SandTiger's work in progress thread - starting weight 245

Sand_TIger

It was odd too because my fingers have always looked kind of thin but I guess I had a lot to lose even so.

Sailor555

I just found this thread and am so impressed with and inspired by your story. Thank you for sharing so generously and informatively. I am only starting out -- about 1.5 months into it now, with a big "Break" taken thru the holidays and into early January when my birthday falls. Just one week back on the plan now. I somehow managed to lose 9 lbs since starting though, which surprised me given the big dip I took over the holidays. -- I know the word "courage" gets overused and can sometimes sound a bit like a false compliment, but please believe me when I say I admire you for documenting so fearlessly. I'm still afraid to take a picture of myself (though I think I would enjoy the comparison if I ever reach goal) because I simply can't stand how I look. So thanks for posting all this time, it's such a great motivator and mood elevator. Congratulations on your well-earned progress! Rooting for you as well as for myself! I look forward to no longer falling into the obese BMI, and hang onto the hope it's still possible. (For the record, I'm 20 yrs older than you, and you definitely still have plenty of time to enjoy your hard-won success.) Best wishes!

x_stephisaur_x

I've just found this thread and I think I might have to bookmark it because you are INCREDIBLE! I can't believe how far you've come in just a year, you should be so proud of yourself.

I think you'll need to buy a whole new wardrobe when it comes time to return to the office

Keep up the good work!

Sand_TIger

Sailor and Stephisaur, welcome to my thread! Thanks so much for being here and I really appreciate your kind comments. Sometimes looking at this thread is quite motivating to me too because at times it can actually be hard to see the progress I've made.

You're absolutely right, I will need to buy a new wardrobe - there's no way I could wear any of my old stuff, LOL, except MAYBE one of my hats. I even needed new sandals. For now though, working from home, I've just gotten a few new T-shirts and shorts, and gone back to some old smaller stuff that I'd bought with hope in my heart. It works for now.

CupcakeCrusoe

I've just found your thread as well, incredible work you've done.

I went from 216 to 155, and then back to 220, so now I'm at about 185-190. Your attitude and work you've put in is truly inspiring.

nexangelus

Sand_TIger wrote: »

Here's a slightly better pic. I have trouble getting pictures of myself but the lighting is SLIGHTLY better. My face is really different from what it was before, a little more angular, and I really don't miss that second chin I used to have. Funny how some things on it look more mature and other parts look younger. I figure not too terrible for 41 going on 42. Weight and measurements about the same as last post. Weight about 162, maybe a little under. Just got another wedding ring (simple titanium band) and it's a size 4 1/2 - I started out with a size 8 ring.

Oh my gosh, your face and the ring sizings....awesome shizz lady...I bet you feel fantastic?!

Sand_TIger

Yeah, I do feel pretty good! As of today I finally broke into the 150s after a solid three months of work bouncing up and down in about a five pound range. Fat percentage 29, muscle percentage 30.3. So as of now I am officially more muscle than fat and that makes me happy. Very happy. Blood pressure readings have dropped from borderline high to solidly low, too.

Today's weight: 159.4, and 34.5% lost of starting weight.

1poundatax

I love watching your progress. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for continuing to share.

hobit101

Thanks. you are inspirational. Keep up the good work.

cechafe

WTG! I'm just starting my journey to a healthier me. Keep up the amazing work!

TiredMom2021

I just found your thread and you are such an inspiration! Great work!!

Sand_TIger

Thank you all for your sweet comments! Now I'm dipping my toes into the 150s much more regularly. So I'm 159 for a few days then temporarily go back up to 160 or 161. I'm noticing there is more firmness around my waist though and I can see distinct muscle groups in my thighs when I'm exercising! I still have plenty of squishy parts, so my goal is still a ways off, but it's nice to be able to observe these things.

This morning I decided I'd watch a few Japanese cooking videos. BUT! I had to be using my mini-pedaler the whole time watching. I did my thirty minutes, saw another recipe I just had to see, so added an extra six minutes to my total.

(I love Japanese cuisine. So many of the dishes involve vegetables and they are the absolute masters of portion control and elegant presentation. I don't have sodium concerns so I can adapt many of the recipes by just omitting sugar.)

cugogirl2017

@Sand_TIger thank you for all of your posts. You are kind, humble and so inspirational. I applaud your progress, good for you, you look fantastic! (Your posts help others like me and boost our morale. Sometimes this process can seem so slow with the ups and downs and weight fluctuations.)

Sand_TIger

Thank you - sometimes I post because I remember all the people who I read for inspiration and how much it helped me to share their struggle. So I'll keep reaching out too. You're right! It can seem really slow and frustrating and sometimes it's hard to see how far we've come.

SheilaDundon

Sand_Tiger I haven't read your blog yet, but your comments here showing your journey from 1/1/20 to today 2/13/21 is astounding. I am 5'3" and started my goal to be healthier on 1/1/2021, just 6 weeks ago. I started at 183.3 and I have lost 10 pounds as of today. It's starting to show a little bit. pants feel better. My waist reduced by 2". I'm walking about 45 minutes every afternoon and 30 minutes of yoga or strength training in the morning. I find free uTube videos or use the eliptical. My ongoing goal is 1 pound a week, so hopefully I will reach my goal by the fall. I'm glad I found your postings. thanks.

siouxieq62

I just spent a big chunk of time reading all the comments and some of the blog. I had to stop and comment as to how very much I admire your progress. Especially the photos. Your positive attitude and honesty are very motivating. Keep up the great work and I will be following you regularly!

jenilla1

That's beautiful progress for just over a year's time. Healthy and sustainable. Keep it up!

