Before and after :-)

Shauna2626 · January 2015

I'm still a work in progress - there's always room for improvement, but I've come a long way!! Sometimes I need to stop and remember where I was when I first started my fitness journey and appreciate that my hard work has paid off, rather than focus on my shortcomings

I was around 170 lbs in the "before" picture, and around 125 lbs in the "after."

karyabc · January 2015

AMAZING! TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR STORY! NOW I'M CURIOUS

sandicat6 · January 2015

wow good for you!!! you look terrific.

toofatnomore · January 2015

You look amazing.

Shauna2626 · January 2015

Thanks!

During my teen years, my parents struggled with overeating and as a family, we didn't eat a very healthful diet. We went out a lot and ate too much fast food. I really struggled with overeating, emotional eating, and body image issues.
During my first year of college, I was on the university's meal plan, which meant frequent access to buffet-style meals. That didn't go very well for me.
Finally I decided that I had to get off the meal plan and start buying & preparing my own food. I started eating more sensibly, made myself get used to correct portion sizes, and also decided that I might as well take advantage of my school's rec center.
I started counting calories and working out, and the weight steadily came off. I lost about 45 lbs.
I later re-gained some of the weight due to life circumstances (new boyfriend who I'm now married to, traveling abroad, graduating college, etc.) so I joined MFP to take it off again! Now I'm focused on keeping it off, and gaining some more muscle definition.

I'm 23 years old, and about 5 ft 2 in. tall.
HW: 172 on 2/17/2011
Previous lowest weight: 126 on 1/25/2012
Regained some weight, later joined MFP
GW1: 128 - achieved on 7/30/14
Currently around 125 lbs and 26% body fat

keelz2010 · January 2015

Good work, you look great.

Shauna2626 · January 2015

Thanks! I still have struggles, but I'm better equipped to handle them now. I still also really enjoy eating, but I taught myself moderation and thankfully I really like working out now, which was NOT always the case, lol.

marciebrian · January 2015

you really do look fantastic and it's amazing that you were able to accomplish so much with so many detractors. Congratulations!!!

Juliemoo1960 · January 2015

You look fantastic.

Shauna2626 · January 2015

Thank you all!
I lost my dear father in May, and I had been scared that when something heartbreaking inevitably happened in my life, I would revert back to my old eating habits and re-gain lots of weight. I did gain a few lbs right after his passing, as I consciously allowed myself a break from calorie counting and ate things I normally wouldn't as a source of comfort.
However, instead of going back to my old ways, I have been using the gym as a healthy outlet for my emotions. Working on my fitness goals has really helped me keep going and focus on something positive.

luista205 · January 2015

Shauna2626 wrote: »

I'm still a work in progress - there's always room for improvement, but I've come a long way!! Sometimes I need to stop and remember where I was when I first started my fitness journey and appreciate that my hard work has paid off, rather than focus on my shortcomings
I was around 170 lbs in the "before" picture, and around 125 lbs in the "after."

mizpoke · January 2015

Fabulous! And that is so inspiring how you manage your emotions without resorting to food.

Tinytaru · January 2015

Congratulations! You look great!

aquamarina_182 · January 2015

you look awesome.

well done!!!

astrose00 · January 2015

Congrats, you look amazing!!!

lilscuder · January 2015

All your hard work has paid off ~ You really look Great !!! I'm sure you feel a lot better in more ways than one. I love MFP and how it keeps us accountable as well as eating right ~ in moderation along with good exercise. CONGRATULATIONS ! Keep up your new lifestyle and Congrats. on the marriage.

cindys921 · January 2015

You look amazing! Great Job!

KHaverstick · January 2015

Fabulous! I never get tired of seeing before/after pics and hearing success stories. You look great!

cds_momto3 · January 2015

You look wonderful!! What an inspiration.

RUNNING_AMOK_1958 · January 2015

You are so awesome, friend! I gained after my mom passed away and it took everything I had in me to not go off the deep end. I still struggle now and then, but am better equipped to deal with it. Having friends like you as an example and for support plays a huge part in my success.