The number on the scale....

Joanna2012B

I have been struggling with my weight for the past 16 years.

Let me start by telling you that I am 5’3” and medium frame. It all started when I was 24 years old. I was so unhappy with how I looked at 130lbs wearing a size 8 that I went on a diet. I got down to 95lbs wearing a size 0 or kids clothes. I still looked at myself as being overweight and with problem areas. When I look back on pictures of myself I looked sick and frail. I know I don’t ever want to look like that again!!!

I ended up getting pregnant and having a baby, I didn’t gain much during the pregnancy. However, after I had my boy I suffered postpartum depression. I didn’t move much other than having to care for my newborn and ate a lot of prepared food. I gained a lot of weight and ended up at 195lbs. It wasn’t until my boy was around 2 that I realized that I needed to change something. So I went on a die, a very strict diet and lost 75lbs. I weighed in at 120lbs wearing a size 8. I felt great, but still restricted what foods I ate; I didn’t drink anything other than water or tea. I liked the way that I looked, but was not truly happy. So I fell off the wagon and gained all of my weight back.

It was just before my 40th birthday that I started going to the gym. I still ate crappy foods, but dropped a few lbs and a few inches. I stayed there for the next year.
In January of this year I weighed in at 191lbs and a size 10. I decided I needed to change something. Since then I have been eating well, not restrictive. I still allow myself all the foods and drinks that I love, but in moderation. I have since January dropped 37lbs wearing anywhere between a size 6 and 4. I am a fit, active and healthy woman.

The reason I share this is for all that struggle with the same body image issues. Please don’t let the number on the scale define you! Learn to love who you are!

queenliz99

Yep!! Good post, OP!