One Year In, 76 pounds down (Long and full of photos)

I did it! I made it to my one year anniversary!

And now the long story:

In March 2014, I went to the doctor for the first time in 7 years (thanks, Obama!). I walked out completely overwhelmed with what I'd been told. My doctor had diagnosed me with severe depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation and insulin resistance. He told me that I had to lose weight. My BMI was 38.7. I was carrying 232.3 pounds on my 5'5" frame.



A month later I had wrapped my head around what all these things meant for me, and I decided to get serious.

I took some photos and was totally shocked at just how big I was. I mean, I knew I was overfat, but I didn't know just how old, tired and miserable I looked. So I joined MyFitnessPal.

The biggest reason I had been consuming more calories than I was burning was my soda and coffee intake. It was ridiculous. Cutting down on those two things helped me get started. Then I started cutting my portions down. I still ate everything I used to - just less of it. I learned how to do that on the forums

Then I discovered yoga, and what I could really do with my body.



I felt so empowered - to really, fully understand that *I* was in charge of my body and what it could do. I got rid of all the "I can'ts" in my brain and really started pushing myself.



I was still doing moderation, not really paying much attention to macros or anything else. Around December, I hit a "plateau" - which wasn't a plateau at all, but me being lazy with my logging. I had gotten burned out an apathetic. So I took a logging break for a week. Managed to lose weight during that time and find my motivation again.

I started with an IIFYM approach and started lifting heavy (<3) in February. After that, I really started *loving* my new body.

The muscles (small though they are).



My sexy waist.



And my butt. I love my butt.



I still have 6 pounds to go until I hit the high end of my goal weight range (140-149), and a healthy BMI. But I've done so much for myself over the past year - and I'm going to celebrate it. I'm amazing.





I've lost 15" from my waist, and 14" from my hips. My BMI is 26.0, from 38.7. I no longer have insulin resistance. I'm healthy, strong, fit, flexible and happy. I currently weigh 156.0 pounds - that's 76.2 pounds lost in 365 days

And I did it all by moderation, portion control and realistic goals. I still have a coke with dinner, gelato some nights, pizza. But I also make sure I'm eating fruit and veggies and meeting both my macro and micro nutrient needs. It's all about balance.

The only secret to weight loss is commitment. Be honest with yourself, weigh your food and work hard. It's all about the CICO!

Thanks for reading all this