Before and After...Down 65 lbs!

I posted this on my Facebook page, but wanted to share over here in case I could inspire someone else!

About one year ago this week, I had a trial pass for a gym. I figured what the heck, I might as well try again. I had a consultation with a trainer, and since I loved lifting before, I thought I would give that a shot too. I was in a size 18, with low self-esteem & little confidence. I couldn't stand to be alone; I was so dependent on everyone around me to make me happy. What I didn't know was I had to make MYSELF happy.

What a difference a year can make.

I've been lifting, watching my calories/macros, doing cardio (grudgingly) for 365 days. I struggled (and still do). But I love every single second. I'm down 65 lbs, in a size 8, and smaller than I've ever been. Two sizes smaller than I was in high school, actually, even though technically I'm the same weight I was at my smallest. My body fat percentage is down 13% to the middle of the "ideal" range. My BMI is normal for the first time in 10 years.

The differences go way beyond the physical, though. My confidence is through the roof, I've made friends, and, honestly, feel like a entirely different woman that I did one year ago. I make friends much more easily, I feel like I can contribute in both work and social situations, and it makes such a difference in the way I'm treated by other people. It's worth every single workout. Am I done? Nope. I don't think you ever truly are. There's always another goal to hit, even if they aren't weight-related. But I am so, so incredibly happy now, and THAT is the difference.

BTW: I'm 5'10. In the first picture I'm somewhere between 235-240. In the last two pictures I'm at 170.