Here goes nothin'....

mehs04 · July 2012

Amazing transformation! You look younger now, too!

sunnyshine1313 · July 2012

Thank you so much for sharing, it is posts like this that keep motivated to keep going. So many times the temptation was there to just gave up, I had a piece of cake, it's all over. But reading stuff like this lets me know it's okay to have a little hiccup in my journey to a healthier lifestyle as it takes time to change habits that have been so strong for so long. You are a true inspiration in so many ways, thanks!

marie_cressman · July 2012

you are a certified BADASS!
WELL DONE!

this made me laugh a little. while my husband was deployed, i told him when when he got home i'd be a BAMF. he's home and i'm not quite there YET, but i will be there soon.

gotta keep pushing!

marie_cressman · July 2012

23 pounds may be too much now

First I want to say thank you all for your kind words!

And unfortunately, 23lbs isn't even within my "healthy" range. I'm only 5'6" and 183lbs (as of Friday). My goal is to hit 160lbs and find out what my body fat percentage is and go from there. Technically though, 160lbs is still "overweight" according the BMI charts, but I will be happy there I think.

Screw the BMI charts!!!! Lol... Whats important is how you feel physically and your perception of your body. Far too many people torment themselves trying to fit into the chart standard!! Enjoy your success, pat yourself on the back and keep up the good work!! You are awesome!!!:flowerforyou:

i'm trying not to stress so much on the BMI charts. my nutritionist told me 160 is a good healthy goal for me to work toward and i think i will be very happy there. if i have ever weighed 160lbs in my life... it MIGHT have been when i was in my preteen years. i remember wearing a size 13/14 in juniors before i even made it to middle school. now i'm in a size 10/12 and 183lbs.

sleonardbranson · July 2012

Congrats to you, you have come so far and look amazing...

marie_cressman · July 2012

Thank you so much for sharing, it is posts like this that keep motivated to keep going. So many times the temptation was there to just gave up, I had a piece of cake, it's all over. But reading stuff like this lets me know it's okay to have a little hiccup in my journey to a healthier lifestyle as it takes time to change habits that have been so strong for so long. You are a true inspiration in so many ways, thanks!

it does take a lot of time and patience. nobody is "perfect". it's a learning process! keep working hard! pick yourself back up! i tell myself daily. it's totally worth it.

again, thank you ALL for all the kind words! it really means the world to me. over the years, i have become very open with my weight and weight loss with friends and family. i have learned to love sharing this part of my life with people. i've shared every loss and gain with people, and i know i wouldn't have made it this far without the continuous support. i'm no longer ashamed of the way i look. i love my body! i eat the way i do and workout as hard as i do because i love my body and i want to improve it. i like showing people this isn't impossible! yes it's hard. it takes time. it takes sweat, tears, and dedication! but it's worth every minute if my children get to have me around for that much longer. it's worth it to be able to keep up with them when they're running crazy outside. LOL every second has been worth the struggle.

shannonmch · July 2012

Marie- your results are amazing! Congrats!!!!

Debbe2 · July 2012

What a difference! You've transformed yourself and you look healthy and oh so happy!!! Congratulations on all your success so far!

maggiemay365 · July 2012

WELL DONE YOU!!!! BRAVO!!

WifeNMama · July 2012

Beautiful!

jahall76 · July 2012

WOW! You look great. Congrats on your success. Thanks for sharing your story.

BecomingElle · July 2012

You're doing amazing!!! And you look absolutely gorgeous :flowerforyou:

Harleene · July 2012

So inspirational! You look fabulous!

LarStar · July 2012

You look amazing! Congratulations! For someone who is just starting out and has a lot of weight to lose, you have really inspired me! Thank you so much for sharing this; you look so young and healthy and that is something that I want for myself too! Thank you for your words!!

lmcao · July 2012

you look fabulous!

kayx199189 · July 2012

You are amazing, you look amazing you've done sooooo good, I love your attitude too

marie_cressman · July 2012

Thank you so much for your support! I think it's funny because I have had a number of friends tell me I look much younger now than I did when I was in high school. I think the difference is the exercise and what I'm eating. I don't eat clean or anything, but I do make sure i get enough fruits and veggies into my diet along with lean meats and whole grains. I take better care of myself now.

it stinks i had to get closer to 30 to realize I needed to take care of my body, but I'm thankful that I opened my eyes!

wade78 · July 2012

Congratulations you look amazing!

LarStar · July 2012

I think it took getting close to my 30s for me to feel like I am in a place where I can really do this. I'm much more mature now, am in charge of all of the food that comes into my home, and I'm finally smart enough to know that if I don't make a change now, it's only going to me more difficult for me down the line as I could start to see health complications.I'm excited to look younger than I did in highschool!!! Congrats again on all your hard work and AMAZING results!!!!!