80 pounds lighter, 5 years wiser ;)

missblondi2u

I thought it was about time to post these. I've been a MFP member since 2013, but I'd say my weight loss story began in earnest in 2015. My starting weight was 206, and I'm down to 127. As a 5'2" female, that's taken me from a size 18 to a size 4. The journey was slow going at times, including one major 20 pound relapse, but looking back I really couldn't be any prouder of myself

I started by calorie counting with MFP and tracking my activity with my Fitbit. In the beginning all I could really manage for exercise was walking until I worked up to running, which I've discovered I have a true passion for. I've gotten to a point where I don't really need to log my food on a daily basis, mostly because I stick pretty closely to a set eating pattern that's worked well for me. I run three times a week, do lots of walking, and go on the occasional bike ride. I ran my second half-marathon this past weekend

Now that I'm mostly done with the weight loss, my next goal is to get into strength training so I can tone up. I'm always happy to add fitness-minded friends to my feed, whether your just starting or just still working, I've found that positive engagement with other MFP users has been super motivating.

Wishing everyone a happy journey!

rachempoo

Congratulations on the success! And your second half marathon is a huge accomplishment as well!

Mithridites

You look fantastic! Not least because there is a newfound confidence in your smile. I started at a similar weight as you. I'm more than halfway there. I may reevaluate my final goal weight. Did you do any strength training?

bbbgamer

Great job!

edflood

Amazing accomplishment! What impact has the weight reduction made to your energy level, sleep, vitals like BP and heart rate?

Sadiepunkin

Wow, you look amazing and congrats on your marathons as well.

urban287

Excellent job!

missblondi2u

Mithridites wrote: »

You look fantastic! Not least because there is a newfound confidence in your smile. I started at a similar weight as you. I'm more than halfway there. I may reevaluate my final goal weight. Did you do any strength training?

I did bodyweight exercises sporadically. I'm working on trying to be more consistent!

missblondi2u

edflood wrote: »

Amazing accomplishment! What impact has the weight reduction made to your energy level, sleep, vitals like BP and heart rate?

Thanks! I feel so much better, and my cardiovascular health has greatly improved. Even when I'm not intentionally exercising, I just find I'm so much more active now.

Mellybean1183

Congratulations, you look incredible!

Bluetail6

What a beautiful, wonderful, and amazing transformation!! Go you.

P.S. Inspirational

motivatingmyselftomove

I've never used mfp for anything other than putting in food, but was intrigued by your post. I've been a member of an eating disorder twelve step program since 1988, yet its only in the past two years that I have begun eating in loving healthy way that helps my body mind and spirit be robust. At 5'2", I am down to 126.7, from a high of 193 the year I got married (18 years ago). I was at a plateau for the longest time, but then when I worked with my nutritionist to modify my food plan and not eat foods that were irritating to my system, I find I am losing again. The difference between dealing with my eating disorder for many years is that I wasn't in self-preservation mode; I was doing to myself what had been done to me. When I realized that I know better how to be kind and gentle with myself, I wanted to set specific boundaries around my food and began working a very different kind of program. It takes so little time to do each day yet has had profound wonderful effects in so many areas of my life. Bravo for us for taking life in hand and seeing how we were hurting ourselves, and then, taking a different action than we ever took before.

springlering62

This is a wonderful story. Thanks for taking the time to share. It’s very motivational.

18922

Congratulations 🎉! You look amazing and you must feel so much better than at your highest. Be proud of your journey. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

missblondi2u

Thanks everyone for your kind words 😊

dianalynn53

Congratulations on your success! Your pictures are inspiring!

shhhilo

Wow congrats on your success way to stay on top of your goals and life you look amazing

chasitystiff9397

Congrats you look great girl

RoseyandReady

Wow!!! Congratulations!!! You must feel sooooo good!!! You look amazing!!

EileenL2015

CONGRATULATIONS to you. You look amazing.....Great job sticking to the plan. Hoping I can get back in the swing of things after New years eve......Have had some health issues with my knees and has put me behind with my Zumba
class. Any suggestions are sure welcome....What do you do about snacks....? Keep up your maintenance now and stay strong. God bless.

denisemc1407

You look wonderful!!! GREAT job!

TayaCurragh

You look great! I'm 4"10 so it's nice seeing other succes stories from shorter women.

I love that you've mentioned a relapse, I'm in the same position at the moment and lots of success stories seem very linear. Gives me hope

LisaGetsMoving

Very inspiring! You look so good.

losemicaroline

Thanks for the inspiring post!

LeiLaura

Amazing job, so inspiring!

riffraff2112

Well done, true testament that slow and steady indeed wins the race.

AnneUT

Congratulations! What an amazing achievement!!! 👏👏👏

Amyrose716

Wow! Your story and photos are very encouraging and inspiring. I have a long way to go, just starting over. I plan to follow in your footsteps!

DiscusTank5

Major congratulations on the hard work and dedication it took to get you to where you are today. Your story is inspiring for those of us still in the 200s.

kona_tom

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm just starting out and seeing your success is very motivating. Congratulations!

missblondi2u

EileenL2015 wrote: »

CONGRATULATIONS to you. You look amazing.....Great job sticking to the plan. Hoping I can get back in the swing of things after New years eve......Have had some health issues with my knees and has put me behind with my Zumba
class. Any suggestions are sure welcome....What do you do about snacks....? Keep up your maintenance now and stay strong. God bless.

My best advice on food is just planning really. If you usually get hungry around 4pm, plan ahead and have a snack ready. For me, it's usually a green smoothie with baby spinach, baby kale, apple juice, frozen pineapple, banana, greek yogurt, and matcha powder. I get my sweet tooth fix along with protein and tons of other good stuff.