Keeping Track of my Progress ...

«--The picture on top was my wake-up call.

The pictures on the left we're taken somewhere in August/September (about 4 months later).

The ones on the right were taken somewhere in October (about 5 months later).

These are a few before/after shots I took. I should've taken them at the very beginning of my journey since these were taken about 2 months after. I still have a long way to go, some 50 more pounds, but I truly believe that this time will be the "right time". *Fingers crossed*

There it is! I absolutely hate doing this but I have no choice. I need this as a constant reminder of what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. To me, it's one thing having people notice that the pounds are coming off but it's totally something else when it comes to "stubborn old me" seeing it with my own 2 eyes.

So yes, I'm losing, I'm shrinking .. it's great. I just wish that I would lose more but that may stem from my "Biggest Loser" overdose. It's unrealistic for me to think that I can pull such huge numbers. On the other hand, I'm proud of my progress so far, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.

I'm learning so much from this. I wouldn't even know where to start.

I haven't stepped on the scale since my last weigh-in so that's something I'll be doing this week.

Alrighty, off to the gym!

Because I'm Worth It !

Why am I doing all of this?

Why wouldn't I? Because I'm worth it!

Time flies! I cannot believe that it has already been 4 months. So much has changed in those four months. Most importantly, I've realized that I'm much more stronger both mentally & physically than I thought I ever was. On a more realistic note, I know that the journey is far from over, truth is, it'll never be but I'm sooo glad it started when it did.

When I come to think of it, I've been robbed. "The weight" has robbed me from so many things such as having fun, dating, feeling good about myself and so many other dreams. I just had my "ha ha" moment and knew that something had to happen. I was always the one walking in peoples' shadow always unnoticed. I was the one who would voluntarily isolate myself because I didn't feel worthy. I was the one who would cry myself to sleep thinking "why me?". I am not saying that I got rid of all my insecurities in 4 months but I'm so much more aware of them now and I'm more than willing to do something about it.

I've banned the D-word aka diet. I'm not on a diet, it's a lifestyle change. A change I'm absolutely loving. What does it consist of? Healthy diet and exercise. Loading up on lean meats, fruits and veggies and being a slave to the gym.

Where did I get my inspiration from?

Biggest Loser, the fifth season! I have watched the show in the past but I'd be eating my junk food envying them like crazy wishing I had the same opportunity. I still can't understand why there isn't a Canadian Biggest Loser. I mean, they went all the way to Australia! So, the day after the finale, I ran to Chapters to purchase Jillian Michaels' (one of the trainers on the show) book called "Winning by Losing". We've all bought several diet books and stuff but honestly, that woman knows her stuff. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I'd be! I ended up watching the Australian version of the show on YouTube, all 3 seasons, in a month and got a trainer and it has started from there ... I'm forever thankfulWhy am I doing all of this?


Why wouldn't I? I'm worth it! So are YOU !!!!

Eye Opening Reality Check! "The before" vs & "the 4 months later" ...

Reality check!

As a was saying in my previous post, I was sorting through pictures of myself which I believe will help me keep track or my progress and stay focused.

The picture on top is the "now picture". The other one is the dreaded before picture.

The before was taken at last year's Christmas party (December 2007) at my heaviest (about 230/235 pounds). You can clearly see that I'm trying to hide my stomach area hoping that I would look smaller but ... please! Boy, was I foolish for believing that. I don't have too many pictures because I was really good at running away from the camera.

In the now/4 months later picture, I had to crop my head out because I had a 'fro going on, was taken last week (October 2008) after having lost a little over 30 pounds. I still have a long way to go, I'm aiming to lose another 55 pounds by the way ...

There is no way I want to go back to my old habits, no thanks! So, I'm going to keep it up and finally do this for myself.

Weight Loss Update ..

I'm back! I'm not the greatest blogger and I know it's been a while.I'm I guess I've been so caught up in my weight loss regimen. I'm proud to say that I'm still shrinking and that I'm down 32 pounds now. I know it's nowhere near Biggest Loser numbers but a lost is a lost and being 32 pounds lighter sure feels great.

I was sorting through old photos and I still can't believe what possessed me to let myself get that heavy. One thing for sure is that I refuse to go back to my old habits. I was at my heaviest, 235 pounds on a 5'4 frame. Although I knew that I was (and still am) heavy, I did not feel fat except when I was around thinner people. "I'll start tomorrow, I'll start the day after", I'm so glad that that day has finally arrived and happy that it changed my life.

What's my secret?

1. Exercise and healthy diet. I work out 5 to 6 times a week (I do both cardio & a weight training program).
2. Watching "The Biggest Loser" and listening to Jillian Michaels' radio show.
3. Hard work and dedication.
4. Really wanting it for yourself
5. And ... a support network!

52 more pounds to go! I can do it!