I’m 30 lbs. lighter than I was five months ago. What’s frustrating is that because I’m so overweight to begin with, I don’t see the type of dramatic difference someone who weighed around 200 lbs. might. I can see the lower number on the scale, of course, my jeans are loose, my bras had to be re-adjusted, and most importantly I feel better. But still, those are all subjective type things that don’t really make an impact on me, a person who craves the VISUAL GOODNESS of things.
So on a whim I took a photo of myself early this evening, wearing the same shirt that I wore around this time last year, when I was 30 lbs. heavier. I then compared.
1. Smaller double chin.
2. Looser-fitting shirt! Check out the roll-clingage going on in last year’s photo, and the lack of it in today’s.
I freely admit to having days here and there where I completely fall off the bandwagon. Last week, the day after I got my period, I got hit with such a severe munchies attack. I didn’t keep careful track, but I know I went over my daily fat gram allotment by at least 10 grams. 10 grams isn’t a lot, not really, but if it happens often enough… hello 10, 20, and 30 lbs!
After seeing the contrast between the two photos I am more motivated than ever. I seriously teared up at what I have accomplished so far. I still have plenty more to go — ideally, I would like to shed another 100 lbs., but I know I can do it. And knowing what I’ve accomplished so far and how good I’m feeling already is enough to keep me from making bad choices.
Also? I don’t have “treats” in anything less than a very healthy moderation. Honestly, that right there is what I attribute a lot of my success to: rather than denying myself certain things entirely, thus creating the whole “forbidden fruit” issue, I just drastically reduce the quantity. I also guzzle water left and right. And most importantly, I don’t buy a lot of the stuff I would buy before! If it’s not in the house I can’t stuff my face with it, now can I? ;)
I was reading an article yesterday about Magda Szubanski- she’s a commediene here who was very overweight and is now down to an AU size 14. She said that she tries to have 80/20 with her eating– so it’s okay to snack and have treats as long as 80% of what she has is good, healthy food. I really like that because the whole thing that makes dieting hard is the denial! I think if you cut stuff out 100% it makes it so much easier to go crazy and binge than if you let yourself have ‘treat’ food in moderation
And, good luck as you keep going! You can really see the difference so far, your face looks much slimmer around your jawline and neck especially.
.-= L.´s last blog ..Alchemy Issue Two now available~! =-.
You look great Jenn! Plus that shirt looks awesome on you
http://www.sparkpeople.com <– awesome website. I love it!
You do look great! Way to go!! =]
You definitely can tell a difference. Congrats on the 30lbs and hoping to continued future success.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Court results =-.
Wow, I can really see the difference in the waist! You look beautiful!
You look really good, Jenn. Congrats on the weight loss. That’s such a cute shirt on you as well.
you look really great Jenn. I need to loose weight but i can never stick to it . you are a great example that it can be done
Jenn, you look awesome! Don’t feel bad in treating your self! I do it with my diet. What my personal trainer told me that eating every small meals two-three hours will speed up your metabolism and you’ll burn calories even if you arn’t exercising.
You are doing a great job! I wish I could figure out a diet that I could actually stick with. I should lose at least 50 to 75lbs to help fight some of my minor weight related issues that I have going on.
I also can see the difference Jenn!!! I agree with Laura (in your comments) about sparkpeople.com! It is GREAT!!! I log my food EVERY DAY on there and that helps me sooooooo so much.
You can do this, just never give in and never give up
My goal is to just try and lose 25lbs. You make that look easy. I mean honestly you have been on a trip out of town and baked hello kitty cake pops, etc. Kinda like dieting doesn’t mean dying as I tend to associate it with!
Hi! I’ve been lurking for awhile and just wanted to let you know that you look GREAT and however you’ve been losing is doing wonderfully for you. I’m so happy for you! 30 pounds is 30 pounds less than what you where before…and you’re doing it the right and healthy way! Yay Jenn!
Congratulations!! You look awesome and I am sure that you are going to reach your goal weight.
.-= Meli´s last blog ..Random Thought Tuesday: The I didn’t know that edition =-.
You can really tell in your face too
30lbs is a lot to most people. I’m on the same wagon – the pounds don’t tell the difference but the looser clothes do 
I’ve been taking measurements instead of relying on the scale and definitely find that is more of a motivator than the scale as well.
Congrats and I know you can do whatever you’d like to acheive
What an amazing job! It’s so tough losing weight so don’t knock yourself, 30 lbs. is 6 bags of sugar! 6 bags!!! That’s incredible. And, not only that, but I think you are setting a remarkable example for your kids. It’s so important to start them on the track to healthy eating when they’re young, so way to go! Be proud!!
Jenn, you are looking fantastic! You can definitely see a difference!
.-= Caity´s last blog ..Alone in this house. =-.
Wow, I can DEFINITELY tell a difference, especially in your face and waist! You are looking good! I just wrote a blog post tonight regarding motivation and weight loss, and how I am struggling with getting started and sticking with it. I am sure when I get a before and after shot like this that I’ll be more motivated to continue.
.-= Kecia´s last blog ..Finding the Motivation for Weight Loss =-.
Hey Jenn – It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. Was cleaning out my bookmarks and stopped by. I wanted to tell you thanks for sharing. I too have just been starting to try and lose weight after my last baby. I have been feeling really frustrated with my weight loss. And your post has re-inspired me. I’m going to try and work harder at this. Your weight loss is amazing to me and I know how hard it is to just lose 10lbs let alone 30. You go girl!!
.-= Pepper´s last blog ..WFMW: Dryer Balls =-.
Wow! Well done, you should be so proud of yourself that is loads of weight!
.-= Damita´s last blog ..Catch 22 =-.
You look great – you can really tell the difference!
Congratulations!
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.-= Lotta´s last blog ..Much better
congrats :D
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Alice in Wonderland =-.