Half Way There! *pics*

This week marked my one year anniversary with MFP! To celebrate I decided to do a post showing how far Ive come. Like most people here I was a yo-yo dieter, losing a few lbs, gaining a few more. Ive been overweight my whole life, my whole family is overweight, and we are pretty much taught to turn a blind eye to our problem. In 2010 I decided to start trying to lose weight again, for the first time I lost more than just a few pounds (45lbs total) I was happy and on my way to a healthier life. Then I found out I was pregnant with baby number three!

Fast forward 9 months and 61lbs! Over the months I had slipped back into my old habits and was now weighing in at 290lbs! I was so embarrassed I could barely stand to speak to people. As soon as I was given the all clear from the doctor, I started working out. I found MFP, read books, blogs, magazines, any and everything I could get my hands on. I started learning so much about the way our bodies work and what foods do. Slowly I began to realize that in the past, I had never truly been eating healthy! I now believe that you should eat as much unprocessed food as possible. I am learning to can foods and make bread. Ive got oddles of recipes to learn for making all kinds of foods from scratch.

My journey has been a difficult one for me, my body holds on to every pound until it just cant hold on anymore, so weight loss has been slow put steady. So far Ive lost 58lbs, but whats most important is that Ive become a different person. My husband and I took up hiking and hes promised to take me on my first kayaking trip soon. We take our kids to the park more and spend more time outside. Ive still got a long ways to go before I'm finished with this journey, but I have to say I'm enjoying the ride!

In July 2011 i was 290lbs and in maternity clothing
In October 2011 I was 262lbs and just able to fit into my fat jeans (size 22)
In the April of 2012 I was 245lbs and a size 20
Today I am 230lbs and wear a 14/16 top and a 16/18 jeans

Edit: I couldn't get the timeline to go smaller so i just added the July photos at the bottom