Today is a big day. A BIG, BIG day. On this day last year (November 18th, 2011) I stepped on a scale for the first time in a LONG time, and saw a number that completely shocked me. I knew I had gained weight over the years, but I never thought it had been THAT much. I decided right then and there that the number I was at that moment was the highest I would ever be, and that I would never be that weight again. Thanksgiving and Christmas were right around the corner with all their delicious calories, so I decided that through the holidays I would just begin to be more careful about what I ate and then after we returned from our Christmas vacation in Virginia I would buckle down on eating better and exercising more. I looked at the number on the scale again and thought about the healthy weight range my doctor recommended. I was quite a bit outside of that – on the wrong side. I had about 45 pounds to lose to get back to where my doctor wanted me.
And today, my friends, I lost the 45th pound! 
As most of you know, at the beginning of this journey I started a charm bracelet. After I lost the first 5 pounds, I got the bracelet.
Then for every 5 pounds lost after that, I got to add a charm. I’ve taken multiple pictures of the bracelet along the way. 
And here it is today!
(If you’re counting, there is more than 8 beads – I added some extras for completing the triathlon, and periodically through an intense workout regimen to maintain motivation)
I still have a few more beads coming for being able to maintain this weight for the next few months.
If I had been smart, I would have also taken a picture of ME at each added bead. But I didn’t think about that until just now.
And now, the infamous BEFORE and AFTER photos!
BEFORE…
AFTER…
I’m down a full 45 pounds as of today and I’ve dropped 4-5 pants/dress sizes! I would be thrilled to tell you how many inches I’ve lost – just like all those weight-loss commercials – but I forgot to take my measurements at the beginning of this whole thing. Oops.
Many people have asked me, “How did you do it? What diet plan did you use?”
I didn’t use a diet plan really. It was mostly a mixture of eating better, exercising more, and staying committed to my goal. IT WAS NOT EASY. It has probably been the hardest thing I’ve ever asked myself to do. And I didn’t always stick to it – I would over-indulge or slack off at the gym. My weight would spike, I would have to take the bracelet off, and then buckle down again.
I also had gallbladder disease and surgery in the middle of it all. For a month, anything I ate made me horribly sick. For 2-3 weeks after that, I was allowed NO fat in my diet. It’s amazing what such things will do for your waistline, but I would not recommend it AT ALL.
I also completed a triathlon, which was another goal I set for myself in the midst of this process. It gave me a focus for my workouts which helped me maintain my motivation at the gym. Swimming, biking, and running all at once sure helps you get in shape! I’m also planning on doing more triathlons next summer, so I’m committed to maintain my training over these winter months and I hope that will help me maintain this new weight.
I have learned so much through this process. A couple years ago my mom and I joined some friends to do the Thin Within program. I didn’t make it very far with that, but it did really help me start thinking differently about food. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul talks about everything being permissible, but not all things being beneficial. He later talks about how in whatever you do, whether eating or drinking or something else, do it all to the glory of God. Forgive me for completely paraphrasing there, and for possibly taking these out of context, but that kind of mindset started revolutionizing the way I ate and thought about food. I’ve learned about moderation. I’ve learned that just because I CAN buy certain foods does not mean I SHOULD or WILL purchase them. I’ve become very careful about the food I let enter my pantry so that I won’t be tempted, just like I’m careful about what movies I watch or books I read. I’ve learned that just because I WANT something (even if it is a good food!) does not mean that I have to have it, or that just because someone else is eating it means I need to too.
I’ve learned to (for the most part…) only eat when I’m hungry, and to stop when I’m satisfied. I’ve learned to like drinking water (!!!) and to save other drinks for special treats. I’ve learned to plan ahead and budget my meals/calories the same way I budget our money. And I’ve learned that by eating right and exercising more, I truly do feel better overall. I’ve learned to eat slowly and savor and be thankful instead of rushing, going for seconds, and wishing for something else or something more. I’ve learned that desserts have their place, and that *sometimes* that place is staying in the container and not on my plate…
I have not been this size or weight since before trauma started entering my life when I was 16. I honestly cannot remember that last time I had to shop for this particular size in stores. I used food as a way to cope and now I’ve learned to keep food in its proper place. I understand more about glorifying God with the food I choose to eat and the way I treat my body. I feel better than I have in years (and I look better too!)
I couldn’t have done this without the incredible support of my husband – who has dealt with all my tears, frustrations, crankiness when he got to eat something that I knew I shouldn’t, long hours at the gym, and everything else. He has been the one to give me every weight loss bead on the bracelet, because he wanted to be a part of the process. He has kept me on track – gently reminding me of my goals when I wanted to skip the workout or choose an unhealthy option. He was there for me every step of the way, and I’m very grateful. I love you babe!
It’s an exciting day for me. Now I get to go celebrate – with a shopping spree! And maybe a homemade pumpkin spice cookie or two on the way 
. I’m a bit picky about my cookie cakes!
