Finish line! Progress with pics
alexappleton
Posts: 22 Member
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!
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!
0
Replies
-
Well done! Great work
0 -
Sorry, can't se the pics...0
-
Sounds an amazing journey. Well done to you!
But I can't see your pics :-(0 -
Working on it! thanks!0
-
I see one pic, and you look great!! Way to go!
Is that a ball python?0 -
Congrats! We all know its the toughest journey in our lives. Staying focused is important for me.0
-
There, got it!
Thanks to this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/104076-posting-pictures-on-the-boards-tutorial0 -
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!0
-
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!0
-
haha, I turned 30 last year!0
-
Well done!!! U look awesome!0
-
Amazing!! You look terrific, and a lot younger!! 0
-
Gorgeous. well done!0
-
Great job!! You look amazing!0
-
Congrats!!!!!!0
-
Wowza!0
-
You look awesome! Congrats!0
-
Well done x 0
-
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.0
-
Youre awesome, congrats!0
-
You look so freaking good!!! Congratulations!!!0
-
Wow!! You did fantastic! Great job! 0
-
Thanks guys for the encouraging words! I have to say that hitting a plateau is the biggest test on your fitness routine, I am glad it happened and I was able to stick it out. Once you get by your first plateau you feel like nothing stands in your way!
I am also greatful for my life change. I used to be so lazy, and since my change I am full of energy and such a positive attitude. Heading down the road I was on would have definitely led to a shorter life.0 -
Fantastic job!!!0
-
I think you look great in both pictures! Congratulations you've done a fantastic job! (I love the snake too by the way!)0
-
Good for you. Great accomplishment.0
-
Nice work. That's fantastic progress.
You're at my target weight 0 -
WOW -- you look absolutely Fabulous!!!!!! congrats!
I love seeing transformations like these
0 -
Holy crap! You look like an entirely different person!0
-
Congratulations you look amazing!0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.2K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 421 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions
Do you Love MyFitnessPal? Have you crushed a goal or improved your life through better nutrition using MyFitnessPal?
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!