Finish line! Progress with pics

alexappleton

Yesterday I hit my goal of 185lbs! When I started this journey I never thought it would be possible, but I just gave myself the push to get through one day, then one week, then one month and before I knew it I was into month 3. I have been steadily going to the gym since late August 2011 and although I dont go as much as I did when I first started (was going every day), I still go 3 times a week and have very effective workouts.

Everyone knows when they feel like crap, overweight and out of shape. You hate to look at yourself in the mirror and dread looking at pictures. This was my "bad photo" (Oct 2010) where I knew something needed to be done (215lbs):



I hate looking at that picture, and it took me alot to post it here.....well I knew something needed to be done but couldn't get enough motivation to do so. I ate a little better, but never bothered with physical exercise for whatever reason. I had signed up for a gym pass before, but never bothered to go. Decided enough was enough, thanks to some family motivation I signed up for a trial pass. I decided to go cold turkey on fast and processed foods, and took enjoyment with cooking my own meals.

The hardest part of this journey was late last year where I hit a plateau, I also burned myself out by over exercising and under eating. I lost 20 pounds really quick at the start, I guess I expected to keep going that road and thanks to some posts here realized I needed to make some changes. Actually took a few days of over indulging and cutting workouts back before I was able to break the plateau. Learned that you have to allow yourself some "bad foods" now and then but you just have to moderate it. I also devised a fitness plan and cut my workouts back to 3 times/week, but find overall they are more effective.

I dont find myself logging foods like I used to, but my journal here has helped me realize where my various counts are without having to track them. The mobile app really helped me keep track.

This was me a few weeks ago at my sons birthday party:


And this is me yesterday, 184.6lbs and 17% BF:


I have adjusted my goals a bit (new goal 175lbs), ideally I would like to be under 15% BF because I still see a bit of chub around. Have to say losing belly fat is one of the hardest goals I have ever attempted!

Anyways, just wanted to give some tips for anyone that is discouraged out there to not give up and keep going! MFP has helped me with this life changing experience and I am greatful for it!

Stephie_J

Well done! Great work

beachquilt

Sorry, can't se the pics...

pamelad77

Sounds an amazing journey. Well done to you!

But I can't see your pics :-(

alexappleton

Working on it! thanks!

LMHinson15

I see one pic, and you look great!! Way to go!

Is that a ball python?

carmy43

Congrats! We all know its the toughest journey in our lives. Staying focused is important for me.

alexappleton

There, got it!

Thanks to this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/104076-posting-pictures-on-the-boards-tutorial

alexappleton

It is a python, not sure what type tho'? We had a reptile show at our house for my son's 5th birthday party. It was a blast!

Coco_Puff

You look great! When you said son's b-day party I had to see how old you were cause I thought from your after pic you were a 19 yr old college student!

alexappleton

haha, I turned 30 last year!

WhyeatKachra

Well done!!! U look awesome!

8bitAlina

Amazing!! You look terrific, and a lot younger!!

cainie19

Gorgeous. well done!

lewandt

Great job!! You look amazing!

miqisha

Congrats!!!!!!

BarbWhite09

Wowza!

LPinTheD

You look awesome! Congrats!

MsD1984

Well done x

strbryt

You look great I can see a huge difference. Keep up the good work that you are doing. It is awesome that you got it under control and now you can better show your children how to live a healthy happy life as well.

bbbgamer

Youre awesome, congrats!