One year on MFP, 95 pounds gone with pics

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!