I lied, my story really isn't about revenge. But, it started out that way.
In 2010 my life hit a very low point. I weighed 217 pounds and my husband wanted a divorce. The entire four year marriage had been rough, so divorce was a bit of a relief. The downside of that was having to move across the country and back into my parent's house with two children under the age of two. Being unemployed, a disabled vet, a newly single mom and being fat sucked.
I decided to get revenge on my ex by losing weight and looking super hot. I failed.
It wasn't until I just got tired of being fat that I started making the changes that made a difference. Eating well, working out and learning to just love myself. It was no longer about revenge, it was about taking care of me.
Tomorrow marks a significant point in my life. It marks three years of being single and my first bodybuilding competition. In total I've lost 70 pounds. As a single parent with a full time job and my own little house to take care of I have found a way to get a degree and get in shape all at the same time. I have tons of legitimate excuses to why I can't or don't have the time to eat right and workout. If you want it bad enough you WILL find a way!
**ETA: Workouts, I just lift heavy and do little cardio. Eating is TDEE-20% and IIFYM (with macros set correctly for my goals).
Update as of October 2014- Since my original story I have competed in two bodybuilding competitions, placing second and first respectively, as well as two powerlifting competitions, one of which set a world record for deadlift for my weight class. I continue to workout and balance the fun things in life with maintaining fat loss.
Congratulations, I hope to be like you. I am actually in the process of a divorce from my Italian husband of 4 years and had to move back to the country and into my parents house. I'm in the same boat you were and am trying to lose some weight to bring up my self esteem and ease the depression a little bit. Sorry you had to go through it, I know what it feels like. But I'm glad you were able to turn your situation around.
@aliciamarieUF Just take it a day at a time and focus on health (mental and physical). It will happen. It won't be fast, but there is no need to rush. You'll get there.
You have done such an amazing job. Smart, beautiful and fit. Such a winning combination. Your efforts have paid off immensely. Massive props to your dedication to persevere.
and here's me who thought one could never get rid of belly fat after babies until I saw your pics! Boy was I wrong! You obviously worked very hard for what you have achieved tho and yes I agree, whoever said revenge isn't sweet must have been telling a lie becos from personal experience, I certainly believe it is sweeter than sweet and I mean that in a good way, where good comes out of a bad or tough situation. You are superwoman and this my favourite song is for you:
Darling, you look absolutely incredible!!!! Seeing how much of a transformation you've made for yourself, it makes me anxious and desire more than anything to reach the level of success that you have!!!! As a mother of three, I'm limited as to what I can do... However, any advice from someone as visibly successful as you is excitedly and humbly accepted!!! (And rather wished for!!! )
Great perspective, thanks for sharing. Motivation and dedication are key. You were motivated at first, but it's when you became dedicated that you were actually successful. I wish you every happiness, for you and your children!
It's absoulutly amazing what you have done. I am so proud of anyone who will take the time and dedication to take care of themselves. You look so good being fit and in shape. Throw those old cloths away and fit into those smaller shapely cloths. Great!! Amazing!!
Wow, thank you for sharing. You're such an inspiration. It makes me feel like I don't have to hide and hibernate till I lose the weight. I wish I could inspire sb with my own story someday
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@aliciamarieUF Just take it a day at a time and focus on health (mental and physical). It will happen. It won't be fast, but there is no need to rush. You'll get there.
I am also curious because you look amazing!