feeling bikini ready after dropping 43 pounds

Finally feeling like I am bikini ready for this summer….like I will be able to walk down the beach without being embarrassed by my butt and thighs, using a towel or shorts to try to hide as much of my lower body as I can. Yay!! Last year I turned down all invitations I got to events that involved swimming suits and it makes me a little sad to think how much I let my weight interfere with my enjoyment of life for a few years.

I have very few photos of me from my fat phase of life…but I came across this one that one of my sisters snapped of me at my mom’s birthday party this past August—right before I decided I needed to make a permanent lifestyle change. Although seeing myself as I was, and sharing it with others, embarrasses me greatly I’m doing it. (hopefully the photos I attempt to upload will come through)

For those of you who are interested in how I did it…I focused on eating well balanced portioned controlled foods. I did not cut out specific food groups---I ate carbs of all types (but I did try to stick to whole grains/healthier choices), I drank booze here and there and I allowed myself to have treats …I didn’t deprive myself. I did try to focus on eating mostly fresh vegetables and fruits. I avoided severe calorie restriction but I did (and still do) exercise like a maniac on most days.
Best of luck to those of you who are just starting on this journey or who are still working at getting the pounds off! Logging is key to my success and I plan to continue to do it even though I am now happy where I am at. Thanks MFP!! :happy: :flowerforyou:

It's my first time trying to share photos in a message board so I apologize if they don't come through or are the wrong size :ohwell: