way is yourself. This is my success story and I've learned that excuses are NOT an option.

Thank you!! I needed to heard this! Xx

flatlndr

Childfree1991 wrote: »

Have you ever thought to yourself "I can't do it. I try and try but all fails"? Yes you can do it. The only thing holding you back is your inner judgmental self. I was there. I was very overweight once ...

But I realized I couldn't use that as an excuse either and I didn't. The point I'm trying to make is, you can either keep trying until you finally reach your goal or you can blame and complain. The only one who stands in your way is yourself. This is my success story and I've learned that excuses are NOT an option.

So, so true!

My (obese) gut stayed for years, until my head got with the program. After that light bulb flicked on, it took less than 9 months to go from a BMI of 40 to a BMI of 25 ... not only was I 15 points lower on the BMI scale, I felt/feel 15 years younger than when I started.

Don't let excuses get in your way.

JoKessho

Great post! I just did this same thing this morning - gave myself the pep-talk of "only you can do this." It's very encouraging to see that the same advice I gave myself this morning has worked for others Thank you.