Amazed

JDMPWR

Did you think when you started your weight loss journey what you would uncover?

To me it's like an archeological dig. Every few days I uncover more and more of myself mentally and physically. I am down from the start of MFP 32 or 33 lbs but overall I am down 180 lbs over the last 2 years. I have never fallen off the wagon on any benders or binges because for the lack of a better term I am stubborn and my will power/determination is my best asset.

I am sure many a member can agree to this statement below. Be it vain or not I know you have all felt this great feeling.

I can spend a good 10-20 minutes in the mirror in awe of how my body is changing back to what it once was. I knew their was muscle and bone under that flab somewhere and every day I notice something more and more.

Today my discovery was I can see my pectoral muscles reaching from my chest to my shoulders. I haven't seen those since 2002-03. I was in awe because two weeks ago it was a pile of flab and now it's a muscle. The outlining of my abs are becoming more defined day by day and I can see and feel my hip bones again. I am starting to regain my V instead of my 8 year old square upper torso.

Mentally I am starting to regain my self confidence around women, I have always had that funny sarcastic attitude and people love it but lately it's been at 100%. This line sticks in my mind "i'm not confident its just my low self esteem is at an all time high."
I also feel that I want to help those that need it too. My brother for instance used to be the one in the best of shape out of the two of us. Now he weighs the same as I but wears size 36 pants and XL shirts and I am in 33 pants and M or L shirts now. He eats terribly and doesn't seem to care unless we harp on him. He is so stubborn that refuses to listen to the guidance I am trying to give. For instance he will get a salad and then proceed to eat it and then get a large choco/oatmeal cookie and then thinks his 20 minutes on the treadmill justified this poor eating decision.

In some respects I looked up to him as my older brother as he was a track and cross country runner but now he just plain lets me down in that department. I hope to break through to him and he will start to take on what I have learned through years and years of trial and error.

Also in the same respect this experience thus far has been somewhat humbling because I now have fully grown to understand food in my life and how it is a wonderous thing both good and bad and how to find that proper balance when I hit my goal/maintain weight. I see in the aspects of how much influence foods have on our bodies and neglecting or taking advantage of easy eating/living can cause such a big change in such a short time.

I used to lift weights vigorously but hated and I meant HATED anything cardio. Now when I go to the gym I actually enjoy the latter. I see the need for weight training but only as support for my cardio workouts and to help grow these muscles and tighten the skin up. I have been consuming egg whites and chicken as most of you know and avoiding whey and casein powders as more of a test to see what a lot of bodybuilders preach and so far it's holding true. Natural real editable protein from a natural non processed or synthesized source is better then the further. I used to get all swollen in the face from whey and didn't see or feel any monster gains from it but now with my test choice I am seeing gains all around.

Any who this is my rant. I hope you guys will add to this post about your own experiences thus far through your journey.

ropsnik

Congrats and well done. You have found and are following one of the secrets of life......will power.

BernieMBurke

Yes, willpower/determination is the key. I am within 1.5 pounds of my goal weight and am a little nervous about switching to a maintenace plan. I've lost (make that discarded) 79 pounds in just under 8 months (November 9th is the 8 month date). I've done almost all cardio (tons of walking - anywhere from 20 to 50+ a week), some running and some elliptical. I will be starting weights in the next week or so to replace some of cardio.

Also, I got one of the best compliments yesterday when I donated blood. When the machine was testing my blood pressure and pulse rate, the machine started beeping. The lady said it was because my pulse rate was so low (49). She said "You work out a lot, don't you because the machine never lies" (my blood pressure was 116/75). I was elated!!! I am still on blood pressure and cholesterol medication, but will be going back to the doctor to see if I can get off or at least reduce what I'm taking.

This is coming from someone who had a stroke just over three years ago. I was lucky because I don't have any lingering effects. The main thing is how helpful this site has been. When anyone asks me how I did it, I say it's watching what you eat and exercising. I also mention MyFitnessPal.com as a way to track and learn about various types of food.

This has been a lot of hard work, but I'm proud of what I have accomplished to this point and my body has rewarded me. I will still log my entries in to MyFitnessPal.com and track my weight every week, not to mention review the Message Boards to learn new things and help people celebrate their successes.

slansdown

You deserve a huge congratulations. Try to not "harp" on your brother or anyone else. The path of self care and weight loss is difficult to get to (you know -- I know). Be kind. I hope I can do this too.

cmriverside

Excellent thoughts, and very well written.

I had to giggle when you said "my borther is strubborn" [sic]........Just a few paragraphs earlier you mentioned how your stubborness led to your willpower.

The very best teacher is to teach quietly by example. As you know, you cannot change another, only yourself. Well done. :flowerforyou: