365 days, 42 pounds lost [pic]

I made it!

As someone who has quit and begun more healthy living plans than I can count, I am pleased that I have stuck with MyFitnessPal for one year. Today was my 365th day of logging in and tracking my food and exercise. I have lost more than 40 pounds so far, and at this point, I am uncertain how many sizes I’ve dropped. I still wear the same clothes for the most part (see photo). I do know that I have retired a couple of the pants that fit loosely at my heaviest and now can wear comfortably the ones that were tighter.

While I use discretion on what foods I eat, I have not cut anything out of my diet. I know me, and making any food off limits would have been a recipe for failure. Moderation and making healthy choices MOST of the time has been sustainable and has led to a true change in my lifestyle.

I have been in a weight-loss plateau for several months so I have increased my calorie intake and have incorporated more strength training into my exercise routine. This has jumpstarted my weight loss some, and I’m proud of myself for not giving up completely when the scale didn't budge.

In summary, here is my progress report since October 24, 2011:

* 365 consecutive days logging food intake and exercise on MyFitnessPal
* 41.8 pounds lost
* 21.70 total inches lost
* 272 miles walked/ran
* Participated in four 5K races and plan to walk/run (mostly walk) a half-marathon Saturday
* Average pace one year ago: 20-21 minute/mile
* Average pace today: 17-18 minute/mile
* Completed 30 consecutive days of Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred in November 2011 after owning the DVD for two years

Here's to 365 more!