2011 - Year in Review!

UpEarly

With the year winding down, I thought it would be fun to share (BRAG!) about all of our successes, epiphanies, revelations and achievements over the past year. Hopefully, all this positive energy can be passed along to the many new folks I am sure are joining with New Year's resolutions in mind.

Here's my list:

1) My biggest revelation since joining MFP - I do NOT have to 'diet' or starve myself to succeed with weight loss. Honestly, I had no idea I could lose weight eating an average of around 2000 calories a day. I've lost weight before, but it's never been so easy and painless. Taking it slow, being patient and weighing in just once a month were all key. These methods were all new to me. In past efforts, I'd go on a crash diet - lose everything - then gain it right back. I feel like I am finally learning how to eat intuitively.

2) My health is so much better at 40 than it was at 35... or even 30! My resting heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol are all very low now! A year ago, my blood pressure was borderline - now my doctor is asking if I'm getting enough salt in my diet. LOL

3) I am faster and stronger. I was always a regular exerciser - even at my heaviest - but now I totally kick butt even on tough workouts.

4) My pant size is a single digit number (in most brands, at least... still a 10 in a few). At 5'9", a size 8 seemed like a good goal for me. Now I'm actually thinking about size sixes.

5) I weigh the same as I did on my wedding day, which was over 14 years ago. Next time I visit my parents house, I have got to try that dress on again! LOL

What are your milestones and proudest moments of 2011? I'd love to hear about everyone's success!

getfitnfab

Awesome job

I am not in bed all day sick
On vacations I actually go for a walk in the morning and evening
I have a bit more self confidence
I am so consistent with my workouts
I work with my body and realize do not have to do what others do
I realized when you are as short as me 5 pounds looks like 20
I now know how to maintain my weight
I realize to lose the last 20 I need to diligently log
I also realized I tend to gain more muscle than any woman I know

All in all a happier person than I was last year

EmmaR31

Lovely idea and congrats on your achievements! I hope that I will also be able to fit into my wedding dress in 14 years time, that is awesome!

I think this year was about changing the perceptions I have of myself:

I DO have willpower even though I haven't been telling myself that I haven't for the past 20 years or so
I do not look "good enough" or "ok" with all the extra weight
Realising what works for me and what doesn't for diet and exercise
Truly understanding that this is a lifestyle change, there will be days where I don't eat healthily but more importantly are the days that I do
That MFP and my MFP pals are an essential element of my weight loss plan

And what is close to my heart is how proud my hubby is of what I am achieving and really feeling sexy for him again