Before and During

     Usually when you lose weight you display before and after shots.  Well, I am doing things a little differently.  Since moving to Germany in August 2009 I have lost just over fifty pounds.  I have been waiting months to celebrate this milestone.  The last ten pounds have been very difficult to lose.  I had intended to share many more "during" pictures today but our camera battery died last night.  I have one picture that I think shows my progress the best, but I have wet hair.  Eek! 

June 6, 2009

May 15, 2010

     As it turns out moving to another country and being forced to walk and bike really works as a weight loss plan.  That is really only part of the story though. The first twenty pounds came off relatively easily as we moved here in the summer without a car and were taking public transportation to and from language school in Munich.  The last thirty pounds have taken a bit more work.  Back in January I started emailing my weekly weight to four very good friends.  This accountability is crucial to my success.  

     At some points I even emailed the girls every day to tell them what I ate.  This allowed me to keep my calories in check.  This was a necessary step as I was not at all used to eating in a healthy manner.  I knew I didn't want to have to tell my friends if I ate junk, so I wouldn't eat it.  The way that we eat has changed drastically.  I now plan every lunch and dinner down to the last calorie.  At the beginning of the week I plan seven dinners that can be divided into four portions.  We eat two for dinner and two for lunch the next day.   

     The catch is that sometimes I have cravings.  I actually indulge in those cravings in  moderation.  Maybe that means that I have a bite of this or that, account for it in my calorie counter and move on.  I do not do well knowing that I can only eat certain foods or that I have to avoid this or that.  I have really had to learn portion control.  It is a difficult thing to learn, and I certainly haven't mastered it.

 July 11, 2009

 

 May 1, 2010 

(It was so cold and rainy that day.)

         In January I reached that proverbial low point where I was ready to change.  It was time.  I know that I have so much further to go, but I know that it is possible.  Most likely it will not happen quickly, but that is okay.  I want to be healthy for so many reasons.  I appreciate all of you for the amazing ways that you have encouraged me and celebrated with me.   Today I have earned myself a pedicure.  It has been ten months since my last one.  I am so excited and so are my toes.  I am thinking now about a reward for my next big goal of eighty pounds gone!!!!!!  I am not sure but I think Paris will be a part of the plan.