-40 Pounds in 5 Mths... before and after pic....

ABrandNewMeIn2013

So here is my 5 mth update... I have actually lost 3 more pounds since then... it was the 20th.

How? Well here is some thoughts I wrote this week in answer to that.....

I threw out all the pastas, anything that came in a box, cereals... ect. Low salt, almost no sugar, fresh veggies, eggs, lean meats on the grill. You know the drill.

All winter I used my elliptical for an hour a day. I did not start at an hour. At first I was good to do 15 minutes. But I put my music on and just did it. More every day. And the weight started to come off.

Now I am challenging myself. I am back to a size I was very comfortable in after I had the girls. But I want to go past that. I want to see what is possible.

I never saw myself as a skinny person. I was very athletic in high school, very muscular from showing horses. I am lucky to say I am tall and well proportioned. If I am big, I am big all over... and so far when I lose, I lose all over.

What I can say is the longer I have been at it the easier it is getting. My body wants to be active. I have more energy and feel a bit stir crazy not moving. I garden of course, but I also walk and swim. I make myself do something outside an hour a day. I think of it as medicine.

I weigh myself every day before I eat lunch. And I write down my measurements on my anniversary day each month. I have a journal like I teenager. But I can look back and see what size I was in March, April..ect. It helps keep me focused and accountable.

One thing I have not done is get a real physical. I am doing that in two weeks. I want to see what my blood sugar is and other levels. I was overweight for most of the last 10 years. I guess I am just curious, but wonder if something in my hormones might have been a little off. I am 40 and you know how your body changes with age.

Basically I feel like a completely different person. I look different, feel different.... everything in my closet is new. Not one thing from my old life still fits. I wear shorts and a tanktop now and don't think twice about it. I know by some standards I have a long way to go, but for me I am beyond my wildest dreams.

I have went from an 18/20 to a size 12/14. I have lost 6" in my chest, 8" in my waist and 10" in my hips. I am 75% of my old me. And I feel 1000 times better. As of today I have lost 42 pounds. I have a big goal of 65 pounds and I am giving myself two years to do it.

I start with a personal trainer on July 10th. I may chicken out 10 times before then. But if she can help me, it will be more than worth it. It is free as a benefit thru my husband's job. So I am silly not to use it.

I sometimes feel funny putting my weight loss out there for the world to see. But I know everyone in every walk of life, man or woman, deals with issues about their bodies. I am making a very serious decision to make huge changes. I know it is a constant battle. I may fail. But I am building a support team to pick me back up it I do and help me along. It is a journey. One I think I will remember for the rest of my life.

Love....Brooke

coderedjulia

congrats on your weight lost. I have lost 40 lbs, but it took me years to do so. I want to lose another 40, but I would like to do it a little faster now like you did. I write down my weight on my calender, and I exercise every day. I try to keep myself busy, so I won't have the urge to snack.

melyndavaz

Congratulations! You are an inspiration....

thewordwarrior

Congratulations on your weight loss! You look amazing and your dedication is inspiring!

dar9757

Congratulations! I hope to lose 40 lbs also. Keep up the good work!

amydelissa

What an inspiration! I also have a notebook I write all about my journey in. Way to go!

manhollanm

1st of all CONGRATULATIONS !~
I am new to MFP .
I read your story and thought that it is inspiring !
I feel as thou I have a chance at this weight battle

ctalimenti

Wow, loved your story! Thanks for posting!

grailbabe

Way to go.

NZhellkat

Thanks for posting your story. A real pleasure to read. Congrats on your success so far an d all the best for the next goal.

maryannelk

I know by some standards I have a long way to go, but for me I am beyond my wildest dreams....

So proud of you that you are here and not content! Rock on!!

boyermichael942

Don't feel funny about putting your weight loss story out there. It needs to be heard by so many of us as inspiration. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

Boogage

Fantasic job! Thanks for sharing!

theCoke

Holy motivation! Way to go!

caramelgyrlk

Stories like yours is what motvates so many others.

Way to go. Thank you for sharing your story.

kniknaack

Awesome job girl! Well done! Lookin good!

MayKu12

Well done, you look so much younger

ABrandNewMeIn2013

Here is a photo from today.... at least I have makeup on! But the one after the workout suits me!