Wednesday, July 30, 2008

One year ago.....

One year ago today I walked in the LA Weight Loss. The night before I had sat alone eating and eating, fearful that I would never be able to gain control over food. I needed something new, something that wasnt WW or Atkins or Jenny Craig. I saw a commerical for LA Weight Loss, and made up my mind to go.
I went in there completely unsure as to whether or not this was really for me. I was doubtful at first at the counselors insistence that I could easily get to my goal weight, and beyond that if I wanted.

And yet here I am today, having met my goal and feeling better than ever! Last year I joined LA Weight Loss right before my annual camping trip and thinking, next year I should look and feel great! And its nice to know that this year I will be going and feeling both of those things. I am so happy that I made the decision to join. Sure, I despise the program for closing down and not refunding my money. And sure, I know that I really did this on my own. I spent more time losing weight without them than with them. But I am grateful that they offered what I needed at that time. I had support and I had a plan that worked for me.

So thats a happy celebration to have today. I had a wonderful vacation! I definitely didnt want to come back to work today. I had 562 emails and worked 11 hours without a lunch. I was hesitant to weigh in because I definitely had some indulgences on this trip. I kept myself in check most times and did the best that I could, but knew that 7 days of indulgences here and there and 1 day of exercise doesnt call for a pleasant number on the scale.

Surprisingly, I was only up .4 from where I was last week (Monday) at 161.4. Now of course Im not happy Im up, and still up 3 pounds from my lowest low. But definitely not a large gain by any means, and not one that I cant tackle. I know why Im up, and trust me, I WANTED to get back on track today. I hate that feeling of eating things that I know dont have much benefit for me, and I hate the sluggish feeling I have from too much food and little exercise. It wasnt hard at all today to start the day off without a thought to any of the food I had been eating. I focused on what I wanted to eat which is healthy food all the way! Thankfully the weighin wasnt bad at all, and now that I am back on track, got some exercise in today, and TOM is over (probably affected the last weighin), I think I am going to be down some for sure by my next weighin on Friday.
Heres a few pics from my trip (so many to choose from and I have so many pics from all the fun things we did):
My boyfriend and I (Pittsburgh in the background)
My boyfriend, Me, and my mom at PHIPPS botanical gardens (ironically the theme was chocolate!)

17 comments:

WWSuzi said...

Wow LA weigh loss must be the only one i've never heard of. Was is low carb?? At least it got you started in the right direction and obviously you took that and ran with it ;)

Tori Leslie said...

Congratulations for taking that first step!! You look great and your faithfulness has paid off.

Thanks for the motivation, I needed it this morning!

Tony said...

It's always awesome to hear inspirational stories like yours.

Kathy said...

Amazing, Heather! You look so healthy and happy! That's it!
Healthy Happy Heather...lol

Teale said...

Glad you're back & glad you had a good time on vacation! And Happy Anniversary:)

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

So glad you had a great vacation and kept the weight in check. We're always going to fluctuate up and down; it's those bounces we have to watch out for. :)

Great pics!

Diana Swallow said...

I love the photos! I've been to the botanical gardens in Pittsburgh many times for school trips and with girl scouts.

You've not only lost so much weight, you've been an inspiration to so many by living perseverance and determination. Thank you for leading by example.

Princess Dieter aka Mir said...

What a difference a year makes, huh? You are so gosh-darn cute, too.

Glad to have you back, and those three pounds are gonna get..er..POUNDED! I know it.

The P

Anonymous said...

WOW! What a year you have had!! You look so amazing! You really are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Lauren said...

Wow you look beautiful! I want to have that atitude too. I hope its contagious ;)

Anonymous said...

welcome back Heather! I missed you!

You look fab and your recap is very inspirational. You help me keep plugging along to health and fitness.

cheers!

Manuela said...

We have LA Weight Loss just down the street and I have no idea of them closing. I wonder if that's just in your area?

It's amazing how much you've accomplished in one year and how wonderful to acknowledge that with a little guidance it was all you!

Vacations are a time to just kick back and enjoy the fact that you're only up a little bit.

Lyn said...

Congrats! You are inspiring!

Ceres said...

You've come a long way, Heather :-) I only wish I can feel like that in February, when a year has passed since I started my own journey. And I don't know about LA weight loss, this is your own, personal fight and victory!

You look so gorgeous and happy in these pics! Have you spoken with your mom about the whole weight loss experience? I can't wait to see mine's face when I go home in two weeks :-) I haven't seen her in a year and almost 30 pounds ago!

PS: The concert was amazing! Now I fantasize about becoming a drummer :-)

Mary :: A Merry Life said...

What a great year you have had Heather! It really is inspiring (and kind of makes me want to go check out LA Weight Loss)! I love the pictures in this post and your next one.

Carleen said...

congrast on your 1 year!! i'm coming up on mine soon and looking forward to shedding a few before then!!! Hugs!

Laura N said...

Heather, I don't think I've seen your new haircut! It looks shorter than your "about me" pic. Very cute.

They closed our LAWL last week. No notice. They owe me about 20 boxes of bars, but at least I got through the program and got most of my weight off. I feel so sorry for those people who recently signed up. But I know that happened to you, and look how you turned out! LAWL pretty much sucks, though, don't they?!

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