Size 14/16 -> Size 8 ---- VERY pic heavy.

So I've been waiting to post on this forum for what feels like a reeeeeeally long time. I wasn't sure when to post (my original goal was a 10, and an 8 just happened). I still have a lot of work to do, because I want to be lean and tone (Victoria Secret Angel body, here I come)!

I know most people just scroll on down to the pictures, but I'll write a very short amount for those who don't. I was one of those girls that everybody said "carried weight well". Once in a while I had an unflattering picture that I would quickly delete. Then the "unflattering pictures" became more frequent. Then it took a LOT of pictures until there was ONE good one. Then... I stopped taking pictures.

As you know, 14/16 isn't like... OMG go to the doctor get help your health is in serious danger!!! But it isn't where I want to be. It isn't healthy, in my opinion. I always wanted to be a "smaller" person. The person that can't take a bad picture, whose arms don't bulge out, who doesn't have to hunch over and fold their arms just to hide their belly/hide in the back in a picture. After I got married, I'd suddenly become that person. How!?? I'd always aspired to be thin! How did this happen to me??

In high school I was a 12, and happy there. So, this May, my first goal was to just cut sodas and slim down a bit into a 12 by the time I went on The Vacation in August. Then I started eating a bit more healthy-- a 6" instead a footlong at Subway. Cut the cookie. No sugar in my tea. Green tea in the mornings. Then, on May 14th (that fateful day I'll never forget) I dug in my drawers to find a raggedy old sports bra from University Freshman drumline practice. I threw on some pajama shorts (note the lack of exercise clothes-- I'd NEVER exercised commitedly in my life) and hoped on the elliptical. I did this for a few weeks. Then I started counting my calories (hello, MFP!) then my carbs, then my protein... then my sugars and fats-- Holy crap the surge of information was amazing!! I had so much energy and my skin was brighter and my hair was stronger and *I* was stronger... Then I started a real gym. Kickboxing. High Intensity Zumba. Strength Training (lift heavy, women!!) Dancing (the really disgustingly HARD kind where your legs shake and the floor under you is wet with sweat). Swimming. Whatever got me moving. Then I fell in love with it. And in three months, I'd lost 30 pounds and went slipped into an 8 like it was made for me. Amazing!! I never thought I'd be a size 8. I was just that "curvy" girl. And I'm still curvy, thank God!! But they are controlled curves. And the diet, though it took some time for a lactose intolerant, heartburn-prone girl, has now become a LIFESTYLE.

Ok, enough blabber. Here we go, for those who zoned out:

My stats:

HW: 187
CW: 155
GW: 140-145

Height: 5'4"
Age: 23
Calorie goal: 1200
Days/week of exercise: 5 - 6 days
My favorite foods:

-Luna Bars (Nuts Over Chocolate!)
-Subway Turkey Breast
-Chik Fil A Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (don't judge... 3 grams of fat, 290 calories, protein and carbs are good after a workout!)
-Lean Cuisine Spaghetti and Meatballs (not great for you but they ARE my treat so shush)
-Avocado
-Peaches, Blueberries, Bananas, Nectarines, Strawberries
-Unsweetened Almond Milk (Silk)


PICTURES:

BEFORE...

Hello, this is--- was me.









I like to eat.






I am married!







My husband is from Turkey --there is cool historic stuff there!







I used to be unhealthy.





I used to be a size 14/16.





AFTER!



Now, I am a size 8.





I bought my first pair yesterday!










Now the first picture I take is acceptable.





I'm also really strong and can probably kick your *kitten* (maybe).




And I *DON'T* need to hide behind a one piece because "bikinis aren't flattering on anybody".







Thank you for reading! And thank you for all of my AMAZING MFP friends that kept me motivated, encouraged, and inspired. You are all beautiful BAMFS, and you know who I'm talking about! Aslo, thank you to my amazing family who kept me motivated (my mom who put up with my constant complaining and worries, my athletic sister who inspired me, and supportive husband). Love you! SO much!!

Here's to this being a PROGRESS thread, and hoping that I will hit my ultimate goal!