Success to hopefully keep you going! :)

TamTastic

Hey guys!

I have been around here for awhile, though a bit quiet lately due to a lot going on in my life. Some know me and some don't. I have posted pics before but I wanted to post a fresh topic after receiving an email from someone requesting a before photo. I know that my story and success can help to keep others going. I was at that point...where the thought of losing so much weight seems impossible. I had also tried everything I could think of. Well, everything except being sensible and educating myself to how the body works. Since I did that, it has become almost effortless to keep it up. Yes, it does take work and effort..but it can become as second nature as brushing your teeth if you let it.

I started my lifestyle change in Sept of 2007 at 270 lbs.

In 16 months, I lost 135 lbs to reach 135 lbs. I reached my goal weight last January.

The same week I reached my goal weight, I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd child. I maintained a healthy lifestyle through that. Talk about a test!! I had my 2nd baby boy on Sept 4th.

Anyway...pictures are worth a thousand words. So, here you go! :happy:

YOU CAN DO THIS!! TRUST ME!

BEFORE:
Easter of 2007


August, 2007 - 2 weeks before starting my "change"



AFTER (after 2nd pregnancy too):
December 11th, 2009


December 12th, 2009 - At a Christmas party!

debnu1

All I can say is you are just awesome!! Thanks for sharing I needed a boost today :flowerforyou:

Hemis_mom

Thank you for being such an inspiration! Happy Holidays to you and yours

acrylicrocks

Congrats again! You are amazing. You were a pretty girl before, but you are absolutely stunning now! Good for you! I really needed that today! :flowerforyou:

atauds

Congratulations! You look absolutely wonderful!
Thanks for keeping me motivated!

debnu1

What would you say are your three biggest secrets? Was it logging, the type of food you ate or exercise. I am rather curious...:bigsmile:

Hopey1994

What a change! You literally lost half of yourself! Thank you SO much for the motivation, it's very much needed.

iRun4wine

Tam, glad to see you around again! :bigsmile:

You look awesome... how's that little bundle of joy doing?

oregonlady

you are a great inspiration!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
just what i needed.

thank you:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

What would you say are your three biggest secrets? Was it logging, the type of food you ate or exercise. I am rather curious...:bigsmile:

Hmm, it's hard to limit it down to three because it was just about changing so much. I started with one thing and got used to that and then worked on something else. I didn't put too much pressure on myself. I just took it a day or a week at a time and focused on the smaller losses. I mean, time is going to go by anyway right? Even if you're losing weight slow and healthy...at least you are doing THAT and not staying the same or even gaining. And trust me, the time passes much quicker than you think it will and before long, those small, healthy losses add up.

But here are three things that really helped ME. :flowerforyou:

1. Weighing/measuring food. By doing this, you realize just how insane your former portions are and just why you had a problem. By learning exactly what a tablespoon is or what 4 ounces of meat is, you will truly start gaining control of it. And then logging every tablespoon as well.

2. The type of food. I started paying attention to how my body felt after eating certain things. For example, if I make a whole grain english muffin, egg whites, 2 % cheese and a bit of salsa for breakfast, that will keep me going for HOURS. However, if I eat a sugary cereal, I will be hungry in an hour. Fiber/protein/fats are your friend. And by eating things that will keep you feeling satisfied, you are able to keep this up. When you're hungry all the time, it is very hard to succeed. Also, the fat free diet is the worst thing ever. Your body needs fats just like it needs anything else. I lost the weight eating peanut butter, nuts, olive oil,etc. And even ice cream, etc sometimes too. (all measured out of course! lol)

3. Switching things up with exercise. When your body becomes too used to on activity, it isn't working as hard to do it. So, keep things exciting, try new things, bump up the level and add time, go backwards (on the elliptical, which is what I used a lot), just keep your muscles guessing.

TamTastic

Thank you so much everyone! I really want to help you reach your goal. :drinker: :flowerforyou:

arewethereyet

Tami, I do not even know that old Tam! She was long gone by the time I met you.

