24/f 5'4 294->186 :)

Stats: 24/f 5'4 SW:294lbs CW:186lbs in about 9 months with an ever changing goal weight! I went from 40% BF to 27% and size 24->12/14 and now able to wear bracelets

Some awful phone pictures...






NEW bangs todayyyyy!


I wasn't going to post pictures until I had a year under my belt, but I got a haircut today and figured what better time?? I moved to Chicago with my boyfriend last year where it seemed that everyone was more active and attractive so I decided to conform. By selling our cars, becoming commuters, and shopping at farmers markets our lifestyle started to shift but it wasn't the drastic change I wanted so I went on a hunt for a gym. That is when my entire life changed; I found Downsize Fitness which is a gym that caters strictly to overweight clients and the amazing people that I owe everything too, my new family! I started working out 5-6 days a week for 60-90mins, focusing on strength training/Crossfit with the bulk of my cardio coming from boxing, zumba, and interval classes. I began calorie counting with MFP with 1800-2000cals, I make a huge effort to eat as least processed foods as possible, not focusing too harshly on macros, but I still enjoy my hot cheetos, pb cookies, and crap in my goals, just less frequently. I see so many people with extremely rigid rules and that is NOT for me, I enjoy challenging myself at times but I am a firm believer in moderation.

My main reasoning for wanting to write this is to reach out to people who are struggling! I have had so many slip ups and binge episodes in the last 9 months but I have still managed to lose 108lbs, PLEASE do not let a bad day or weekend stop you!!! I have had multiple days in a row with zero regard to my diet and come home 12lbs up but you accept it and trudge along! I had a massive (not exaggerating) binge less than a month ago, they are getting better and less frequent but it’s SO much more important to get over it and start where you left off. I used to panic before holidays and parties but you will learn what really matters and how to navigate them better. I want to help people through this and have become so passionate about fun healthy cooking and exercise that I am studying to become a certified PT and am leading my first (supervised) group boot camp tomorrow! My wonderful redditor boyfriend has been extremely supportive (with some exceptions haha) and lost 50lbs himself and I am lucky enough to have some of my beautiful best friends in this struggle with me and constantly inspiring me. I cannot wait to help people experience their weight loss journey; being able to have pride in your food choices, push yourself physically in ways you never thought possible, annnnnnd of course where cute clothes I'm always open for questions or to lend an ear!