Bye bye 24lbs - feeling better than ever (before/after pics)

Hiya MFP buddies!

I've been a lurker of these boards for a few months now and have so many of you to thank for biting the bullet, opening yourselves up and allowing me to see and become inspired by your stories! My success is greatly due to reading others success stories on days that I wasn't feeling 100%. Thank you for reminding me what is important in life - my mind & body's health & wellness!

I was struggling for 2 years with my weight. While I still loved myself - my stamina and health was declining rapidly. I had gone from 120lbs to 144lbs (at my highest - usually around 140lbs) very quickly and it was eating at me on certain days. After visiting the hospital for GI issues / pain repeatedly with no relief, it became clear to me that I needed to be the one to take charge of my life and make a big change.

DIET:
I started my health journey with a 7 day juice fast. While I understand this is a controversial method to get healthy - it has been one that has helped me several times in my past. During this juice fasting, I drank fresh juices made from organic vegetables and fruits that I prepared at home (consuming 2 - 4L per day). After my fasting, I was feeling better than ever (no more GI pain) and gained quite a bit of energy / confidence in myself to pursue a healthier diet. Being a junk food junkie in the past, it was always difficult to make the switch to healthier food but after my fast, I did not desire to touch the junk food that I once loved! I stuck to vegetables, fruits, lean meats, wheats, etc. and rarely touch processed foods these days.

EXERCISE:
I began Jullian Michael's 30 Day Shred the week after my juice fast and let me tell you - that program packs a punch! I didn't feel as if I'd be able to work through the first 3 days but as she states in the DVD program - it does get easier around day 4 and 5. I had better stamina, flexibility and could even see a change in my body! I stuck with the program and lost 11lbs during the process! I was beginning to see the body that I once had... no wait... an even better, more firm body and my mind was stronger than ever (which is the most important aspect of this journey IMO). I've had my off days where I don't work out since stresses in life do become a lot to take. I have found that working out is a wonderful release from stress and to gain "me time" that many desperately need. I've have been jumping back into the 30 Day Shred during my ON days + yoga on my porch to clear my mind and get in tune with my body.

Needless to say, I am proud of reaching my target weight in 4 months after 2 years of struggling. My hard work & determination has paid off! I ended up getting more than I ever imagined by walking the path of health & wellness - a clear, focused mind and the realization that I can do whatever I want in life!

FUTURE GOALS:
- Tone my body further
- Discover new & exciting work out programs
- Do more yoga
- Run a 5k
- Continue eating healthy & create new yummy recipes
- Live & Love Life!





EDIT - Resized photos & replaced them