9 months and 30lbs

I started MFP a while ago, and was a yo-yo, like many, losing weight, gaining weight, etc. Finally last July something clicked. I read a book about how low calorie diets can stunt your metabolism, and although I had my reservations about eating more calories to lose weight I figured I had nothing to lose. I was a size 12/14 (although realistically I should have been wearing 14/16), and at my heaviest 193lbs. I was running out of excuses of why I couldn’t go to the pool to layout in the sun with friends and my birthday that summer changed my life. I was getting ready for my bday dinner with friends in front of my mirror, look up and saw no smile but a tear. I felt tired, and huge, and so unattractive. At 22 years old I wasn’t excited to go out, I was dreading it and I knew I needed to take my life back. 9months later I stand 30lbs lighter at 163lbs, and depending on what size I really was when I started, am 2-4 sizes smaller, pretty much a solid size 8 (10 for skinny jeans). The next 3 months are going to be hard. I am down to my last 20lbs and size or 2 to finish losing. This post is more for me because it’s hard someday to see the size change. I still go shopping and grab the 12 and 14, and then go back for the 8 when I remember I don't wear those sizes anymore, because in the mirror I don't always see size 8. I am much healthier and happier now though and I can't wait to post my year pics. No matter what size or weight I end up being on my 23rd birthday, this year I know I will go out with a smile and a new confidence!

Oh and for reference I am 5'3ish



sorry the las pic is a little blurr, but its the most recent full body picture