I DID IT! And didn't count a single calorie... (PICS)

I always feel like I'm making a mountain out of a molehill when I share my success because it's not so dramatic in comparison to others', but what the hell! I DID IT! I REACHED MY PERSONAL GOAL!!

On Nov. 13th 2013 I made it my goal to lose 10lbs (yeah I know, not that much). I started at 156 size 8 (at least at some stores):



I wanted to get results fast so I did the restricting calories thing for a few days to no avail. I felt it was too neurotic to count calories and weigh and measure food. It takes the enjoyment out of it, TO ME anyway. So I merely committed to eating whole, nutritious foods, cut down on packaged snacks and fast food, and to stop eating when I felt full. I also only drank variations of water (water, tea, seltzer) Did none of that macros or micros stuff either. Just too much for a beginner to take on. I also stopped eating out, and when I did I ate things that were obviously healthy (my favorite being the salads at Devon and Blakely!) Along with that, in the first 4 weeks I exercised 6-7 days a week. And then for the rest of the time I calmed down to about 4-5 days/week.

And the results:



This is me just today at 144lbs! So yah, I know. Doesn't look DRAMATICALLY different! But what the camera may not show is that I LOST 12LBS! So 2lbs more than my goal. And 12lbs shows on a tiny little 5'3 frame like mine. Also, I went from creeping up to a size 8 to being able to fit into my size 4 Gap pencil skirt that couldn't even make it up past my thighs last summer (forreal). I also feel MUCH MUCH stronger and have muscles to show for it (hello abs!!!). I cannot believe it happened this quickly or at all because I did not restrict myself over the holidays, and always added cheat meals throughout my week (maybe 2 or 3 a week). Just goes to show you don't have to sacrifice or feel unfulfilled while on your weight loss journey. I was going to begin to really restrict carbs but thanks to the advice on here, I felt i didn't need to. Just needed to eat them in moderation (potato chips WERE eaten on my journey lol)

Best little caveat of starting this journey: I'm a singer/songwriter. Building up endurance by running not only gave me more lung control but gave me more lung capacity which is essential to holding notes and making them fuller. YIPPEE!

I plan to keep on doing exactly what I'm doing. Though, I have a birthday next week (hello 23!) and plan to eat a alot of pizza and drink a lot of wine. Now that I've been tending to my health and fitness for 60 days, it's become a solidified habit. It's no longer just a diet, but a lifestyle

I hope my pictures showed up!!

yay!