It has been lovely over the past year and a half watching you grow in confidence and beauty.

I miss all your picture updates:sad:

You were my first inspiration on these boards. When I saw I needed to lose 30-50 pounds I thought :noway: NO WAY!
As I surfed the boards I found your profile, and encouraging words to be a zap in the azzo keep going!

Thanks my friend. I am looking forward to seeing what you can accomplish this year!

Kisses to Jt and Sammy!!:smooched:

Jeannie

havingitall

Tami, thank you for coming back and giving inspiration at a time when many people need it.Your success continues to show me how it can be done.

You are a beautiful woman

pdxmomof2

Thank you for this post Tami!

You have not only lost weight but you gained a huge amount of confidence and self worth! Those boys are super lucky to have you as a mommy!

debnu1

What would you say are your three biggest secrets? Was it logging, the type of food you ate or exercise. I am rather curious...:bigsmile:

Hmm, it's hard to limit it down to three because it was just about changing so much. I started with one thing and got used to that and then worked on something else. I didn't put too much pressure on myself. I just took it a day or a week at a time and focused on the smaller losses. I mean, time is going to go by anyway right? Even if you're losing weight slow and healthy...at least you are doing THAT and not staying the same or even gaining. And trust me, the time passes much quicker than you think it will and before long, those small, healthy losses add up.

But here are three things that really helped ME. :flowerforyou:

1. Weighing/measuring food. By doing this, you realize just how insane your former portions are and just why you had a problem. By learning exactly what a tablespoon is or what 4 ounces of meat is, you will truly start gaining control of it. And then logging every tablespoon as well.

2. The type of food. I started paying attention to how my body felt after eating certain things. For example, if I make a whole grain english muffin, egg whites, 2 % cheese and a bit of salsa for breakfast, that will keep me going for HOURS. However, if I eat a sugary cereal, I will be hungry in an hour. Fiber/protein/fats are your friend. And by eating things that will keep you feeling satisfied, you are able to keep this up. When you're hungry all the time, it is very hard to succeed. Also, the fat free diet is the worst thing ever. Your body needs fats just like it needs anything else. I lost the weight eating peanut butter, nuts, olive oil,etc. And even ice cream, etc sometimes too. (all measured out of course! lol)

3. Switching things up with exercise. When your body becomes too used to on activity, it isn't working as hard to do it. So, keep things exciting, try new things, bump up the level and add time, go backwards (on the elliptical, which is what I used a lot), just keep your muscles guessing.

Thanks so much!! I have found that the type of food really makes a difference too, I hate to be hungry! You didn't really have to limit it to three though. :bigsmile: That is just what I thought I would ask for... Thanks for your inspiration!:flowerforyou:

NurseMisty

Thanks Tami! Always nice to see a post from you! You look great even after #2

kimber607

WOW..I've seen the pics a bunch of times but it still AMAZES me!
GREAT job, you should be beyond proud of yourself!

I think you can also teach people that even with major changes going on in your life, and not always good ones, you don't need to turn to food for comfort etc or put on weight

((HUGS))
Kim

Kath712

Wow - you are gorgeous! Even before losing the weight, you were beautiful, but now you just have this healthy glow! Congrats! You must feel really healthy now. Thanks for sharing your story, too.

TamTastic

WOW..I've seen the pics a bunch of times but it still AMAZES me!
GREAT job, you should be beyond proud of yourself!

I think you can also teach people that even with major changes going on in your life, and not always good ones, you don't need to turn to food for comfort etc or put on weight

((HUGS))
Kim

Hey Kim! Thanks! :flowerforyou:

I have had a lot going on...and keeping on the ball isn't always easy. Thank goodness it has become second nature to me now. That doesn't mean it doesn't take effort...but it just means I don't struggle as bad as I used to.

TamTastic

Thank you for this post Tami!

