lost the baby weight, starting to model - pictures

princess_elle

Hi there. I joined MFP about a year and a half ago, but became pregnant within a few months. I started out 155lbs, but by the end of my pregnancy, I weighed 208lbs. I gave birth to my beautiful daughter at the beginning of June, but since my weight was unhealthy, I decided to come back to MFP. I walked during the healing period after giving birth, and once my body could handle it, I began cardio workouts 5 times a week. Because I was breastfeeding, I aimed for a net calorie intake of no less than 1,700 each day, with my doctor’s approval of course.

I lost 50lbs, and reached my goal of my pre-pregnancy within 8 weeks. It felt so great to reach my goal that I decided I wanted to push myself even further, and pursue my dream of making a career out of modeling. Since reaching my initial goal in July, I have lost 16lbs. It has been slow, but I want to do this healthy. I will be entering an industry where so many people lose themselves, so I am going to take my time. This is not just a fad diet to get skinny quick; I want the pounds to stay off for good.

I am currently a size 8 (a whole dress size less than pre-pregnancy!), and for the modeling agency I have my eye on to consider me, I need to be at least a 6. My new goal is not a certain weight, but to drop a dress size. However, this journey has been about much more than just measurements for me. It is about reaching for my dreams. If a certain agency does not want me because they cannot see what I do, then that is fine, I can always find one that does. The most important thing is that I have become a more healthy and active person. I have several close relatives including my mom, my brother, and a few uncles, and my grandma, who all have type 2 diabetes. It is a scary reality for me, and I am not going to ignore the warnings.

Before I became pregnant, I was uncomfortable in my own skin, and too scared to believe in myself. I thought I was fat, and when I looked in a mirror, I only saw flaws. Pregnancy changed that all. Maybe it was the swollen ankles, not being able to wear my wedding ring, or maybe even just looking at my old pictures from high school. Something made me realize that I was crazy to think I ever had it bad before. Since then, I cannot help but appreciate my body and love it the way it is. For example, when the swelling in my legs went down (a few days after giving birth, no real weight loss yet) and I saw my ankles for the first time in months, I think I felt like the sexiest woman alive!

I hope that posting this will give me the motivation I need to continue to reach my final goal of losing those last stubborn inches. I am in the final stretch and it seems so close, yet so far away. In a few weeks, I have a photo shoot to start building a portfolio. I am so nervous, but very excited! Wish me luck!

I am rambling now. If anyone reads all of that, I guess what I want you take away from it is to love your body as it is. No matter how much you gain or lose, you are not going to feel better unless you respect yourself.

Here are some pictures; I hope they inspire you to reach for your dreams too.

Pre-pregnancy at 155lb. March 2010:



200lbs. May 2011:



200lbs. May 2011:



First goal weight, 155lbs. August 2011:



139lbs. Current:



139lbs. Current:

JellyPrz619

You're so cute! Lol and such an inspiration. I'm guessing you're around 5'7? I have similar weight goals and can't wait to get where you're at

Twins2007

wow!!!

you look amazing!

keep up the great work

UponThisRock

great job

Emery313

WOW! You look awesome! I was the same way even when I was skinny I thought I was fat, but now that I have gained weight I wonder why I thought I was so bad??!! Keep up the good work!!

fbnngrss

You look fabulous! You will be a great model! Very Inspiring!

princess_elle

You're so cute! Lol and such an inspiration. I'm guessing you're around 5'7? I have similar weight goals and can't wait to get where you're at

We're close! I am 5'8. Good luck.

woou

Thank you for the eye candy. I will be moving along now.

c7eat2live

youre so inspiring, and you look gorgeous at ANY weight. I cannot WAIT to get there you are

UsedToBeHusky

You look amazing! Best of luck!

rml_16

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Kristen Davis???

JediMaster_intraining

You look amazing in all your pictures!!

teagin2002

You look amazing! Best of luck!

bump!

Ilovedrinkingtea

Incredible journey, best of luck with the modelling xx

JennC831

You have done an AMAZING job!!! Congrats!! You look great!!!

princess_elle

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Kristen Davis???

Actually, no, that is a new one. I love her, though! The one I get most often is Zooey Deschanel.

rml_16

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Kristen Davis???

Actually, no, that is a new one. I love her, though! The one I get most often is Zooey Deschanel.

It may just be the photos, but you look just like Davis in them.

DestinyDarbi

My story is so similar! Besides the modeling part.. haha I was 145 pre-pregnancy (I'm only 5'4"), got up to over 175 lbs, and now I'm down to 118! I still struggle with the whole "looking in the mirror" thing, but you are so right.. no matter our size, we have to learn to respect ourselves!

You were a BEAUTIFUL bride, such a CUTE preggo woman, and now a SMOKIN' mama! Congrats, and good luck on the rest of your journey! :flowerforyou:

Adventuretown

You look fantastic! WAY TO GO!

MrsEdge928

Thanks for the motivation! Im in the same boat. I just had my 2nd daughter in August, My kids are 15 months apart so My body has been through the ringer the last two years. You look wonderful and You gave me motivation to keep going. Thanks and good luck on the modeling your beautiful!

Justine13

Awesome Pictures. Good Job getting back into shape after you had your baby. Best of luck

pregmeg119

Stunning!!

lulibell1987

Wow, you look amazing! Well done on your success and i hope you reach your goal

princess_elle

Thanks for the motivation! Im in the same boat. I just had my 2nd daughter in August, My kids are 15 months apart so My body has been through the ringer the last two years. You look wonderful and You gave me motivation to keep going. Thanks and good luck on the modeling your beautiful!

You are so welcome! I especially wanted to put this out there for all the new moms, so I am very glad I could help. Your body has been through a lot, so enjoy your beautiful little girls and take things slow. You definitely can do this!

jaci34

You look fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing!

Rayman79

You are so welcome! I especially wanted to put this out there for all the new moms...

There are a lot of dads that will thank you for the post too! :P

Seroiusly though, well done on your transformation, you look awesome - (though I think you were still cute at 200lbs )

princess_elle

You are so welcome! I especially wanted to put this out there for all the new moms...

There are a lot of dads that will thank you for the post too! :P

Seroiusly though, well done on your transformation, you look awesome - (though I think you were still cute at 200lbs )

This made me chuckle. Thank you!

PerfectPout

Good for you! I am losing my pregnancy weight too as I have 2 little ones under 22 months so I completely understand where you are coming from.

I am a Professional Makeup Artist so I know what you mean regarding your career because I need to look good not only for myself but my clients also as they look at me all the time!

Your journey and pics are so inspirational - I love it!

Good Luck with your modelling career xo

Dr_Farru

You're truly gorgeous