6 months and 82 pounds down!!!

faithan84

Hi everyone! I'm not done with my weight loss journey, but I'm so excited that I've made it this far that I wanted to share!!!

A little of my story: I have been overweight my whole life. Sincerely, I was born 10.5 pounds and I've been gaining since! My highest weight was around 260 in 2006 (I'm 31, and 5'4"). My weight has bounced up and down since then. I got down to 175 by following a vegan diet in 2010, but I was back up to 250 last December.

Three things happened that kick started my weight loss this time: A close friend made an uncharacteristic choice to make a positive change in his life; through therapy I finally learned some healthy coping skills and I was ready to let go of my dependence on food; and I found Food Addicts Anonymous's Food Plan online.

I gave up all flour, wheat, added sugar, artificial sugar, dairy, and most processed foods. I knew that "moderation" just didn't work for me in the past. (The "can't have just one" and "once you pop you can't stop" potato chip commercials were made with me in mind.) I treated organic whole foods like medicine and stuck to the plan. Eventually I modified the plan to make it work better for me (it was too much food!).

In February, I joined MFP and I've been keeping track of calories and slowly adding more exercise. I've become better at listening to what my body needs and eating more on days when I need it, but staying close to my calorie goals.

I'm able now to do so much more physically than I've done in my life, and I'm at my lowest weight (168) as an adult. My goal weight is 130, and I'm hoping to lose the last 38 pounds in the next 6 months or so.

If you have any questions for me, I'll be happy to answer them! I'm posting from my smart phone now, and I cannot add pictures. I'll add pictures later when I'm at my computer!

mccarol1956

Congratulations on a job well done! Keep it up!

Liftng4Lis

Way to get it!

ihatetodietalways

Oh no, you said you gave up sugar. That is very unpopular to many people here. But I congratulate you. Amazing!

melanie899

faithan84 wrote: »

I gave up all flour, wheat, added sugar, artificial sugar, dairy, and most processed foods. I knew that "moderation" just didn't work for me in the past. (The "can't have just one" and "once you pop you can't stop" potato chip commercials were made with me in mind.) I treated organic whole foods like medicine and stuck to the plan. Eventually I modified the plan to make it work better for me (it was too much food!).


I'm able now to do so much more physically than I've done in my life, and I'm at my lowest weight (168) as an adult. My goal weight is 130, and I'm hoping to lose the last 38 pounds in the next 6 months or so.

yeah! Finally, I'm not the only one who has moderation issues. You have no idea how much I appreciate reading that. Our stats are pretty darn close too....I started at 264...lost 30 lbs in 90 days.(started Feb 26)...initial goal is 165 then maybe onto 135...maybe

I also cut out some things that I would have a hard time controlling. (bread, rice, chocolate, crackers, chips, ice cream, all sodas...)

Kudos to you and Congrats on your progress! Keep up the great work!

faithan84

Thanks everyone!

ihatetodietalways wrote: »

Oh no, you said you gave up sugar. That is very unpopular to many people here. But I congratulate you. Amazing!

Yes, I gave up sugar. I know that's not going to work for everyone, but it works for me. Thank you!

melanie899 wrote: »

yeah! Finally, I'm not the only one who has moderation issues. You have no idea how much I appreciate reading that. Our stats are pretty darn close too....I started at 264...lost 30 lbs in 90 days.(started Feb 26)...initial goal is 165 then maybe onto 135...maybe

I also cut out some things that I would have a hard time controlling. (bread, rice, chocolate, crackers, chips, ice cream, all sodas...)

Kudos to you and Congrats on your progress! Keep up the great work!

Thank you! You're doing great! Yes, the biggest thing I've learned through this journey is that not everyone is going to have success following the same plan. You have to find what works for you. I definitely have trigger foods and foods I don't have self control with. I bought some popcorn a few weeks ago thinking that I could stick to a serving size, and the whole bag was gone in 3 days. Ha. At least I logged it! Snacking is my downfall for sure.

Now for the promised pictures!


June 2014 ~250 pounds


December 31, 2014, a little less than a month into my eating plan.... ~240? pounds I didn't weigh until I joined MFP. One of those pictures that someone else took and posted on facebook... grr to this picture.


February 7, 2015 ~215? pounds


March 17, 2015 193 pounds


April 26, 2015 178 pounds


May 27, 2015 In the middle of an 18 mile bike ride that included a ride over this gorgeous bridge!


August 2015 ~250 pounds and May 25, 2015 172 pounds

smkondy

Wow - what an inspiring journey - you look amazing!!! I know that you will attain your goal soon & hopefully you will share more pics!!! Thanks for sharing