You have not only lost weight but you gained a huge amount of confidence and self worth! Those boys are super lucky to have you as a mommy!

Thank you girl!! :bigsmile:

TamTastic

Thanks everyone! I really hope this helps to keep you going. I wish I could take what is in my head and put it into yours. Unfortunately, it took me the many failed attempts...and doing it the wrong way...to get it right. I never take it for granted though. It's always in the back of my mind that things could be like they used to. But, for the first time....I do have confidence I can keep this up. That's because I did it in a way that is realistic. I didn't deprive myself completely or overstuff myself. I was just sensible.

:flowerforyou:

BrendaLee

Hi Tami. Your pictures and your story are so motivational, thanks for sharing. I'm curious what foods were your biggest weaknesses prior to starting this journey?

twilight1542

WOW! You're gorgeous Your transformation is amazing...I can't wait until I get to my goal! Knowing that you reached your goal & have been able to maintain even with a pregnancy is such an inspiration for all of us on this journey! Congratulations

TamTastic

Hi Tami. Your pictures and your story are so motivational, thanks for sharing. I'm curious what foods were your biggest weaknesses prior to starting this journey?

Hmm, I think it was more about portions in my case. I just ate entirely too much for my body and metabolism. However, I have always had a weakness for comfort foods. Hmm, go figure! I turned to food for "comfort". UGH!

TamTastic

WOW! You're gorgeous Your transformation is amazing...I can't wait until I get to my goal! Knowing that you reached your goal & have been able to maintain even with a pregnancy is such an inspiration for all of us on this journey! Congratulations

Thank you!! And best of luck. You can do this! :drinker: :flowerforyou:

LMRoses

You are a complete inspiration Tami. Seriously! Why else would I have just gotten up, changed into my gym gear, done a few reps of press ups and lunges, then gone for a run in the Australian summer in the middle of the day?

Phew..hot now, but totally worth it.

You're amazing.

xx

tayner

Half yourself! 50%! Totally amazing! You are a true inspiration to all of us who have a lot of weight to lose. I am trying to lose 42% of myself.. and well on my way, but seeing before and afters of those who have already done that and more is helpful in keeping pointed in the right direction

TamTastic

You are a complete inspiration Tami. Seriously! Why else would I have just gotten up, changed into my gym gear, done a few reps of press ups and lunges, then gone for a run in the Australian summer in the middle of the day?

Phew..hot now, but totally worth it.

You're amazing.

xx

Wow!! Now THAT is awesome! So glad I could help!! And jealous you're in Australia! I've always wanted to go!

Keep up the great work. :drinker:

TamTastic

Half yourself! 50%! Totally amazing! You are a true inspiration to all of us who have a lot of weight to lose. I am trying to lose 42% of myself.. and well on my way, but seeing before and afters of those who have already done that and more is helpful in keeping pointed in the right direction

That is why I posted this. I know it's easy to tell people about success but to actually see it in before/after photos...is another thing. I know seeing stories like that is what helped me keep going to reach my full potential!

I am so happy I could help. :bigsmile:

CinthyNair

Thank you for this post Tami. I have been putting off conceiving baby no. 2 in fear of additional weight gain. I wasn't prepared to carry a baby while weighing 264 lbs!

But looking at your before and after pictures, I can't wait to kick it to 2nd gear on my journey to weight loss and healthy lifestyle. I am still struggling with comfort foods and occasional binging. But I am getting there, I know it ... and reading inspirational posts on success stories like yours is just what I need

You look great Tami, and I can't wait to share my sucess story to inspire others too

kelly_a

Tami, thanks so much for sharing this. I am so proud of you and yes, all that you have shared here will keep ME going! When a person really thinks about it, eating healthy and getting regular exercise isn't all that hard. The hardest part is change. I know thru you and so many others here it can be done! Just gotta keep believing and don't ever give up! Thanks again, you look wonderful girl!