Sharing my success and journey!

Fit2btied2016 wrote: »

Hey, HIGH FIVE!! Congratulations on your success thus far! Your post is excellent, and so are your profile pics. I love the dramatic and different looks you have portrayed, and the hats are super cute on you! (Fellow hat girl here) ;-) You could have just as easily put theatre major and it would have applied ;-) I will take a peek at your channel for the heck of it, thanks.

Yes, exercise is the bomb. It releases so many endorphins (the feel-good chemicals in our brain), and other chemicals as well. It is a proven natural antidepressant and mood elevator.

Have fun in your studies, and keep up the good work on your journey!

Wow, I really appreciate that! I didn't actually notice how different my style is from picture to picture. I do love hats and dyeing my hair!

I'll do my best!

CurvyEmmy wrote: »

Hi!! Congratulations!! I’m 5’5” and 275 and struggling! Can we chat? What is working for you?

Yes, of course we can!
I think the things that are helping me the most are when I:
1. Don't eat anything after 5pm
2. Don't drink any sort of carbonated beverages (even sparkling water - it increases your hunger hormone 8x as much as regular water does)
3. Walk or hike at least two hours a week

taradpalen wrote: »

Unbelievable - super job!! Similar journey I’m on starting at 317 currently at 281. You are motivating me to keep the faith. Thank you for sharing!!! You look great!

I'm so happy to hear that! And thank you for the encouragement

Fit2btied2016 wrote: »

Watched your video, and the anxiety is what makes it believable. You don't have to be perfect, or not nervous. The fact that you actually posted it at all is what shows your grit. You have done what thousands or millions of other people would not dare to do because they couldn't look xyz, or weren't xyz size.

Your post made my eyes tear up a little bit. Thank you very much for the kind words!

melc2910 wrote: »

Amazing work!! How long did it take you to notice a difference?

There are two answers here.
For my first round of weight loss back in 2018, the most notable differences happened after losing 30 pounds (about 3 months).

For my second round of weight loss in 2022...I had already been far more active in my day-to-day for the past year because of going to a new college and moving out of my mom's place. So I didn't really notice much of a difference.

But then on January 3rd, 2023, I went on a solo vacation to do some hiking. I ended up hiking a lot and continued hiking even more after the vacation was over. I ended up hiking like 17.5 miles in 1 week. That made me notice a HUGE change - after only one week, I became much faster at walking, was able to increase my distance/stamina considerably. The change was pretty dramatic and shocking, and I realized that for me personally, it's good for me to really push myself.

As for the change in my confidence levels - the weight loss and exercise didn't contribute directly, that was more from therapy and introspection. Though I can tell you, feeling proud of myself for hiking so much also made me feel proud of myself in general.