My Weight Loss Journey - One Year Later!

Looking back at the past year, I can't believe how far I've come.  Twelve months ago I made a promise to myself to eat healthier, lose weight and exercise regularly.  I'd tried in the past (and failed), but this time I was determined to make it work and stick to my plan.  I was finally going to prove to myself that I could do this.  No more excuses... no more giving up!

 

Nutrisystem helped me get started, and gave me the tools I needed to stick to a plan and succeed!  Five months after going off of the plan, I'm still eating healthy, exercising 3-4 days a week and making better choices for myself and my family.   

My weight loss journey hasn't only been about what I could lose, but also about what I would gain in the process as well!  I set out with a weight loss goal of 50 pounds, but what I've gained has proven to be just as important (maybe even more) as what I've lost.
 

Here is what I've gained: 

• Energy
• Strength
• Confidence  
• Motivation
• Self Control

 

Did you know that Losing 5-10 pounds will...

* Cut your chances of developing type-2 diabetes in half.
* Sidestep muscle strain and pain. For every pound you lose, there's a 4-pound reduction in the load on your knees, which may help prevent osteoarthritis of the knee.
* Slash you risk for heart disease. You can reduce your overall risk of heart disease 1-2% for each percent of weight you shed. Decrease your weight 10% (i.e., go from 200 lbs. to 180 lbs.), decrease your risk of heart disease 10-20%.

Losing 10-20 pounds will...

* Lower your breast cancer risk by 20-53%.
* Reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure 20-30%.
* Improve your mood significantly.

Losing 20-30 pounds will...

* Slash your risk of all cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, prostate and esophageal cancers.
* Spice up your sex life. One study found that men and women that lost 11% of their weight improved their satisfaction with their sex lives 50%!
* Sleep more soundly. Roughly half of all cases of sleep apnea are due to carrying excess weight. Research shows that on average, overweight people with sleep apnea who lose 10% of their body weight can expect a 25% reduction in symptoms.

*Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6031340

Here are some of my other achievements as a result of my weight loss:

                               Before:                    Now:

Pants:                     Size 14/16             Size 8

Tops:                      Size XL                    Size M

Wedding Ring:    Size 9                       Size 7
BMI:                       Obese (34.29%)   Normal (24.24%)

In the past year I managed to lose a total of 60 pounds!  I went from being considered obese to normal on the BMI scale, leaving the overweight results behind me!  In addition, I lost a total of 48.5 inches overall!  My main focus now is toning up my trouble areas - my stomach and inner thighs.

 

Here's what my weight loss journey means to me:

Weekly Weigh-Ins

Extra Energy

I Can Do It

Goals

Healthy Eating

Think Before You Eat

Losing

Overcoming Obstacles

Self Control

Satisfaction

For the first time in a very long time, I'm happy with the way I look and the way I feel.  I no longer hide under baggy clothes, or from the camera.  Staying fit and being healthy isn't about starving yourself - it's about making healthy choices and making a lifestyle change.

My weight loss journey is not over, this is just the beginning...

What is your secret to staying focused?