This is what 6 months of dedication looks like

Today is the 6th month anniversary of my joining MFP. It has been a life changer.

I have never had low self esteem, but I was in denial about how I looked. I did not believe that I was overweight, but I did know I was out of shape and I wasn’t conscious of my food choices. Looking back at my pictures, I am amazed at how I looked.

THEN: I started this journey at 198 pounds on September 21, 2012. 32 BMI. Chest/waist/hips measured at 40-36-44.
NOW: Today, on March 21, 2013, I have lost 35 pounds. My current weight is 163 and BMI is 26. At my last measurement, my CWH were 39-30-39.

I have lost 6 dress sizes, 5 pant sizes, 2 shirt sizes, 1 shoe size (yup!), 1 belt size
I have gained more energy and a longer, healthier life.

When I made the decision to live a healthier life, I jumped right in by working out 4-5 times a week, even if it was just going for a 30 minute walk. My favorite exercise in the beginning was water aerobics, because it was a low pressure class that made me excited to go to the gym. Today I am active in many group fitness classes, but my favorite is kickboxing. I work out 6 days a week and plan all of my meals ahead of time. I have a major love affair with the Stairmaster (something I never thought I’d say). I am starting to train for my first 5k.

Here are some of my stats:
9/21/12: Started MFP @ 198 lbs / 32 BMI
10/1/12: Joined gym
10/21/12: -10 lbs (188 lbs)
11/3/12: Achieved "Overweight" BMI (29.9)
11/10/12: -15 lbs (183 lbs)
12/9/12: - 20 lbs (178 lbs)
1/2/13: Got a Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor
1/4/13: -25 lbs (173 lbs)
2/4/2013: Achieved driver license weight (170 lbs)
2/7/2013: -30 lbs (168 lbs)
3/16/2013: -35 lbs (163 lbs)

My MFP friends have continually given me excellent advice. I bounced ideas off of them every time I hit a plateau or have a general question. I want to especially thank @fortebelle_verna for her unending commitment to her healthy lifestyle and her MFP friends. I saw her burning 1000+ calories with each gym visit, and I thought there was no way I would ever be able to accomplish that. She told me to start by aiming for a 500 calorie burn with every visit to the gym, which I thought was crazy!! But slowly I started to work my way up – and now I am burning 1000+ calories several days a week. Thank you, Verna. You have been my northern star, and I hope to pay it forward to my MFP friends.

Although the scale does not define me, I am the happiest I remember being.

I now see that what you put in your body affects your daily life. I don’t have a goal weight, although my ticker does say 50 lbs. I would like to be in the “Healthy” BMI range, which is still in another 7 lbs.

I was encouraged by my MFP friends to make this post, and I hope it has inspired someone. Blessings to you on your journey!

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