One year on MFP, 95 pounds gone with pics

ovege

Weight loss journey

On August 1, 2011, I began the first steps towards a transformative year. As of August 1, 2012, I weigh 95 pounds less than when I began last year.

I am 39 years old, 5’7” with an all time highest weight of 295 lbs. My weight has steadily increased over the last 15 years. I have never been athletic but did enjoy exercise and fitness classes. I fell down a flight of stairs 15 years ago and have struggled with back issues since. I have tried many diets but never had a great deal of success. I experienced infertility, complicated pregnancies, c-sections and post partum depression. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative coliitis 5 years ago and fortunately have been flare free with medication.

I am fortunate to have 2 wonderful children and a career I enjoy. I am also fortunate to be able to play clarinet as an amateur in church and in community groups. I was frustrated trying to play and march in my marching band as I was not able to keep up and get enough breath support in the shape I was in. The band videographer is a long time friend and someone I consider my “band Dad” and he pulled me aside last year and told me how worried he was about me. I was mortified but it was enough push for me to show them what I could do.

My first steps began by tracking my food every day on MFP. On the same day, I began a couch to 5K program using an app on my phone. I ran 3 times per week and improved my stamina and fitness. By september, I added my first group fitness class in over 8 years and started going to zumba once a week. I continued the C25K for the 9 weeks and ran a 2.5 mile race in November and finished proudly. As the weather turned colder, I continued to exercise 3-4 days/ week using a home elliptical and the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shread. In December, I satisfied another goal and returned to spinning. In February, I added Step Aerobics to the mix. By May, I started cycling and now cycle 60-80 miles per week outdoors.

I cook almost all my own food. I made homemade soups for quick lunches and pack sandwiches with me. I plan all my meals ahead and make sure I have snacks with me at all times. I eat 5 small meals per day and eat approximately 1700-1900 gross calories always staying above 1200 net calories.

My goal is to ride a century, add weight training, learn how to fuel better on long riding days, and eventually shed 30 more pounds.

I am so grateful to MFP!

gopgirl425

You look lovely! Great dedication and hard work~!!

luvs2teachincali

Fantastic job!!!!!!

mitchipooo

Congratulations, you're looking terrific! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us and keep up the great work.

Penelope2Plyr

Huge difference! WTG! Thanks for sharing your pics as well as your story.

airangel59

You look great...it's stories & pics like yours that keep me motivated on my journey. Thanks for sharing.

Scubanana7

YOU look amazing. What a wonderful story and thanks so much for sharing. You are an inspiration and I'm going to send you a friend request. I love postive buddies! I have lost 34 and have 50-60 to go!

arellolson

What an inspiration!! You are doing great and I am so happy that you decided to post your success. Thank you so much!

vonnie1954

What a difference ..! You should be smiling!! I just joined on Monday and you are an inspiration.

znkmommy

Wow you are amazing!!!

heatherterp

I am sop PROUD of you Liz!!!! today Aug 2 is my one year! I found MFP later. Congrats! you should be smiling in the post picture you are beautiful inside and out

alesi_79

What a wonderful job! Keep it up! Thanks for being such a great motivation for all of us!

jagar07

that is great! But you should smile, the weight loss is a huge accomplishment!

jeenim

I loved reading your story. You are an inspiration - well done!!!

Sylvie212

You are amazing!

Anna800

Congratulations!

ellie0213

You are so impressive! It's a wonderful thing you are doing for yourself! Keep going!

MrsORourke

Great story! Your success and dedication is nothing short of amazing. Well done!

WarriorReady

Great work! Glad you decided to take care of you! You are looking fantastic!!! :flowerforyou:

Nekhet

Congrats on all your hard work and dedication!! Keep it going!!!

Danette73

You look AMAZING!!! Congrats and thanks for the inspiration!!!!!

CurvyMeli

You are truly an inspiration! I have a ton of weight to lose, and the progress you've made in just 1 year is amazing!

I have also started the c25k program, but I am having a hard time getting past week one!! I haven't been able to complete all of my runs in the first week of workouts, and I am scared of trying to go to week two because I don't feel like I have progressed. Did you have any issues like this early on in the program? I am determined to run a breast cancer 5k in October...help!

Julyfly70

Congratulations!

bltrexler

Congrats, you look amazing!

wackyjackie1979

well dne you have given me inspiration that i can o this btw u look fntastic

starcyndycyn

Awesome!!!!!

Tmarinari

Thank you for sharing you have remotivated me.

bonnyebrew

Wonderful!! Great job, maybe I can do this.

maspicantexfa

Congratulations! I have a question about couch to 5k, I feel like as heavy as I am it would be too much pressure on my joints to actually run, I was saving running until 170 pounds. Did you have any issues with running when you were 95 pounds overweight? I'd like to run but I don't want to hurt myself and be unable to exercise at all.

puffidredz

wow u look great! congrats and good luck!

kknudson

Wow, you look light years more healthy- it has GOT to feel good!