3 month progress & why not to trust the scale solely

melissan84

I started March 19, 2012, that Monday I decided to make a change for me. We went to Disney World for Spring Break with the kids that week before. I took a couple pictures with the kids and I was disgusted how I let myself go so much after having them two. I decided then when I came back I was going to get in gear and start lifestyle change.

That didn't mean, I would give up everything I loved up. I still eat pizza, pasta, ice cream, etc but the key here is MODERATION & PORTION CONTROL! I just don't want to do a diet and then gain it all back after. This was a change that I wanted to keep and not give up. I still have occasional cheat days mostly on the weekends and I go over my calories and enjoy what I like!!! Currently my calorie intake is 1200-1800 calories. It just depends on the day!

I sometimes think the scale is evil, I tell ya!!! At the beginning of this journey I was disappointed. Why? Well, I was worried like everyone else is about the scale not moving. All I kept thinking this sacrifice is for nothing. But I kept my head up & kept going even though I would not lose much, I kept eating in moderation and exercising. So far as of last week I have lost 14.5 lbs. Not much you say in almost 3 months. Well here are some pictures for you how much I have lost in measuring myself. You be the judge in which you rather trust. Yes, we all like to see that scale go down but sometimes that is just a number. I am nowhere finished. Actually I am just 25% there.



My butt was huge and it was something I definitely need to get rid of. I was 47 inches around my butt and lower tummy and I am now 41 inches. That's a huge difference in just my lower tummy and my butt. 7 inches lost



Now lets move on to my hips. I was 42 inches and I am now 38.75inches. 3.35 inches lost



Now moving to my waist. I was 34 inches and I am now 30 inches. 4 inches lost



Overall I was a 13/14/16 in jeans/pants. It all really depending on what I would wear and how stretchy it was. I am now size 10.
This is post is for those who think why am I stuck in plateau and haven't lost weight? Well, keep taking pictures and most importantly measure yourself. Don't worry about your scale. Hide it and do it weekly instead or twice a month. And you will be amazed at looking at pictures and the tape measure. Sometimes seeing is definitely believing!!!!

Also I am so proud of myself for exercising. 3 years ago before I had my daughter, I weighed 152 lbs. As of last week I was 157. But 3 years ago, I was wearing size 13 jeans and I am now wearing size 10. Last time I was a size 10, I was 135 lbs before having my son 7 years ago. After his birth, I went to a size 13 stayed there till my daughter was conceived. So you wont believe how much a little exercise can tone you up. I have done my own workouts, treadmill, 30 day shred and now Insanity and I do not think I could ever stop. I love the feeling. I was too lazy to even think about exercising, just the thought of it made me tired. I didn't like it but now I can honestly say I love it!!! I work out now 6 times a week doing cardio. I am not lifting weights yet. I might consider it down the road. When I started, I maybe exercised once or twice then kept pushing myself more & more till now.

By no means, am I even done with my weight loss. I want to fit in size 6 jeans which I have never worn. In high school, I was 115 lbs wearing size 8 but I was not fit. If I get lower in jeans then that would be awesome!!

Here is my blog for more
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/melissan84/view/seeing-is-believing-why-trust-the-tape-measure-277913

Amandanoralynn

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. You are doing wonderfully and I am really trying and I can tell my work is paying off then I get on the scales and I think, I AM GOING NO WHERE! I will keep doing what I need to do and ignore those evil scales. God Bless you as you continue on your life journey.

mgs68pony

Wow! You have a lot to be happy about.

I like you had to quit stressing over the scales. I started my journey about the same time you did and REFUSE to diet. I am on a new lifestyle of eating and exercising. I am the type of person that can NOT just give things I like up, but moderation is the KEY to success.

I am down almost 17 pounds but over 17 total inches from my body. I was wearing a 14 now into 8 with no muffin top or even tight.

My goal is 14 more pounds or a size 6 whichever comes first. I then want to work on complete musske toning.

Good luck! Feel free to add me if you want!

MiChaChelle

i'm so happy to finally see your progress pictures! you are doing a phenomenal job mel !! keep up the good work, you look terrific!

braykay23

You're doing awesome! I feel the same way as you about the scale, I've been doing Insanity for 7 weeks now and I don't even think I've lost 5 lbs but I can tell I've lost inches(not measuring until I'm done) my jeans are so much looser and my love handles are disappearing. I hate the scale

cjv428

Wow, you look absolutely gorgeous! I love this post because I also freaking hate my scale. Congratulations on your weight loss and taking control of your body. You look beautiful.

melissan84

Thanks so much ladies!

AmyS1975

Well said! Congratulations on your weight loss but mostly on your mindset ... It seems to be right where it needs to be. I can learn from you. Thank you for sharing!

melissan84

^thank you so much!