One Year Of Maintenance!!!

bellinachuchina

There comes a time when you realize your excuses are exactly that, lazy rationalizations. At that point you really commit to a healthier lifestyle and hold yourself accountable for every choice you make. I was at a crossroads at 170-ish pounds, and had already lost about 70lbs. I asked myself "Why can't I just be overweight and live life happily?" The first thought I had was that I knew better. I was capable of more and would be disappointing myself by not meeting my potential, if I gave in to the ease that comes with mindless "normal" eating habits.

It has been worth it. The restriction, the constant thought of food and weight gain, the high grocery bills, the family dinner accomodations, the family's concern, the "hating" haha, the buying new clothes, the compliments coupled with shock, the million dollar question of "how did you lose it" being asked constantly, the strength, the determination, and the success.

It's true, I know for a fact that I'll never be satisfied, even now, having maintained my goal weight for an entire year, it's still not enough. To me, that's the greatness of humanity, constantly changing and advancing in some way. Yet I can be accomplished in the moment and proud of the advancements I have made. That being said, throughout my next year of maintenance, I would like to push myself to become physically stronger through exercise, for health not weight loss. The past two years have really changed my life entirely, and I love living 110lbs. lighter :happy: Keep up the awesome work, MFP, it CAN be done!!!

timanda2

you look beautiful!

bmmadden

Wow you look awesome!!! Congratulations on your first year of maintenance and many more and you are inspiring to many out there!!

TLW77

Wow you look awesome! Thanks for posting and sharing your inspiring story to us!!

EDBENAGLIO

wow you did something great... hope one day to be where i want to be.

cooki3s

Thanks for posting, we really need examples like this of you and others who have got to their goal and just kept,steady on, with time, living out the new lifestyle with gusto! Inspiring! :flowerforyou:

bjshooter

Wow you look great :O

thisis4me

Amazing!! You look great!!

Ben2118

Amazing!!

Just goes to show what hard work and commitment can achieve! Well done!!

Ben.

tritta01

Amazing you look like a totally different person!

marisa_munches

BIG CONGRATULATIONS! That is a great story. I'm always especially impressed by the stories of those who lost the weight and managed to maintain all of their hard work . You are an inspiration!

kmyers93

This is just so motivational! also to top it all off, you look terrific!

smcclaycouffer

You are such an inspiration. Thank you so much for posting the pictures of yourself. You look absolutely amazing!

Sharonemc

What a great inspiration you are. Thank you for sharing your story!!

getfitdiva

Wow - now that's how you maintain - what motivation. Looking great and did a great job.

etropsis

thank you for sharing! it helps inspire me. I am only on week two with a goal of losing 33 pounds.
You have worked so hard, it shows!

dlaplume2

Great job! You look wonderful.

I love your quote at the bottom too.

ChelDM

OMG....You are so lovely! I was brought to TEARS!

Thank you so much for sharing!

ShellyMacchi

after reading this post, i then had to go and read your profile... and i must say, the combination of the two sure impressed me!

i love your attitude, approach.. and fave quotes *LOL*...

have even bookmarked your profile as i know it has info i will want to re-visit as my own journey progresses.

Thank you!

(i bookmarked instead of sending a friend request as i can see you have very very lil room left in the list *S*)

nurse_chris

HOLY CRAP!!! Congrats.... ANy other website and i probably wouldn't believe the before and after was of the same person! Thanks for sharing, truly motivational

skingszoo

Your amazing! Way to go!!!

Nikstergirl

You are gorgeous and an inspiration!!!! I know I can do this... but it sure helps to hear that others have been able to maintain this lifestyle!!! Can't wait to meet you in the winner's circle!!! :flowerforyou:

BunnyDVP

:flowerforyou: Thanks for sharing. Keep up the GOOD work. You are an inspiration to us all here. You could be used as a "poster child" for us to use.

megsta21

Wow!!! What a total Inspiration!

dtrm88

You look great! Congratulations on your one year of maintenance! Wishing you continued success!!

jllipson

Thanks for sharing - people like you are an inspiration to the rest of us! BTW - you look amazing!

bellinachuchina

Thank you all, so so much!!! :flowerforyou:

ShannonWinger

Wow! That is an awesome transformation! Congrats! You look terrific!

tinboy

My goodness gracious! That is past amazing! Thank so much for sharing!

TahsiaFriedman

Thank you so much for posting! You look fabulous! I'm just getting started and sometimes it's hard to picture myself being thin. So it's extremely encouraging to see pics like these which make me believe that it's actually possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

savvystephy

Congratulations! You look fantastic and deserve all the rewards. I know exactly what you mean by "overweight and happy" That's how I thought for a little while, but I have refocused. I can achieve it and you are definitely motivation to do so!