Finally "Normal" BMI

HeatherLeAnn622

Ever since having my daughter in 2014, it's been quite a struggle to finally be able to figure this eating thing out. Now I feel like I get it. My heaviest weight after having her was 210. (It's so weird writing that. ) I am 5'8.

In the last 5 years I would lose some, put it back on, lose some again....and repeat the cycle. I wish I could say there was 1 thing that turned my mindset around. But honestly, it was a combination of things.

1. Reading Nerd Fitness - haha I know...but if you haven't read Steve's overall ideas about NOT having an all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to eating and exercise...I would highly recommend it. His website is full of great blog posts.
2. Realizing (to go along with the one above) that this really isn't an all or nothing endeavor. I would ALWAYS get stuck in this cycle: do really well with my food for a couple days, then I would "mess up" and overeat the next day. I would tell myself, "well, I guess I'll just start over next week." Then completely blow any deficit I'd created in those first few days by starting over. NOW if I indulge, I simply get back to my plan ON THE VERY NEXT MEAL. Or the next day, or whatever. As long as I follow my plan MOST of the time, in the long run, I'm still in a caloric deficit, and will lose weight. I know this now. Sure, sometimes it takes me 2 weeks to lose a pound instead of 1. But, this has allowed me to still LIVE and not feel deprived. Trust the process, and realize it's not a race.
3. Strong By Zumba. This workout is no joke. I LOVE it.
4. Strength training. I can't say enough how important this is. Whether it's body weight, with dumbbells, or barbells, we need this in our lives. I currently only do it twice a week but it's been a difference maker in how my legs and body overall are shaping up.

All of that to say: I'm now 164, which is officially in the "normal" range for BMI. I am not done yet, but I just wanted to share to hopefully motivate someone today. Remember: the weight didnt come on overnight, so it does take time. Trust the process, and realize it doesnt have to be all-or-nothing. (I'm eating a donut as I type this LOL.)
My phone is not letting me add pics at the moment but I'll try to edit the post later.
Thanks, and keep going!! Our health is worth it.

hafsatoheed2019

Thank a lot for sharing. I’m stuck in the same rut. I don’t stick to the process for long enough or do it religiously so I could see the change or evyfeel it. I know only than I’ll trust the process but .........haaaaaa🙁
Anyway I got one more assurance that you have to keep going to see the change and to see the change you have to keep going.

kksmom1789

Thank you for sharing @HeatherLeAnn622 I had my oldest in 2009 and my youngest in 2014 and I have been up and down my whole adult life. I did get pretty close to goal in 2017 but kinda gave up. I am back this year with a whole new attitude. I wanted to add I love NerdFitness he has seriously helped me answer so many questions. also I started a Zumba dance class and thats really helping me too. they offer a Strong by Zumba class and I might just check it out.

JBanx256

congrats on your progress!

HeatherLeAnn622

I couldn't figure out how to edit the OP so here are my before/after pics. The first 2 are roughly a couple years ago, and the last 2 were taken this year. The one with the red shirt is today at work

Also thanks for your comments!

@kksmom1789, Strong by Zumba is no joke. It's really hard, but it's so worth it. They offer modifications for noobs which I loved when I first started. You really do feel so powerful once you get through a few weeks of it.

@hafsatoheed2019 I know, it's so hard!! As long as you're honest with yourself about your intake, and if you hit your goal MOST of the time, in time, you will see a change. Honestly, sometimes it took 2 or even 3 weeks before I saw the scale move. Those were the times I had to just breathe, and tell myself "trust the process. I didn't hit my goal everyday the last couple weeks, so it's going to take a little longer to see movement." You can do this!!

BEFORE (not 100% sure of dates, but roughly 2 years ago or so)



CURRENT

jo_nz

Congratulations!

I have just hit normal BMI too, and totally agree with your points. I am doing so much better now that I have stopped with the all or nothing approach - yes it's slow, but it fits in with my life, and all those other parts of my life are just as important too.

(It's taken me a bit longer to lose the "baby weight"...my youngest turns 10 tomorrow!!)

victory291

@HeatherLeAnn622 thanks for the good advice about not having an all or nothing mentality. And congratulations on your success!

momefee

Inspiring words, thanks! And you look so healthy and strong! Great job. I'm 5'8" SW 208 with a goal of 164, so this was very inspiring to see.