365 days on MFP (w/pics!)

A close friend of mine found success using My Fitness Pal to count calories.
“Eat whatever you want! Just stay within you calorie goal.” She said.
I thought, “what the hell” and decided to give it a try.
I had zero expectations. I didn't think there was a problem with my weight or eating habits, even though a typical lunch for me would consist of 2 Big Macs, a large fry and soda at McDonalds. I told myself that it was genetic. Yes, a fat gene - I know. I saw a photo of my great, great, great grandmother and she was overweight and built just like the majority of the women in my family and me.
Anyway, calorie counting was an eye-opening experience for me. I was eating more calories in one meal then, than I do all day now. I was surprised I didn't weigh more.
A little over a month later, the same friend posted on facebook that she was running a 5k on base and asked if anyone wanted to join her. Again, “what the hell” came to mind; even though I had never run more than a mile in my life. People thought I was crazy. I thought I was crazy. I had 2 weeks to train.
I finished the 5k in 45 minutes. My husband and his friend ran the last stretch with us. Everyone was so proud of me.
Pride.
Something I had been missing. I also missed the fact that I had an amazing body that could still do amazing things despite all the crap I had been feeding it.
I felt like puking after crossing the finish line. Now I knew what the people on The Biggest Loser felt like when they worked out so hard they got sick. I wanted to die. I said, “I will never do this again!! People who run are crazy!”
(I'm running my 3rd 5k this August...)
So, I kept riding the cardio wave, running, ballet, zumba, spinning, etc. Once I reached the 30 pounds lost mark, my weight loss started to slow down. I was the same size I was when I was 17, but I wasn't happy with my body composition.

I started lifting weights. I took 3 months to get familiar with the weights in the gym with the help of a friend. I started Stronglifts 5x5 in April, but it's interfering with my dancing so I'm working on creating a new strength training routine.

Speaking of dancing... at 26 years old, I got my first pair of pointe shoes and will be dancing en pointe next year...



I still have a long way to go, more changes to make, but I'm hoping to inspire people, especially those who think that they're "meant" to be big and that it's genetic. It's not. You have the ability to change! On to the good stuff...

Starting Weight – July 1, 2012 – 169
Waist at Navel: 42”
Hips: 42”
Bust: 42”
Bicep: 11.5”
Thigh: 25.5”
Underbust: 34”
Size: 15 (in juniors)


Now - 131 pounds (-38 pounds)
Waist at Navel: 35” (-7 inches)
Hips: 38.25” (-3.75 inches)
Bust: 35.25” (-6.75 inches)
Bicep: 10.25” (-1.25 inches)
Thigh: 22.5” (-3 inches)
Underbust: 29.25” (-4.75 inches)
Size: 7 (in juniors)
Current BF%: 23-24%

May 2012:


July 1, 2012:




Latest Progress Pictures: