Tuesday, June 23, 2009

ONE YEAR

Yes, one year ago, I met my goal weight of 160. It is so hard to believe! It seems like so long ago, but then again, it seems like yesterday.

I could choose to focus on the fact that within the past year only lost (and gained) about 4 pounds, but instead Im going to focus on what I have accomplished and how I have felt. True, I did choose at the time to try and make it to 150 and I havent tried to maintain rather lose, but the reality is, I lost the weight I wanted and stuck to it. That is pretty amazing.

I started out at 226 pounds and have managed to maintain just under 160 for a year. What a year it has been! Losing this weight really did "set me free" as my blog name indicates. I have felt so much comfortable in my own skin and really feel like myself - the true self that was always hiding. It feels wonderful to be healthy and know that my body may not be perfect, but its still pretty awesome.

I spent most of the past year trying to lose some more weight and while I wasnt as successful as I wanted, I placed so much more emphasis on exercise than I did the first year I was losing weight. I was lucky if I worked out once a week, and now I get about 5 days. For that, I am extremely proud of myself. I work so many hours and used to hate exercise, and I have turned it around so that now I find the time and really enjoy the exercises I choose.

I am really proud of what I accomplished this past year. Every day is still a challenge to make the best choices. I am sure as the years past it will get easier, but maybe not. I know just as easily that the weight can come back on if I dont work at this and work hard to keep up with eating right and exercise, but thats a lifestyle that Im willing to adopt for the rest of my life. Still, the more years I put behind me, the more confident I am that this IS me and not the person at 226 pounds. Im not planning to hide myself in the layers of weight that I used to every again.

I cant wait to see where I am in another year!


Edit: I thought I should add in some pics for good measure!


Before:




After!:


9 comments:

Jenn G said...

Congrats Heather! 66 pounds is a huge amount of weight to lose and keep off. I'm sure you will get to where you want to be, but for now, it's fantastic that you've succesfully maintained for over a year now. So yay for you!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

Congratulations! I'm particularly impressed with how much you've increased your exercise in the past year. I remember those days when you rarely exercised, and it's been so enjoyable to read along as you've pushed yourself through new challenges!

I'm certain it's going to be another great year!

MB said...

WOW! Congrats on maintaining your loss for a year. Those last few vanity pounds are a b*tch but you have to remember they are vanity pounds. You look great just the way you are now. I hope it gets easier for you as time goes on but I think you always have to keep a watch out so you don't fall back into old bad habits. It sounds like you enjoy this healthy life too much to ever give it up.

You look amazing and you are an inspiration. Keep up the healthy living. It definitely agrees with you.

purple_moonflower said...

Congrats on maintaining! I think that is the hardest actually, learning to leave a healthy life maintaining the weight lost. You look awesome and just continue to be healthy!

Tony said...

You should be so proud of yourself. You look gorgeous!

New Mum Online said...

I will have to brave up and publish some photos one day but I currently look more like your "before" and I am nearly 14 stone.

Wow, good on you for keeping at that weight for a year and for building exercise so so firmly into your routine.

I bet you are slimmer than a year ago, as muscle is heavier than fat - I bet you are more toned.

Anyway, what an inspiring, and touching blog post. I wish we both had a drink so I could "clink" and say cheers!

Well done. Amazing job, Liska x

The Merry said...

A year of maintenance is truly an achievement. I'm proud of you!

Karyn said...

I'm so proud of you, Heather! Maintaining for a year is awesome!

Your committment to this lifestyle is inspiring. Your committment to adding exersise to your everyday life has also encouraged me.

You are gorgeous, BTW.

Karyn said...

I'm so proud of you, Heather! Maintaining for a year is awesome!

Your committment to this lifestyle is inspiring. Your committment to adding exersise to your everyday life has also encouraged me.

You are gorgeous, BTW.

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