what a difference a year can make

bynsky · February 2011

Good morning everyone! On the day before my birthday, I am reflecting back on the last year to see how far I've come. At this time last year I was still getting used to having my husband around the house all the time again (he was an over the road trucker for 1 & 1/2 years), and I thought I looked fine! In fact, I knew I was overweight, but I was happy... or so I thought.

Flash forward to April when I find out that I weighed more than my mom, who while I love her dearly I have always found to be a physically unattractive woman. My hubby reassured me saying that I have more muscle than her and my body looks slimmer, but that didn't matter! I was finally motivated to do something about this... but what?

In June, a co-worker introduced me to MFP. It took me a couple months to find my groove, but I haven't looked back. This month has been a little rough on me due to issues on the home front financially, and illnesses, but starting Monday I'm kicking it up a notch again! I feel better when I'm exercising, and it helps with the stress. I used to be a stress eater, and I don't ever want to go back to that.

While my changes aren't as drastic as some others out there, I'm proud of myself. What have I done to lose this weight you ask? I've added more fresh fruits & veggies, cut out on some fat (I used to drink a gallon of milk by myself in 4 days), cut down on portion sizes, and added regular exercise/physical activity. I still eat the same foods!!! Just less of them. If I want a treat, I have one. If I want a pop, I have it. If I want fast food, I have it... just less than I used to.

Find what works for you!!!! I did.... and below you will see my results: (for those of you who are curious, I am 5'6")

Last year - not sure what weight, but around 190

Two weeks ago, at 154

Good luck to all of you! Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they are!

ZebraHead · February 2011

Congrats!! You inspire us to keep going. Thanks for being my MFP buddy! :smooched:

ickybella · February 2011

Pure sexiness! Great job. :flowerforyou:

MontanaB · February 2011

fantastic!
you look great

keep it up!!

Nikstergirl · February 2011

I think you look amazing! You definitely have changed and it sounds like you've done it in a way you can maintain forever which is exactly what's going to work for you!!!!

Good for you! I bet your husband's happy too... LOL!!! Keep it up, girl!!!

UpToAnyCool · February 2011

Great job, Bynsky, I'm sure you feel as great as you look - WOOHOO! :glasses:

You're an inspiration! When do we start your birthday countdown? :happy: :bigsmile:

Edited to Add: I'm so glad to hear that you were able to make such a change w/o having to 'ban' any foods, etc. Total success to be able to live more healthily, yet still LIVE!

ican♥and♥iwill · February 2011

You look amazing! Kudos to you for your hardwork and dedication and congrats to your success!!

Amandac6772 · February 2011

Great job! You are so inspirational!

Sparksfly · February 2011

Wonderful! You look fantastic! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :glasses:

Sheila_KI · February 2011

You look awesome!!

MizBee · February 2011

I DEF count it a privilege to know you, not only for the encouragement/ love you give to me on my profile and the encouragement you give us by your example... but b/c I think you are such a swell person ALL the way around.

) There are many days that I needed a laugh... and you always come through with your jokes/humor. We are DEF a kindred spirit and I just wanted you to know.....You ROCK lady... Keep up the good work.

Kityngirl · February 2011

That is an incredible change Byn! It's amazing what a few changes in diet and a little exercise will do. Congrats and keep doing what you're doing! :flowerforyou:

ladyjh578 · February 2011

what a great post. TY and CONGRATS!!

Wakx · February 2011

That's really cool Bynski, congratulations!!

Enjoy!

karlamw · February 2011

You look AMAZING

)))))))

looby1968 · February 2011

Excellent!!! I, too, am finding that I don't have to give up all the foods I used to love Just be a little more aware of the calorie value and if I feel like having a blow-out, it's only natural!!! I've lost 33lbs of the 81 I want to lose and I can still eat sausage and mash, with veggies and gravy.

I've also realised that if I exercise well, I can eat that little bit more (let's face it we could all eat our calorie allowance, do nothing and lose weight, but we'd be a bit hungry!!!:frown: ).

:bigsmile: :bigsmile: You look fabulous! Well done!:bigsmile: :bigsmile:

LouiseXXX

Jitteryspork · February 2011

Great Job Bynsky!

You look fantastic, and you did it the right way so your body still fits you well. All those fad diets leave people sad and mishapen. You are awesome!