167+ lbs lost. 10lbs more to "goal"(pics)

HealthWoke0ish

When I first started using Myfitnesspal, I'd smirk and snicker and think "who does that?" when peeps would write that they didn't have any fat pics of themselves and opine on causes, e.g., subconscious shame. It didn't take me too long to realize I was one of those people and that I hardly had any fat pics of myself. A few weeks/month ago, I e-mailed some friends and asked if they had any fat pics of me. I received a reply e-mail a couple days ago with a pic attached. It's of me at costume/Halloween party in Oct 2009. I studied the picture for a while and then went into the bathroom here at work and took a selfie. Here are the pics together:

October 2009 - Approx 400lbs February 2014 - Appox 235lbs


The timeline:
First, I stopped drinking soda. Besides a ginger ale last year when I was sick, and some Martinelli's at a few New Years Eve parties, I haven't drunk soda since quitting. (Note: I don't know enough to know definitively whether or not soda is bad...but I know it wasn't a good habit for me...so I quit.)

Second. Subsequent to quitting soda, I started limiting myself to one plateful of food at meals. Note: I could get as large a plate as I wanted, and could pile it as high as logistically possible, but still..."one plateful" represented a decrease in total food consumption at meals. (smh...but this was a good step-in-the-right-direction for me with respect to learning to moderate intake)

Third. Subsequent to beginning to regulate (even minimally) portion control, I started using MFP. This is when I really started to pick up steam. (I think I started around Oct-Nov 2012.)

Fourth: I did the 30 Day Shred and was amazed at the results (in one month, I lost 12lbs and a couple of inches...that was A LOT for me!)

Fifth: I started running. I liked/like the challenge, my knees are young'ish, and it's a convenient way for me to burn some calories. (I started out with huffing and puffing around the track--who am I kidding...it was little more than brisk walking...but I ended the year with some 5ks, 10ks, and a pair of half marathons under my--significantly smaller --belt).

That's it. I'm currently down 165+lbs. I'd like to lose another 30lbs and then lose some more inches as I gradually add more strength exercise. Thanks to everyone who's helped thus far...and thanks to everyone who continues to help or who will help me in the future. It would have been much harder, if not improbable, without you.

(BTW...like that costume? I'm supposed to be the Empire State Building and my kid is King Kong. Haha.)

pyrowill

Hahaha i was about to ask what you were dressed as. very imaginative. Great work mate, inspiration to us all. What was your starting weight/goal weight?

Laughter_Girl

Job very well done. I'm inspired.

minrichard

Way to go! I am truly inspired by your story.

fpelletier

Congratulations! Any small step to becoming healthier is great! Keep up the hard work and I am sure you'll reach your goal!

casiobarnes

Great job!

And what an adorable costume idea! haha.

p.s. facial hair really suits you!

biancagetsfit94

Amazing, handsome, and truly inspiring

jbpretty

Big difference! You look great and I'm sure feel great too. Well done!

fitness_n00b

Mind = blown

You're amazing!

robmac13h

an inspiration, very well done looking good

Ilb320

Amazing job. You are inspirational.

teaparty75

very inspiring - awesome work !!!

IronMikeFox

Kicking *kitten* dude!!!!! Way to go!

bobbiejof33

Amazing!

NikiaSue

you look awesome. way to go.

kwantlen2051

Thanks for your motivational success story

jacquiearchambault

Love the costume! Congrats on your success! You really took the right aporoach...patient baby steps. Logging my food has really opened my eyes to my mindless snacking and lack of exercise. I have not lost much but st leadt I amnot gaining. You are an inspiration to keep going...it is tough.but I hope I canbe a success story like you soon!

rlp1975

Awesome job, you look great!!

nikkkie92

Wow that is truly amazing

RachelRuns9

Nice job!!! Thanks for all of the info & tips. You have a great perspective. Congrats to you!

seren1ty74

freaking awesome!

AussieGal73

You look fantastic!

hunniebunn

what an amazing story! you look fantastic

thisonewillwork

Well done, you are amazing and should be very proud of yourself. Thanks for sharing your journey with hints and encouragement. I hope you go well with the last stage of your ideal goal. :bigsmile:

arainiday1

WOW! way to go!

AlbyHK

Love the custume - super clever! I bet you are able to do all kinds of activities with you kid now too! You are a true inspiration - thank you for sharing.

smantha32

The timeline:
First, I stopped drinking soda. Besides a ginger ale last year when I was sick, and some Martinelli's at a few New Years Eve parties, I haven't drunk soda since quitting. (Note: I don't know enough to know definitively whether or not soda is bad...but I know it wasn't a good habit for me...so I quit.)

I have a friend who lost 80 pounds doing nothing but switching out soda for water. No meal tracking, no exercise, nothing but that.
Soda adds a lot more calories than people realize.

fantastic job!

aliciadub

Awesome job! Very inspirational. You look fantastic. And congratulations on the running! Those half marathons are not easy!

katiemegcz

I love that you made one lifestyle change at a time. I did that too, and soda was my first as well. That was so hard, but I feel so much better. Congrats on your success!!

DannyBoy863

That's incredible and very inspirational. WELL DONE!!

xxnellie146xx

Great work!