My 90 Day Results and Lessons Learned

Back at the end of December I decided to get a jump start on my weight loss journey. A little history. I have four children. All were high risk pregnancies. Which meant no physically activity while pregnant. All were emergency c-sections. Which meant a long recovery. My last pregnancy and recovery was by far the worse as I suffered from a separated pelvis. You do not realize how important core stability is to everyday life until you no longer have it. I couldn't even get things from the top or bottom shelves in the kitchen cabinets.

I also hit my highest weight with my last pregnancy. I was 189 lbs when I was admitted to the hospital. When I got on the scale six weeks latter, I had only dropped down to 179 pounds. All of this was extremely difficult not only physically, but mentally, as well. I know what it is like to be in great shape. I competed in the Miss America Pageant for seven years and won the swimsuit competition 5 times. No one had ever done that before, I don't think anyone has done it since.

Over the years I have tried many different programs––some gym programs, some at home. I was never able to stick with any of them. I would start off great, but life would happen and I would get derailed. I didn't love any of them and found working out to be a chore. In 2016, I ran two runDisney 19.3 mile challenges, but my weight didn't budge even with all that training. By December 2016, I had only lost 20 pounds in the two years since having my daughter.

Fast forward three months and all of that has changed. Since recommitting on December 20, I have consistently exercised 6 days a week. I have logged my food nearly everyday. The results? I am down 13 pounds and 7 inches. I have lost 3 in my waist and 2.5 in my hips. The rest came from arms and thighs (didn't lose in my chest, yeah!).

So what made the difference? Well, first, I committed, I mean really committed to making it happen this time. I took a good, long look at myself in the mirror and admitted how unhappy I was with how I looked and felt and decided I didn't want to live like that anymore.

Second, I found a workout program that I LOVE!. Now, don't laugh when I tell you what it is. I have been doing the original Firm workout tapes. Yes, I said tapes. I bought 18 VHS tapes for $20 on eBay and a $7 VCR from the Goodwill. I love all things vintage and I call these my "vintage' workouts. Lots of 1980s big hair and high cut leotards. But they are hard. Seriously, Volume 1 will put any crazy BeachBody workout to shame. I still can't get through the leg segment at the end without stopping because I have hit complete failure. The Firm was definitely ahead of its time. In a day and age when Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons were focusing on lots of cardio and aerobics, The Firm realized the importance of weight training and incorporated it into every workout. I committed to doing their Original 90 Day Rotation and didn't let anything keep me from doing that day's workout. No excuses. Find something you love to do and commit to doing it consistently and you will see results.

Third, I stopped thinking I had to eat 1200 calories a day! I calculated my TDEE minus 20% and have been eating that. I weigh and measure everything. I allow myself to have treats. I eat the same dinners that I prepare for my family. Nothing is off limits as long as it fits. No containers. No approved food lists. No points. This is a way of eating I can stick with for the long haul.

I made these 1940s style pants for myself in October. They fit absolutely perfect. This is me in them today. They definitely don't fit anymore!




For the first time, I actually believe that I can do this. My goal is to not look like I used to look when I competed. My goal is to look even better. I want to be stronger and healthy, especially as 40 is fast approaching in May. I want to set an example for my daughters of not just health and wellness, but also of setting a goal and putting in the hard work it takes to reach that goal.

Thanks to all the regulars on these forums, as well. Your posts have guided and inspired me over these past three months! Hoping that mine can do the same for someone else.