7 Months Progress, Down 37lbs, Measurements and Picture

When I first started my new lifestyle journey on May 27th I was determined. I had tried to do the whole diet thing sooo many times in the past, and I think that is why I had always failed. I am not dieting, nor am I on a diet. I am changing my lifestyle by choosing healthier options and working out my body instead of just sitting my butt on the couch.

So far it has been 7 months and I am starting to get happier with the progress each week. I don't starve myself, if I want something bad enough I will have it, for me it is all about portion control and making healthier options.

I workout 3-4 times a week, and three of them are only 30 minute classes. I do a "Metabolic Class" which is a 30 minute kick *kitten* class where you push as much as you can, rest when you need to, then jump right back in. Pretty much my coach deb will make you swear and sweat and grunt and you will feel like you want to die, but when you are done, you will feel amazing.

I work at the YMCA and with that there are many benefits, one that I am forever grateful is that I can attend all classes for free as I work full time. With my Metabolic class, I meet with my Coach and now my friend, Deb, once a week for measurements, weigh in, and we have our little meeting. We talk about my food journal ( I show her MFP food print offs) and then we talk about the mind over matter things, and we work on trying to get me to like my body more as I am not a big fan of it. It has helped so much emotionally and physically that I don't think I could have started to loose weight without her amazing support.

Here are my measurements as of last week (I have my measurements every Thursday, so I am hoping this week they will be down even more ! )

WEIGHT:
start: 268.4lbs
today: 231lbs
down: 37.4 lbs

WAIST:
start: 42”
today: 33.9”
down: 8.1”

HIPS
start: 51”
today: 47”
down: 4”

FOREARM:
start: 11.5"
today: 10”
down: 1.5”

UPPERARM:
start: 15.5”
today: 12.1”
down: 3.4"

CHEST:
start: 46”
today: 39”
down: 7”

THIGH
start: 31.2”
today: 27”
down: 4.2”

BODY FAT %
start: 51.97%
today: 40.14 %
down: 11.83%

Overall I am down 37 pounds, 29 inches and 11.83% body fat. Now for the comparison picture. The one on the left is from this weekend; the one on the right is from January 2013 at my brother’s wedding in Mexico. I did not think I had changed that much, but then I put this comparison together, and I am happy with the progress so far. I have a long way to my end goal, but as of right now, I am happy with the progress !