1 Year, 85 lbs., and countless NSV's

One year ago today I began my new, healthier lifestyle. A great group of friends asked me to join a Biggest Loser style group. I do not know why, but this was the catalyst I needed. After years of half-assing it I finally committed to a change. I signed-up for MFP and logged every bite, lick, and nibble. I also began walking or using Wii Fit six days a week. As the weight came off I increased my exercise time and intensity. Of course I have stumbled along the way, but I did not allow the slip-ups to send me back to my old lifestyle. In the beginning I spent many nights reading success stories like this rather than eating ice cream, chips, etc. It was a way to break my routine and also inspired me. The picture below is from Christmas last year. I did not really look at it last year; I could not allow myself to see how large I was. Seeing it now makes me very sad.



One year later I am 85 pounds lighter (5 pounds shy of my one year goal). I have more energy in my day to day activities. I went to water parks with my boys this summer without stressing and hiding. At amusement parks I rode the kiddy rides with them without worrying about fitting. I flew with them and had lots of slack on the seatbelt. I pulled them on a sled through the snow for an hour yesterday. I can shop in any clothing store I would like now. Our Christmas card had a family picture rather than just my boys this year. I finished a 5K in 34 minutes this fall; I couldn’t go two miles in that time a year ago. And I am training for a half marathon. I am the same person as that picture above but am now healthier and enjoying life much more.



I do not think of these as before and after pictures. They are part of my journey. I plan to continue to run further and faster in preparation of my half marathon in May. Each week I enjoy completing my strength training with less difficulty. And in time I hope to lose another 40 lbs. I would never call the last year easy, but it has been simple. No tricks or magic food/pill; I kept my calories in less than my calories out. I believe the journey is different for everyone, and we each must find the approach and tools that work for us. I wish each of you the best on your journeys. Trust in yourself and remember, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” (Quote from Robert J. Collier)