Day 219

I'd like to start by saying that the forward progress demonstrated is the one and only reason I'm okay with sharing the first picture.

The picture on the left is me, in June of last year, at about 265 pounds. I'd spent two months working out for at least 30 minutes every morning, drinking protein shakes for 2 of my 3 meals (and some days for a snack). I was keeping my dinners mostly lean-meat and low-carb. I was working HARD! At the point I took this picture, I'd lost about 5, maybe 10 pounds. Maybe.

The picture on the right is me, ten minutes ago, in the exact same dress, at 274 pounds (and yes, standing on a chair).

Here's what I want you to notice, if you haven't seen it already:

(1.) In the first picture, I'm unhappy. Very unhappy.

I'm actually on the verge of tears there (I remember it pretty clearly) because this fantastic dress - with it's built in chubby hiding structure - is too small and isn't hiding much. In fact, I'm even turning away from the mirror as I take the picture because I just can't stand what I'm seeing...and the turned view isn't any better!

I cried immediately after taking that shot. It was just too much. I'd worked so hard, and I was...there. The only thing keeping me from hating this picture altogether is the one that comes after it.

It's also worth noting that this picture marks an especially low point in my marriage thus far, probably because my self confidence would have had to improve in order to get to absolute zero.

(2.) In the second picture, I just can't not smile!

I was scrolling through my phone after dinner tonight trying to free up some space when I saw this picture. It made me mad, and I almost deleted it, but then I got curious. So I dug the dress out of my closet and...well, you see the result!

I haven't been working very hard. I hate to say that, but I really haven't. I haven't been exercising (though I should be) and I haven't been eating anything too weird or complicated. I'm just following the simple program my health coach suggested to me. Sure beating back the cravings was hard at first but other than that it's been...and I hate this word...easy.

Since January I've shed 41 pounds - which also tells you that the picture on the left is not me at my largest. But I'm still 10 pounds heavier today than I was when I took that sad picture on the left. So why does the dress fit better?

Because I'm actually getting rid of all that stored fat.

Finally!

So I guess what I'm trying to say is:

(1.) YAYYAYYAYYAYYAY!
(2.) Don't give up. Please don't give up. What you're doing right now might not be working for you, but that doesn't mean that nothing will ever work for you. Call me, and we'll talk about your options.


And also, I can't wait for the day I put this dress on and it simply won't stay on because I'm too tiny!