Two years, 27 pounds, in no hurry.

I've been working on my health and fitness for a little over two years now. I need to lose about 80 pounds total. I could have done it in a year, I'm sure, and I probably could have even done it in two years. Instead I've chosen to take a very slow and progressive approach to reaching my goals. I regularly drink beer, go out with friends, spend cold weekends bundled up watching bad TV and snacking with my husband... but I also spend a majority of my time thinking about my life - my long-term goals. I eat delicious things in true moderation, I make efforts to be active at least a little bit every day. After the last two years, I can say with 100% certainty that I have changed my lifestyle to continue working toward my goal of losing 80 pounds, and then maintaining that loss while being a strong and healthy woman.

The things I have learned along the way have been innumerable, and the friends I have made are irreplaceable. The most important thing I can say to you if you think you really want to reach your goals is to decide exactly how you want your life to be when you're at your goal, and just start living that life now. Making adult choices about what you choose to do and eat will always be a factor in your health, regardless of your weight, so the sooner you get the hang of that, the better.

And now, without further ado - the thing you've all been waiting for! Some before and during pics!

Before:

[img]http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy109/lovesdenvergirl/self portraits/c9f13998-71f0-48b3-b0a9-116e559258de_zpsca4ae710.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy109/lovesdenvergirl/self portraits/28dbc6ac-03e4-473a-8e3c-9f6c20728bf4_zps98181920.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy109/lovesdenvergirl/self portraits/636522f1-9b2b-4934-8e76-59fad7d3f6ce_zps63e91e8d.jpg[/img]

During:





Okay, so maybe they're not the best comparisons, but I think you can pick up what I'm puttin' down.