MFP 1 Year Anniversary, 50 lbs down, w/pics...

stefanieanne14

I technically joined MFP in February 2011 after having my second baby but didn't fully commit to changing my life until 8/1/11. My top weight was 232 at the end of my pregnancy with my first child and I managed to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight of 205 (so not good to begin with) the week I found out I was pregnant with our son. I got up to 225 in my pregnancy with him and lingered around 210 until August 2011.

Here I am on 12/15/10 at about 215lbs (I'm 5'5):


Here I am in August 2011 at the very beginning of my journey. I'm about 205 here:


I started out by exercising everyday and eating about 1200 calories. I didn't eat my exercise calories back in the beginning and was very strict although I eat some if not all of them back now. I never deny myself anything but the awareness that logging my food has brought me causes me to choose wisely.

I try to eat lots of veggies and fruit and try new recipes and foods that are just healthier in general. Stuff like cottage cheese, greek yogurt, substituting thin bread or only eating half a bun with a burger, sharing food or simply having a restaurant put 1/2 of my meal in a to-go box before they even bring it out to me.

As for exercising I've mainly focused on cardio. I'm excited because I'm about to venture into the world of weights so I can have a lean and toned body. My exercise includes walking, tennis, Dance Central for Kinect, step class, zumba, eliptical, mountain bike, stationary bike and sometimes I'll alternate my walking with light jogging. I move every day no matter what. I LOVE exercising and feel more energized and productive after a workout.

Here I am on 2/2/12 for my son's 1st birthday. I am approximately 165lbs:


Finally, here I am today at about 155lbs:


I eat approximately 1500-1700 calories/day and try to burn at least 500 calories/day. I like to mix up my routine a lot although I do walk our dog every morning so that is kind of a staple. I'm very proud of my hard work and am very proud that it rubbed off on my husband and he has managed to lose 40lbs through it all! I was also asked today to share my story and be the member of the month at my gym (24 Hour Fitness)! It's neat to have them notice this transformation! I just wanted to share my success because this website has been crucial to my awareness, my choices and my success.

Big_Daddy6

Awesome job!!

degausser234

Awesome! Great job

g3322

Awesome job! You look absolutely amazing! Congratulations on your success! You are an inspiration, especially to us post baby body mommies!

erins89

FANTASTIC!!!!! Way to go!!!!:happy:

going2befit4ever

wow!!!! well done

Ilangilang

wow, amazing....

Redladystl

Congratulations!

Temple_Fit

You look fantastic!

waterskimomnh

Weigh to go! You look awesome and you must be so proud of yourself. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to stay the course and be focused!

Congrats to yourself and hubby!

kympow

Great job!! You look awesome!!! Such an honor to be asked to be member of the month

I also commend you on taking your now pic with a clean room in the background Especially with kids

Great job and you should feel soooooo proud!!!

foraubs

Congratulations!!!!!

lisadlocks

Great Job. You look beautiful. You totally deserve to be member of the month! :flowerforyou:

WildcatMom82

You look fabulous! I had a similar start weight after having my son recently, can't wait to get where you are. I also have an older daughter

1PoisonIvy

You should be very proud of yourself, you have done a fantastic job
Girrl you are rocking that skirt!!
Wow, and look at those legs!
Thanks for the inspiration,
Ivy

ps, did you say how tall you were?

futurestarz

I am starting at just about the same point as you were. I hope I can look back in a year with such amazing results too!

cloycekb

You look great! Good job! I know what you mean about having a start date, and a date that everything is more serious. I have been losing and gaining the same 5 lbs for 4 months now, and it is time to get back on track and make some real progress again. You are an inspiration!

caseyjade88

Great job! Such an inspiration!

Redtango76

Wow awesome transformation! Truly an accomplishment to be proud of ! Your teaching your children how to maintain a healthy lifestyle ! I think I recognize the place on the pier for your sons b-day .. Was it on the Seattle pier ?

quickchekgal

Congrats!!

LeanerBeef

Wow, good for you! Congrats!

P.S. In your after pic, you look too young to have a baby....seriously.

weighlossforbaby

Great job!!!!

jdr1080

good job hun. you look great

mommiejohnsonof6

you should be so proud of yourself!!!!!

mycrazy8splus1

you look great!! well done!

amruden

I'm 5 lbs from my big 50!!

So proud of you!!

MommyofLily

Thanks for posting your success!! You are very inspirational to me. My starting point is very similar to yours and we're about the same age. I'm 5'5" too, highest weight was 248! I got down to 197 for my wedding and then got pregnant 2 weeks later, gained 35 lbs and I've gotten back down to 203 now finally (my daughter is 14 months). Now that I'm close to my pre-pregnancy weight, I need to keep going, but it's going so very slow. Your success has given me hope that it's possible, so thank you! You look amazing, and it makes me think I can look like that if I keep up what I'm doing!

stefanieanne14

Wow awesome transformation! Truly an accomplishment to be proud of ! Your teaching your children how to maintain a healthy lifestyle ! I think I recognize the place on the pier for your sons b-day .. Was it on the Seattle pier ?

Yep, at the aquarium! We're a little north of Seattle. And thank you!

RejoicingL

Wow! It's an amazing transformation. Congrats!

MelbourneBelle

Well done, and thank you so much for sharing.

half_moon

Holy crap, I want to look like you!!! WOWWWWWWWWW.