What a difference a year makes (pics)

I apologize ahead of time, pic intensive *L*

One year ago today I joined MFP.

Prior to joining i had already lost 17 pounds off my starting weight of 242 pounds for this 'loss' attempt.
Those 17 pounds came off between Nov/10 and Jan 23/11, with simple healthy choices instead of the thoughtless way I had been eating before that,

I've always known how to eat in a healthy manner... i simply never really had it 'click' in my head that life was not a dress rehearsal for anything. No one would fix 'me' for me, except me, and if i didn't get busy and REALLY do something about it now I was likely to die prematurely young, just as my Mum did, with weight related issues.

No, 242 pounds was not an all-time high for me, I simply don't know how much heavier than that I have been as I would have nothing to do with the scale.

This pic was taken in December, 2007... I have no idea my weight in it, but for sure it was more than 242!



This one was taken in June, 2010.. I am amazed when I look at this one now as I clearly remember that on that day I was actually feeling pretty good about how I looked so was not hiding from the camera (something I have done all my life as I have been overweight/obese ALL my life, literally since I was born)



And now a couple of 'durings' *S*:

Moments after my first grandchild was born, July 2011.. this child will be the first person in my family who will never have known me as an obese person *proud smile*



This one is not very good quality...taken in August 2011, but I had to take it... me.. in a form fitting size 12 calvin klein dress... when just a year before I was wearing size 20, and definitely not form fitting!



September 2011:



December 25 2011... about 10 pounds heavier than in September... thanks to falling prey to the myriad of goodies at work for the 2 months before Xmas (my office was next to the kitchen where all the baking was being done for sale, and I was weak *L*)



So.. how did I lose?
Eating consistently at the calorie level allotted, including exercise calories, eliminating processed sugars and sugar substitutes, using only whole grains whenever possible, LOTS of veg!, and keeping sodium under 1500mg per day.
The sodium alone was one of the main methods I found that helped keep me eating in a healthy manner as eating at restaurants or eating pre-made meals etc from grocery stores did not allow me to stay under in sodium.

Thanks to the relaxed choices I made during the holidays, I have gained about 10 pounds back... but here's how I know I finished the year with my new mindset firmly in place.

I do not feel like I have failed *S*
Yes I gained a little, BUT... that does not mean every meal of every day has now reverted to how badly I used to eat a year ago, as would have been the case throughout my past!
And slowly but surely, just as when I started a year ago, I am coaxing all my daily choices back into the right direction again.. because, quite simply, life happens, I don't need to beat myself up over it anymore... because i KNOW I have this.. now.. and for the rest of my life! *S*

I WILL reach my goal weight this year.. of that I have no doubt whatsoever (159).. and As that is the high end of normal weight for my height, bone structure and age, the odds are good I will choose to go a little lower just to give myself 'room' to live .. 150 is sounding about right .. see you there! *S*

cheers to us all!