Major milestone...102 pounds lost!

It finally happened today. After gaining and losing the same 1-2 pounds over the last 4 weeks or so, I pulled off a 5.4 pound loss this week and have now lost a total of 102 pounds. I had been so anxious to achieve that 100 pound loss, and I'm just thrilled to have finally done it (plus 2 pounds, even)! A few weeks ago, I bought myself a little personalized key chain to help remember this accomplishment. I didn't let myself open it until this morning after my weigh in, and it was a really great feeling. Big things can definitely happen if you just believe in yourself!

My whole journey to a healthier life started as my New Year's resolution for 2013, and could have never imagined that I would make it this far. All the years of being so unhealthy and overweight and just not even caring enough about myself to do anything are over. Now, in my 15th month of this new lifestyle, I am happier than ever.

My starting weight was 271 pounds, and I was then wearing very tight size 20 jeans. Today, I weighed in at 169.0 and am wearing a slightly loose size 12. Now that I am getting closer to my ultimate goal, I am focusing more on heavy lifting. My weeks generally include 3 days of StrongLifts and 2-3 days of cardio. I love that I am able to run now, and I enjoy getting stronger each week that I lift.

I really haven't taken actual progress photos along the way, but I felt this was a pretty good depiction of my results thus far. Left photo is from my wedding in October 2012. Right photo is from today, shopping for bridesmaid dresses for my best friend's wedding coming up this October. I don't look thrilled because I was caught off guard in the picture, but I couldn't believe how comfortable and confident I felt in this dress, and I can't wait to wear it on her wedding day (in a smaller size 10, which is what I ordered)!



And to wrap this up, I must extend a thank you to each one of my MFP friends who have rooted me on throughout the months. There is no way I could have made it to this point today without you all and am forever grateful of your support!