Wednesday, August 1, 2012

{A Little Weight Loss Story}

So I've been wanting to write a post about my "weight loss story" for a while, but didn't think anyone would really care. Then I thought, what the heck! This is my blog, and I'll write about what interests me! Plus, you never know who might find inspiration in my story...so here it goes! 

Like I mentioned in my first outfit post, I have never been a person who was low in confidence. My mother always encouraged me, telling me that I'm beautiful. So I always believed it! It's actually a bit of a joke in our family. I don't think I'm a super model or anything...I am just confident in myself and my looks. 

However, I have never, ever been "skinny." I developed early {like 4th grade early} so I was used to my "womanly" body early on. 

I was however, called "beast" in elementary school because I was so tall, and I guess "big." Did it hurt...kind of. Did it ruin my childhood? Not really.

My family was not "un-healthy" by any means, but we weren't health freaks either. I was not a super athletic girl, so working out was not in my routine.

I met Wendel when I was 15, and he has always told me I was beautiful. I am very blessed to have a man who makes it his mission to make me feel incredible...and it has worked!

Then we got engaged! Dun dun dun...a wedding dress? Huh? The "most important day of your life?" Pressure, right?

So I decided to get in "wedding shape" thinking I might loose at the most 20 pounds.

Before I talk about my actual "weight loss journey"...here are some pictures pre-weight loss.

2005


2006


2007


2008


2009



In September of 2012 I decided to join Weight Watchers. 

Let me tell you, this system works! I followed the plan, and worked out like a crazy person {At least 6 days a week} from September to May. 

Eight months later...I lost 43 pounds! Amazing...right? 

Here's a little progression from September to May. 

September


This is a picture two weeks after I started Weight Watchers... I had lost 5 pounds here. Don't ask me why I remember that...I just do!


October



November 
By Thanksgiving I had lost almost 15 pounds.


December

At Christmas break, I was half way there! 


January 


February

  
March


April

I think from March to April was a huge change. Especially in my chubby little cheeks. 


May


So eight months later, I lost the weight, and felt absolutely amazing in my wedding dress on our wedding day! 

I bought my dress before I started losing weight, so we ended up having to take the dress in 6 inches {from a size 12 dress to a size 4} 



I felt great on our honeymoon, and best of all, I've kept the weight off for over a year now!

A lot of people ask me "how did you do it?" And I joke that "it's amazing how eating healthy and working out really work!" and it's true!

So there it is! My weight loss story! 


8 comments:

  1. This is so encouraging, Lelia! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  2. Nice work! I have struggled with my weight on and off for years...mostly ON! lol. I started counting calories and just by doing that I lost 14 lbs in about 2 months. No working out, either. In a year, I had lost 25 lbs. I've been doing well maintaining for the past couple months, so that's encouraging. This is definitely inspiring...thanks for sharing!

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    1. That's so awesome! Keep it up! Let me know if you need encouragement...I've been there for sure!!

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  3. As someone who went through a very similar weight loss journey, I know exactly how hard it is to get and keep that weight off & to live a healthier lifestyle. To those of us who have never been the 'skinny girl', you are totally an inspiration! :)

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    1. You're so sweet to say that!! Thank you for the encouragement!!

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  4. I love that you shared this! It's so great. I started thinking more about weight and getting in shape for my wedding too, especially with having a destination wedding because everyone would see me in a swimsuit. You're right it's amazing what eating healthy and exercise will do. It's definitely helped me stay healthy post-wedding day too.

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    1. It's amazing how much we do for one day right? But it's worth it in the end if you can stay motivated after!!

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