Friday, August 2, 2013

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?

19 comments:

JJam said...

You look AMAZING!!!!!!!

Steph @ Three Loud Kids! said...

You look INCREDIBLE! Talk about a huge change. Congrats on your weight loss!!!

Maureen Fitzgerald said...

You look awesome! The huge smile says you feel good too!!

The Teachers Wife said...

OH my goodness you look incredible!

Maddi'sMommy said...

Wow, so inspiring and girl your look fantastic! I'm working on my own weight loss journey.

Liz Mays said...

That's pretty amazing how many positive effects those weight loss amounts have. You rock!

Unknown said...

HUGE CONGRATS!!!!

Jackie said...

Wow! Congratulations on the weight loss!

I lost weight too and it is amazing how much more energy you have and how much easier it is to work out and chase little ones all day.

Sippy Cup Mom said...

Congratulations! You did such an amazing job!

Leigh said...

Congratulations! What a success story!

Angela said...

Wow! You look incredible. I am amazed to learn how losing just 10 pounds will improve my health.

Queentob said...

You look amazing! I loved how you commented on how you feel better, enjoy your days more and have a better overall level of wellness.
Congrats! Lots of hard work, def. Paid off.

J Rodney said...

You really do look fantastic Bridget, what an awesome accomplishment! I am so happy for you! You really are an inspiration...thank you for bringing us along on your weightloss journey.

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!! Nothing better than taking steps to better ones health. Keep up the good work.

Faith said...

wow.
congrats and way to go.

starrmarie said...

wow! Awesome job! You are looking great.

Tricia Night owl mama said...

nothing can make you feel better than looking back at "when you were.." and knowing that your feeling so much better today. Congratulations and pat your self on the back. You look fabulous

erin@themombuzz said...

Great results! You must be so proud of YOURSELF!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Congratulations! You look AMAZING!