21lbs by My 21st Birthday (Pictures Too!!)

This is me at the end of March this year. I was celebrating with my family at a party and took another dreaded 'family shot' (I'm on the far left of the shot, grey hoodie). I remember that night like it was yesterday. I didn't want to be there and after I saw that picture I knew that I had really let myself go. At this point, I didn't really care and tried to shove those feelings down with countless calories and carbs, eating the emotions I refused to acknowledge. Disappointment, disgust, lonliness, and apathy.

About two weeks after that shot was taken I woke up for work and put on the BIGGEST pants I have ever owned, size 16. They stretched just enough to button, but when I sat down I could see a lump on my stomach, thighs and hips. That morning, I cried for almost an hour as I tried to convince myself that it was the food's fault - not mine.

On April 29th, I wrote a letter to myself that I was worth everything that the world had to offer. In that moment, I promised myself I would do something about all the baggage I was carried, both physically and mentally. That night, I found MFP on my phone and life has been different ever since.

I gave myself 10 weeks and the goal to lose 21lbs my 21st birthday.



This is me, just a few days ago. I got my hair done for my birthday, which is today! Since I made that promise to myself back in April, I have lost 25 lbs!!! It is by far the best birthday present I have ever, ever given myself. I can fit into size 12 jeans and medium shirt. This experience, this journey, this life I have made, is just the beginning. It is the hugest, most wonderful blessing to know that I really do have the power to change my life, everyone does.

If you are looking and wondering if you can, you absolutely have the power to do ANYTHING. MFP can do amazing things. You don't have to run 5 miles a day or bench 100lbs to be fit. All you have to do is try and you will get there.

Before I go, food for thought:
-You didn't gain it in a day, so you won't lose it in a day.
-Even if you can only walk .00001 miles, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.
-A year from now, you will wish you started today.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone of my friends for the support and love you have shown. It has been an amazing ride! Here's to another 25lbs!!