Then and Now

About a year and a half ago, I started sharing about my weight loss. I had a goal in mind and was ready to get to a healthier and happier me.

A happier me came but not because I lost the 25 pounds that I had set out to. It was because I found out I was pregnant! So instead of losing, I started gaining. In the best possible way of course.

Since having Corbin in July, I have been back at it. I haven't shared here yet. I am not sure why. I am so excited to let you know though, that I have reached my goal. And then some.

When setting that goal, I really didn't think it was possible. I was discouraged with where I was. I am still not quite happy with where I am. Even after losing a few extra pounds. Honestly, my body is just different after having kids. Go figure. The weight I am at now doesn't look like it would have pre-babies. Again, rocket science, I know.

I am setting a new goal. Not a goal that I am insistent on reaching but a pie in the sky kind of goal. I am on my second round of the 60 days Body. Mind. Spirit challenge and the weight isn't falling of as easily as it was the first time around. I'm at that point of slow and steady-ish.

Anyhow, I am coming back to you with more healthy tips and recipes as I learn myself. Ignore the unhealthy recipes I will be posting here (when I am done with the BMS challenge). I do better when I don't deprive myself.

I'd love if you'd follow along. Offer tips and advice. I will share them with other readers as they come along. I'd love to share your success stories as well.

Just for some motivation I thought I would share some before and after shots. And some numbers.

Not gonna lie, I am super embarrassed to do this. So out of my comfort zone. I see other people share their photos and I am thrilled for them, I get ready to share my own and cannot believe that I am showing the before. Eek.

This was shortly before my first post about losing weight. 34 pounds heavier than I am now. Unfortunately, I didn't take measurements back then. From the beginning of the first BMS challenge until last month, I had lost a total of 12 inches.

Looking at these pictures, the weight is obvious but the way I feel is 10x more. I can run around so much more. I am in a better mood...most of the time.

I want to continue feeling this way. So here we go to the next 10-15 pounds. I can do it. Who's with me?

25 Pounds to a Better Me: Week 1

So today is my first week of weighing in. I cannot even tell you how nervous I was to step on the scale and have lost nothing or even worse, gained weight. But I sucked up the fear of disappointment and stepped on the scale. Here is were I am at...

Twenty-five Pounds to a Better Me

I'm not overweight. Nor do I have any health issues. So how can I say that losing 25 pounds result in a better me?

When Steven and I got married, I felt healthier. I was more confident and much more secure.

After our first miscarriage I went into a major depression and gained about 15 pounds. It didn't bother me much.

Then I had kids. I only gained 15 pounds while pregnant with Rhi. After having her, there were only 7 pounds to lose. I got rid of 5 of them. The last two lingered. All the way into my pregnancy with Talon.

With Talon I gained 17 pounds and then lost all but 5. Leaving me at a grand total of 22 pounds gained since our wedding day.

These last 7 pounds feel like 50 in comparison to the initial 15. Having kids really changes your body.

I don't feel like myself. I have grown to hate the mirror. I struggle daily with what to wear. I will not go to pool or beach events. I'm just not happy with myself. And it is time to do something about it.

You see, by a better me, I don't need a skinnier me. I want a healthier, more energetic, happier me.

So I am beginning a journey. I am not setting a time frame just a number goal. 25 pounds to start, 35 at most if I am not happy when I reach 25.

Here's where you come in. I don't think I can do it alone. I want to but I struggle to stay focused.

I will be using myfitnesspal.com and airing my dirty laundry. My 3 sizes larger than I'd like dirty laundry. I will be sharing there how much I lose or gain. I will even tell you what I eat each day. The only thing I won't be sharing is my actual weight. I'm not that brave.

I will come back here each week, Sometimes more sometimes less, and share how much I lost that week.

I'll be giving tips, sharing recipes and letting you know what is/isn't working for me.

I want you to hold me accountable. You can join in and let me know how your doing, maybe we'll even do some guest posts. If you don't want or need to join in, I'd love for you to still follow along. See the journey and hold me accountable.

What do you think?