Those of you who have been reading for a while now (and thank you for that) know that I have always struggled with my weight. After Mike and I got married in 2006 and especially in the time leading up to our move to California in 2007, I steadily put back on the weight that I had lost leading up to the wedding (and then some. and then some more.)
I started working at my present company in September 2007 and I weighed more than I have ever weighed in my whole life. I was *thisclose* to not being able to buy clothes in my favorite stores. Nothing fit. I felt horrible in every outfit I tried on. We bought an elliptical machine and it sat, unused, a very expensive dust gathering machine.
I didn't really do anything about my weight gain until the Spring of 2008, and by the end of 2008 I had lost about 15 lbs. I was still heavier than I had been in Boston, but I was at least heading in the right direction. I lost and gained 5-7 of those 15 lbs at least a couple of times between last July and this Spring.
And then a friend of mine told me something that a friend of hers had said: If you want to be fit, you have to commit to it. It isn't something you can do half-assed.
That statement both rankled and resonated with me. Resonated because I knew it was true. Rankled because I didn't want it to be.
And then, as simple as it sounds, I made the decision to be fit. I made the decision to be accountable for my health every day, and I accepted the fact that I will not lose weight and keep weight off if I don't exercise (and unfortunately, walking the dogs just doesn't cut it). I started doing Pilates 6x/week, and I'm using that dusty elliptical machine 4, sometimes 5x/week in addition to walking the dogs every day and volunteering at ARF once a week (which is WORK, I tell you).
Since the day that I made that decision on March 23rd, I've lost 16.6 lbs, bring my total weight loss since Spring of 2008 to 31 lbs.
(March 23rd, 2009)
I fit into my size 10 jeans again (and I mean really fit - not Pretend Fit), I fit into my pink cordoroy pants. I seem to have shocked my body so much that I didn't even hardly stop at the size 12's - I went (really - I am not even making this up) from 14's to 10's within the span of about two weeks. My skin is better, I sleep better, I *feel* better, and I know that I look better. I am starting to feel like myself again because I'm not cranky all the time.
People - I have been VERY cranky.
Now? Now I feel more sassy than cranky.
Progress Shots:
January 31, 2008:
February 28, 2008:
April 22nd, 2009:
May 20, 2009
I have finally stopped over-complicating things and I've gotten out of my own way because ultimately it's very simple: Being healthy requires a commitment to eating well and an active lifestyle.
For me, there is simply no other way to a healthy weight. Luckily I am finally on the right track.
Well written! I like that quote. I gained about 12 lbs this winter from sheer laziness, and I'm going to bookmark this post to re-read on the days I don't want to get on my bike...I have to stop fooling myself that a stop and go dog walk is a work out.
You look freaking amazing! xx
Posted by: beverly | May 22, 2009 at 03:47 PM
I'm so glad for you. I've struggled with this for a long time. I read a book recently that is helping me get my mind in the right place but it ain't easy.
Posted by: Carole | May 22, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Congratulations! And you haven't even talked about inches lost... because you know, as you get fit, you gain muscle, and that weighs more than fat... Walking dogs counts sometimes... mine are much bigger, and we go for up and down hill walks, ball throwing...
Posted by: lisa | May 22, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Way to go! Reading your post made me want to go out for a walk. Unfortunately, I'm afraid of getting hit by a car on my road these days. :(
Posted by: Kim W. | May 22, 2009 at 07:33 PM
I'm so happy for you!! Wish you were here so we chat about this in person. I've recently cut out bad carbs and sugar and am focusing on real food and getting my butt on the treadmill -- feel a lot better!
Posted by: Kathy | May 22, 2009 at 07:39 PM
I'm on the "and then some more" crazy upward weight gain swing! It's nasty and so paralyzing. I need to get my head in a much better place so the losing of it can work for me. Your post has resonated with me. Thank you.
Posted by: Manise | May 22, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Awesome job putting your health first! Looking good is great (and you are a hottie!) but feeling well is just so much more important.
Posted by: claudia | May 23, 2009 at 07:23 AM
Congratulations on a job well done!
I know you're right, but I'm still in the rankling at the thought place. I don't WANT to have to do this. I feel like a two year old but... I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna!!!
Sigh.
Stories like yours help. Thank you.
Posted by: Kathleen C. | May 23, 2009 at 07:56 AM
You always have such a good way of saying these things, Elisa. I think I'm on the right path too, and reminders that it's not easy (!) are always helpful :)
Posted by: Danielle | May 24, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Nicely done and good for you! One thing I have realized after many moons is nothing is free and nothing is easy if it entails real value. Work and persistence and courage.
"It's not life that really matters, it's the courage you bring to it."
Fortitude by Hugh Walpole.
Posted by: Nancy | May 24, 2009 at 06:06 PM
Woo-hoo! Now I'm hoping that this post inspires me to do something similar...
Posted by: Chris | May 26, 2009 at 06:08 AM
Wow, I lost track of you for eons! Hmmm. I believe my weight gain is due to global wrming or a bad metabolism..........that doesn't properly burn massive amounts of calories I consume while I sit on my butt watching TV.
Or maybe from eating too much and exercising too little. Good for you! It's amazing how much better exercise and good nutrition makes me feel.
Leonard Cohen is amazing.
Posted by: Carrie K | May 26, 2009 at 02:25 PM
You Rock!
Posted by: freecia | May 26, 2009 at 06:37 PM
You look terrific!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Vicki | May 26, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Yay! Good for you! I've been on the get fit kick since December, and I hated seeing my target weight hit for a few days then disappear as soon as I decided it was ok to eat dessert all the time again. It's definitely something I have to keep a daily watch on to stay where I want to stay. It sucks, but it's worth it. :) Love you!
Posted by: melanie | May 27, 2009 at 09:42 AM
More & more people know that blog are good for every one where we get lots of information any topics !!!
Posted by: Fast Weight Loss Tips | June 16, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Brava, lady! You look incredible! Last summer you certainly didn't look heavy. I thought you looked great.
You're so much stronger than I am. I looked at myself in April 2008 and I was appalled. I've lost 25 pounds since then, but I haven't exercised a bit, so I still look pudgy. We're on our way to the Florida Keys for the summer (6 whole weeks!!!) And we plan to get up early each day and walk our asses off. Literally.
I'll be thinking of you and your determination and pulling for you.
Love you!!!
Posted by: rita | June 19, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Few months ago I had a weight loss journey too.
I need to upload some picture to show you, but when i get home.
Posted by: weight loss tips | July 21, 2009 at 12:02 AM
I'm still working on this issue but know that I have to more fully commit to health and fitness than my sporadic current ways. Congrats to you! You look fantastic but what's better is how happy you feel and how healthy you are.
Posted by: Kathode Ray Tube | July 28, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I miss your blog. :(
Posted by: Kim W. | August 20, 2009 at 08:00 PM
seriously. you need to post an update. Your progress is amazing. :)
Posted by: Kim W. | October 01, 2009 at 08:34 PM