P.S. You've got great legs, girl!

Sand_TIger

Hi Sheila, Siouxie, and Jenilla! Thank you too for your comments. For the first time in my life I really think I've got this - I've proven to myself that I can stay the course. That's a new thing for me, really. After I get near goal weight I'll start working seriously on strength, I think, and recomposition, and so if people are still interested I'll keep posting.

Mrs_Hoffer

Hi Tiger!! Your thread showed up on the right side of MFP wall today - the very first one under RECENT FORUM TOPICS so I hope that more and more people are finding you! I think your story is phenomenal and can't begin to give you enough KUDOS! You are a true inspiration and I'm so glad to call you "friend". Keep up the AWESOME work!!

Sand_TIger

Hi, Mrs, Hoffer! I'm happy you're my friend too!

jenilla1

Sand_TIger wrote: »

Hi Sheila, Siouxie, and Jenilla! Thank you too for your comments. For the first time in my life I really think I've got this - I've proven to myself that I can stay the course. That's a new thing for me, really. After I get near goal weight I'll start working seriously on strength, I think, and recomposition, and so if people are still interested I'll keep posting.

I will have been successfully maintaining here on MFP for 10 years next month. If I can do it, you can do it!

The beauty of this is that there's always something to work for even after you've reached your weight loss goal. You don't have to get to goal and then say "what now?" and start slacking off, like some people end up doing.

Always having a goal keeps me in check. The first few years I did have to focus somewhat on maintaining, getting used to how that was a bit different than the losing phase. But now I don't worry about weight much anymore since I've got this calorie balancing act down.

These days I spend my efforts recomping or refining my physique, or working on fitness or nutrition goals. I've achieved my fastest running pace (even though I've been running for decades), highest lifting stats and even mastered pushups just recently. There's a lot for you to look forward to in the coming years...this is just the beginning! You totally got this!

Sand_TIger

Thanks for the perspective from someone who has done it, Jenilla1! I really appreciate it. I agree with you!

solieco1

Sand_TIger wrote: »

Here's a slightly better pic. I have trouble getting pictures of myself but the lighting is SLIGHTLY better. My face is really different from what it was before, a little more angular, and I really don't miss that second chin I used to have. Funny how some things on it look more mature and other parts look younger. I figure not too terrible for 41 going on 42. Weight and measurements about the same as last post. Weight about 162, maybe a little under. Just got another wedding ring (simple titanium band) and it's a size 4 1/2 - I started out with a size 8 ring.

You look fantastic!!!

SueMiconi

Awesome job! You look fantastic and I love your inspirational posts. Haven’t figured out where to find your blog yet.

Sand_TIger

Thanks! My blog can be found at https://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Sand_TIger, or if you friend me I always post an update when I write a new one. Or up at the blogs section at the top, they will show up if I have a recent one under "recent."

Sand_TIger

New blog entry: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Sand_TIger/view?id=my-new-habit-988728

Sand_TIger

For those on my friends list who are curious about the atrium I've been mentioning, here are some pictures of it. After a trip to Home Depot today I have two new tomato plants in here to go with the old one, a new peppermint plant to go with the pre-existing spearmint, a sweet basil plant that I hope thrives because I love basil in salads, a lucky bamboo and a philodendron. Oh, and a couple aloe plants because I live in Arizona. The cat is Hiroshi, who wants to be a gardener when he grows up, or maybe a mechanic, astronaut, or personal trainer.

lelbarou

Hi Tiger, this plant atrium is fantastic! Plus the recent February pic of you is awesome! You face is so defined now! So many more lines, angles and definition. You look great! Plus only 1 chin! I want to get there too! You really are an inspiration! Love knowing you and being a part of your journey!

Sand_TIger

New Blog Entry:

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Sand_TIger/view?id=diet-break-989059

(May need to copy/paste this into browser)

Also! I decided I need green onions now and I just read an article on how to start them from a bunch of green onions you buy from the store. You use the onions and then put the root end in water, let them grow a better root structure and shoots on the top, then put them in the ground. After that, you can keep snipping the tops and just let them regrow and never have to buy green onions again. So guess what's going in the atrium around my mint? You guessed it, green onions!

Yesterday as I unpacked my grocery bags I realized I've become THAT girl - the one I used to just see in movies - who comes home with that one wholesome looking paper sack of veggies they always show (only I didn't have a baguette) - the one who gets mad when two or three kinds of veggies aren't in a meal - the one who knows her way through the natural foods store - the one who no longer subsists on a diet of refined carbs and fatty protein - yeah, I'm THAT girl. It makes me happy.

Sand_TIger

One final thing - two photos. The photo is of me wearing bike shorts for the first time in probably twenty five years. The combination kind of hides my belly but rest assured, it's still very much there. I'm about 29% body fat and 20.3% muscle, still around 160 pounds at 5' 3". The flex isn't so much for showing off but so I can see progress at the end of my two weeks at maintenance.

As you can see, the kittens are pretty much adult size - Hiroshi is hanging out the side of the cat tree because Old Man Shinji got there first!