Today, for the first time in almost a year, I was able to actually look directly into the lens of a camera and smile. It wasn’t until I saw the end result of smiling for the camera that I realized just how much I did have to smile about.
Earlier this month, I shared the painful secret of of how I woke up one day and was the fat chick I’d always said I’d never become. I hadn’t planned on sharing photos of myself until I actually reached my goal weight which is still about 10 pounds away – but after placing the picture of me last December next to the one from earlier today – well I just couldn’t help myself.
Call me boastful – bragging – whatever, but all I can say is Yeah Me!
See that fat pic shown above left, that was supposed to be our family Christmas photo to give relatives last year. When I saw the result – I scanned one into my computer because it was going to be my inspiration to lose. I’ve not looked at that photo since that day.
Who knew 47 pounds difference could make one person feel like a million bucks? And I did it with cheap protein drinks and bars from Walmart!
No fancy diet – no pills, no surgery and not the tiniest bit of exercise – it was entirely thanks to what I was eating and drinking as a healthy alternative to junk.
I’m still not exactly where I want to be – but if I keep going at the current rate, I should be hitting my goal right around Christmas.
I hope if there’s someone out there who is looking to lose weight, that my story and my personal practice can help someone else do what I did.
Have a great weekend everyone! I’m off to celebrate by curling up with a good movie and a box of popcorn.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
the person in the photo above is not the same? They have the same cheeks but nothing else?
No they are not the same – at all. One is miserable and the other is happy!
No this is the same person. I remember both pictures. One she was carefree and the other a bit stressed, seems to happen to us women.
Oh wow, awesome before and after photos. Good for you!
Hi Gayla,
I was cleaning out old emails and ran across one from Problogger. It happened to be the one where he was telling his readers about the sale of one of your blogs.
It led me here.
I have a lot of interest in working successfully from home and trying to figure out ways to do that. We have four kids together and I also have two stepchildren so it’s really important to try to make ends meet while supporting our own children and the child support for my stepkids, especially with hours getting cut, etc. However, that’s not why I am commenting here.
I would like to know what protein bars and shakes you bought from Wal-Mart for your weight loss (if you don’t mind). I was diagnosed with thyroid disease after the birth of my 3rd child almost eight years ago and I am just struggling with the extra weight since my metabolism took a nosedive due to my thyroid. My first goal is 25 pounds. Depending on what I see in the mirror will determine if I go the extra 10 pounds after that. I really need to get this excess weight off. I hate the way it makes me feel about myself.
Thanks!!
Syn
Hi Syn – The protein drink I use is the Whey chocolate. It’s in an orange and brownish container. Here it runs around $16 for a large container.
The protein bars I use are in the same area and I just focus on the ones in flavors I like that are around 10g protein.
The other thing I made sure to do was to always support my fruits with a protein. If I ate and apple, I ate peanut butter or a chunk of cheese to help balance it out.
I’ve still got about 10 more pounds to go now and have ordered the p90x workout system because I feel I have reached a plateau. Plus a divorce and a sick kid has made it difficult to stay focused. The upside is I didn’t gain any back – I just stayed the same.
I hope this helps you out. Please keep me posted on your progress. Would love to follow your successes.
Congratulations! That is quite a feat. I found less weight translated into more energy, clearer thinking, and feeling much better about myself.
OMG! Those before and after pics are amazing! You must be so proud, what an accomplishment. Congratulations. And you did it without all the diet books and crazy diet plans that are out there. Truly an inspiration to all us ladies struggling with our weight.
Great job Gayla. I went about it the hard way by using a fat loss program and although I did use protein shakes along the way I needed a ‘bit more’ to help keep me focussed. However, with your excellent reults it just goes to show that there is a weight loss program/routine to suit everyone and it doesn’t have to cost much. Well done again, and I hope by now you’ve managed to reach your target weight. Awesome.
I cant believe it… all because of cheap walmart products… and not even a tiny bit of exercise?
I wonder how those people who were paying alot to lose fat if they see this article…
.-= Romoel Cano´s last blog ..How To Lose Your Love Handles =-.
Amazing post!!I was in a similiar situation.After long months of hard exercises I found a great nutrition plan and step-by-step fat loss program onlosing tummy fat and getting flat abs and finally after 5 months I lost 25kgs.
I use Whey protein a lot before and after my bodybuilding routines. Whey helps a lot in building muscles.*~”
That’s amazing… you did that just on diet alone? All you need to do now is just a bit of exercise and you’ll tone right up. You’re looking great regardless though, just keep going. It’s also good that you’re sharing your story with people… it’s inspiring.
Hey, awesome results! A lot of people wake up after 5, 10 years and all of a sudden it just hits them that they have put on a tremendous amount of weight. I tell people all the time, 5 pounds a year you will not notice. Multiply that by 6 years and you just added 30 pounds of fat to your frame. It creeps up. But good job though. I’m going to share your story with my clients and tell them about your blog.
whey protein is great for supporting those muscles that are workout heavily`*’
the good thing about whey protein is that the body can use it readily;;”
Nice article, I’ve been reading about this in some websites and blogs, and I’m learning a lot.
I think its all about good nutrition and exercise.
There are some cool tips also at this blog: Shrink Your Stomach
Thanks for the knowledge.
Wow! Good for you for sharing your story. Women who have to lose weight need to be encouraged by other women. We all need an extra push and motivation some days.
be inspired by my story
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