*Pic Heavy* Before/After 196 to 130

Hi Pals! I have posted before throughout my journey and thought I would share my latest success! :bigsmile:

April 2009 I was at my all time heaviest at 196 lbs and attended my husband's high school prom (he is an assistant principal). At the time I was undergoing heavy fertility treatments to get pregnant with our 5th child. We were successful in October 2009 and I gave birth to our 4th daughter (we also have 1 son) in July 2010 topping out at 217 lbs. I started MFP in August 2010 and here I am two nights ago again at his high school prom. What a difference in the both of us!!! Thanks MFP and friends for all the support and encouragement. We couldn't have made it without you!

I am 5' 7 and 29 years old. I have 5 children ranging in age from almost 9 years to just turned 9 months. I work out 4 to 5 times a week either in the gym or at home. I love lifting weights and using the kettlebell. Most of my routine focuses on strength training either using dumbbells, free weights, and my body's own weight. I do light cardio including running (typically a 5k, which is 3.1 miles, on the treadmill or the elliptical). I have been using the punching bag and jump rope between sets to get the most bang for my workout buck... I have 5 kids so time is of the essence!

As far as eating... please don't ask what I eat because it would take me a lifetime to answer... I EAT A LOT. In fact, I eat all the time. My body is a furnace and food is my fuel. I realized early on that if you are kind to your body and give it what it needs, then it will be kind in return. I eat clean for the most part (to me this means more whole foods such as lean meats, good fats, fruits and vegetables) verses foods that are processed. The least amount of processing a food has had, the better. I also maintain a very low sodium diet as best as I can. The focus on sodium is important to me because as a woman I already have a target on my back for heart disease and family history has me predisposed for high blood pressure. Reducing sodium greatly reduces my risk. I love experimenting with spices, drinking water, and keeping my body full of great nutrients to build muscle and keep my internal organs running as efficiently and effectively as possible. I have changed my lifestyle completely and realize that "diets" only lead to resentment, relapses, and quitting. I want to win so I changed my life.


When I first started here, I had NO belief in myself... but once I lost those first 2 pounds (and yes, I posted in the success forums when I lost them too! I just couldn't believe it!) then my self confidence grew and I vowed that I would not give up no matter what.

I was sick of putting myself on the bottom of the list and realized the only obstacle in the way of my success was myself.

I have hypothyroidism, PCOS, went through heavy hormonal fertility treatment, have had 3 knee surgeries, was in Grad school until December 2010 when I graduated, just gave birth to our 5th child (my 4th pregnancy)... so trust me... I had every excuse in the book if I wanted to use them...

But I realized there is no excuse... none! I wanted this and I did (and continue to do) what it takes to be healthy and have the body that makes me happy. You can too! Everyone can. Start believing in yourself and you will shock yourself at what you are capable of... not only as it relates to your health... but your entire LIFE!

Thanks for letting me share!

Sorry for the poor quality of our first before picture... it was a printed 4x6 photo that I found shoved in my glove box. I couldn't get my scanner to cooperate so I took a picture of the picture. Haha!