Adios 30lbs, hello NSVs!

As of today I have lost just over 30lbs from when I started used MFP last August. I've lost 28 inches (71 cm) over my entire body. I've gone from wearing XL to L and M shirts, I've dropped one dress size, and I'm within an inch or so of dropping my second pant size. I feel amazing.

I have more energy and endurance, I'm able to do more and be more involved with my family and friends. My Fibromyalgia (which was one of the major catalysts for my weight gain in the first place) has improved. I have severe flare ups less frequently and my body, especially my legs and hips, have lessened in regards to the day-to-day pain I deal with. In short, losing this weight is easily the best thing I've done for myself in at least the past five years.

I struggle still to see what huge differences my body has made since last summer. Like many people who lose weight, I still see myself as "that fat girl" even if I'm not anymore. The biggest indicator for me that I really am getting lighter and stronger are my NSVs. I can dehydrate my way into dropping another pound, but NSVs are a bit harder to fake.

This morning I had a really good one, which made hitting today's goal of 30lbs that much sweeter. I was running late dropping off my son at school so I grabbed the first pair of jeans I found from my dresser without paying attention. Which is a hilariously awful idea when you're in the process of losing weight, fyi. Walking him to class my jeans were nearly falling off; I'd forgotten to grab a belt and if I hadn't been constantly tugging them up (and using my coat as camouflage for my saggy bum) they would have dropped to the floor. Haha! Mind you, these pants were TIGHT on my hips and thighs 5-ish months ago and, essentially unwearable 7 months ago. Sitting down they would pinch me at my thighs/hips and leave welts where they rubbed against my waist if I wore them for too long. I would only wear them if I could hide the mega-muffin top I had in them. Now, they are loose EVERYWHERE: in my thighs, calves, waist and hips. Actually, all but three pairs of jeans fit in that category now, and two of the non-jean-dropping pairs are from a shopping trip two months back!

I. LOVE. IT.