My Weight-loss Journey

The Cause

After the onset of college life, eating out too much, and birth control (I don't care what the Dr. says, I know my body!) I reached my heaviest weight of a little over 200lbs.  I was still fitting into size 12s and 14s and squeezing into Medium tops haha, but I hadn't realized I gained so much weight until looking at myself in pictures and finally caving in and buying x-large tops that fit.

5'4 200lbs

The Cure

I tried to lose weight in the past (back when I didn't have very much to lose), but just going walking after work wasn't enough.  There was a show on Lifetime called 'Cook Yourself Thin'.  I used almost all of their recipes for 3 weeks.  I also stumbled upon an app in iTunes called Lose It! and lost my first 15lbs by June '09.  Those recipe ingredients were a bit pricey to continue, so I just continued to count calories and eat the same junk, give or take a few items.

Things I Learned Along the Way (Tips, if you may?):

• counting calories and eating absolutely whatever you want is an oxymoron
• healthy recipes don't have to be expensive (Google, duh!)
• most ingredient substitutes don't change the taste tremendously, IMO
• reaching a plateau means, change it up! work out harder, eat with stricter rules
• for weight fat loss, burn more than you take in
• for me, a workout partner (my hubby) is great, but try not to solely rely on them for your motivation. You want it for yourself first, right?

Workouts

I worked out 5-6 days a week in the beginning.  The elliptical and walking were my only sources of cardio, especially the elliptical.  You can burn so many calories in so little time.  Each week I would do it a little bit longer on a higher level to continue seeing results.  For strength training, I used DVDs or stuff I found on Netflix (circuit training, free weights, Pilates). Other things I did were Rollerblade, hike, or bike.  Those all became fun again. I was having fun and getting in a workout.

And then I. BECAME. A. RUNNER...

The Results

This would've all been overwhelming had I tried to incorporate so many rules at the same time.  I have no regrets on how long it took me to lose the weight because this info is like second nature to me now.  With 4 to 5 months of combined "off days" (off days = slacker days), I finally reached my -50lb goal December 1, 2010.  I went from a size 14 to a size 6.  

138.5 at final weigh-in

My focus was still overall body appearance, but mostly my abs and arms.  I thought if I lost another 10lbs that would be it. I met that -10lbs goal in May. Tummy is still a work in progress.

What I'm Working On Now:

• consistency
• trying out as many clean eating recipes I find interesting
• achieving that infamous "bikini body" 
• I run now, so endurance & consistent pace
• increase and consistent weight training (free weights and body weight)
• returning to half marathon status
• fat loss and not so much focus on weight loss (i.e. the scale)

Any tips are welcomed!