Before...After: A year between photos

karenk2f

Here is my Success Story. I wasn't sure when I wanted to share my story, as I am not 'done' and never will be. There will be a couple more pounds to lose, toning, maintenance....I plan on keeping my success a continuing saga. But I felt inspired to share since many of your success stories have kept me going. Thanks, btw! So, here goes:

Height=5'6"
SW=161.8
GW=135
CW=138.8
Age=40

A year ago in June I decided turning 40 was going to be something memorable. My weight was getting out of hand and I was feeling 'old'. Dropping down to 145 by my birthday seemed doable. Summer passed and I added a few more pounds, I thought I had better get on it. Started P90 in September, 2012. Didn't change my diet or track my foods. Didn't lose either! Got discouraged and my enthusiasm faded. Fast forward to January, 2013: Holidays had been fattening and my window of opportunity was closing. Decided I was going about this weight loss thing all wrong. I HAD to change the way I ate as well as working out. But I LOVE food! Then, I remembered my MFP account I had signed up for back in June. Tracking my food was a shock at first. I started to figure out how to eat and exercise. I started drinking more water, a lot more water! Found a couple of MFP friends that made me accountable. (along with having someone 'in the same boat' who I could commiserate with!) A BIG thank you to them!! And lo and behold...I lost weight! Hit my birthday a whole pound under my goal! I didn't stop there, either. Still felt I could do more. Spent the summer working on a few more pesky pounds. I even ran my first 5K with a respectable time of 33:43! I continue ever onward. I am immensely proud of how far I have come. I can ride my horses with more balance, can keep up with my busy life, inspired my kids to think about their eating/exercise and have a sense of confidence I have never had. (not confident enough to show my face in my photos though! Hahahaha!) So, there it is. I hope this can help someone as much as the many stories here have helped me! Good luck!

Now for the photos: (I hope!!!)

BEFORE:


AFTER:

qtgonewild

Nice work, you look great.

swillybay

It has been an honor being your MFP friend and you have inspired me on way more than a few occasions! Thanks for your support and congratulations on the new you! I look forward to the day I can have the confidence to post my own pictures - not there yet, but hopefully one day!

Thanks for your cheerful and inspiring support always!

Mainebikerchick

WOW!! You look amazing!!

imzadi481

Thank you for sharing, you have a great success story!

mjpbgtd

Excellent work - it shows!

klerato

Congrats,You look great!

TygerTwoTails

Congrats on all of your hard work and exceeding your goals!

jhloves2knit

What a wonderful difference! I'll bet you got to buy a new wardrobe.

ironmonkeystyle

WTG!

jenj1313

Great work, you look fantastic!

120mustdo

You look great! Fantastic job!

determinedbutlazy

Fantastic work, keep going, you're doing a brilliant job!

thesophierose

Great Job!!

alyama

You look fantastic! Congrats and thanks for sharing! It's so inspiring!

FrancineM62

Hi Karen,

Congratulations on your success! I have a very similar story. I posted a blog when I met my goal back in April. Counting calories is the only thing that's ever worked for me. When I first started MFP I set a 'reasonable' goal weight thinking that would be really hard to do. Losing weight gave me the confidence I needed to get where I really wanted to be, 5-7 pounds lower than that, and I've been maintaining ever since. What a huge difference it made, as it has for you. You don't realize how good your body was meant to feel. It's so nice to exercise just for the fun and fitness of it, not for the sole purpose of losing weight. Like you though, it doesn't end there. I intend to stay with MFP and keep logging. Keep up the good work!

twinkelbel

well done,keep up the awesome work

Hildy_J

Oh my. That is simply fabulous - you must be delighted. :-)

Well done on achieving that new athletic bod! xx

hinzee4

Thanks for sharing! You look great!!! I used to ride horses when I was a teen!! Great fun! Could never do it now. Love the horse pic!

angel2448

Good Going!!! I don't know you and I'm proud of you. You have come a long way, and I have to say, getting
older, for me, it's not easy like it was 15 years ago. But, seeing someone whose not in their 20's kickin it
the way you do motivates me. And those pictures, You Look Good Girl!

mommy3457

You look fantastic! I know this might sound really odd, but I love your arms. If I had to pick how I wanted my arms to look, I'd want mine to look like yours.

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

Nice job!

TeresaMarie46

Absolutely amaaazing. You look fabulous. All your hard work shows.
Best wishes on your continued journey.

barb_32

Great job, you look amazing!

jen_zz

Wonderful progress!

disneygallagirl

Just fabulous! you look GREAT!

Xeldadog

Congratulations! We're about the same stats except you are two inches taller (I'm 5'4). Thank you for posting your success because it fuels my motivation, particularly since you are 40. I'm having a hard time dropping the lbs.

wateryphoenix

You look great! =D Have fun ridin'! ^_^

giLLiLand88

WOW! You have given me such hope! Thanks for sharing, it's sooo easy to feel alone on this crazy road...

MissySpring

Amazing results! Tracking is definitely worth it! Congrats on your new life style and success.

AfricaLatina

What a dramatic change to your shape! :drinker: well done, you must be delighted :bigsmile: