Slow and steady (5'8", lost 30 pounds)

I finally took a long hard look in the mirror. A stressful career spent mostly at a desk, 6 or 7 moves in the space of a few years, and a steady relationship (since ended) with a guy who loved me “no matter what.” The freshman 15 had turned into the post-university 40.
I resolved to lose weight. I ate less, moved more. A week later, the scale hadn’t moved.

I know it takes time, but part of me expected it all to come off at once. Of course that’s a product of advertising around weight loss products and strategies. In the past, when I’d made an effort to lose weight, there had only been 5 or 10 pounds to lose, and usually it would come off pretty quick. What I’ve learned is what many of you already know. It takes time, and a lot of hard work to change your body.

I started this journey about a year ago. I weighed 176 pounds at the time. I’m 5’8”.
I started with calorie counting (with a different MFP account), and using workout videos every day. Eventually, I lost momentum with the workout videos. I lost about 10 pounds by October. I went paleo for a few weeks, and started C25K. I lost another 10 pounds, hitting 155. I was proud of my success, and way happier with my body, and my efforts started to slow. I didn’t really lose or gain weight over the holidays, and in January, decided to kick it into gear and lose the last few pounds. I started the New Rules of Lifting, and have had a fairly carb limited diet. I haven’t really been counting calories, and am instead focusing on lots of vegetables and lean protein. I’ve lost another 10 pounds or so since January. As of this morning, I’m 146.

All this to say that it’s been a slow journey. I still have about 10 pounds to go, and with bikini season around the corner, have a new resolve to shed the last of my fat. But since I’m almost there, it’s moving even slower. I’m lifting 3 times a week, and this past week my diet has been exemplary. The scale hasn’t moved.

Here I am, back on MFP. I’m posting my progress as a reminder of how far I’ve come, and as a reminder the body I want is within reach.
For reference, in the first photos, I’m 171 with a 34” waist.
The second set was taken this morning. I’m 146 with a 28” waist.





I’ve just joined up again. It would be great to build a support network, share recipes, ideas and help eachother along the way, so, if you’re so inclined, shoot me a friend request.