A little over a year ago, I turned 30. I was 6 months post partum and I was tired of being tired. I wanted/NEEDED a change. I had three small children that needed Mommy (me) to be healthy, active, and present.
I decided to embark upon a new journey to reclaim me. This journey was a very number on the scale (weight) focus. I joined an online group that held me accountable with my weekly weigh-ins.
I applied to be a in June 2010 with a starting weight of 165 lbs. Below is my before picture:
With a lot of hard work, sweat, and some tears… I have since lost over 20 lbs. Here is my after picture a year later … weighing in around 143lbs:
Here is my last scale picture. I will continue to weigh myself every once in a while to gage my efforts during my journey – but it will no longer be a weekly focus (or blog focus).
My body weight is 142.8lbs.
My journey is not over as I am still striving for my goal.
I will continue to work towards reaching my goal weight – but it will no longer be my sole focus for measuring success, as I am striving for overall health and wellness (physical and spiritual).
Campaign 5 July 2010 (Before) |
Campaign 6 October (Before) |
Contract Fulfillment (After) |
Chest: 40.25” Waist: 33.5” Hips: 42” Thigh (L ): 24.5” Thigh (R ): 24.25” Arm (L): 13.25” Arm (R ): 13.25” Weight: 165 lbs |
Chest: 39” Waist: 31.5” Hips: 40” Thigh (L): 23.5” Thigh (R ): 23” Arm (L): 12’’ Arm (R ): 11.75” Weight: 150 lbs |
Chest: 37.5” Waist: 30” Hips: 39” Thigh (L): 22” Thigh (R ): 22” Arm (L): 11.5” Arm (R ): 11.5” Weight: 143 lbs |
Total Weight Lost since July 2010: 22 lbs
I am proud to say that I am not focused on the number on the scale. That number does not define me, it just measures how much my body weighs.
I am thankful for the journey… it has been an adventure for sure! I have learned a lot about myself and others. I have learned that I am a lot stronger than I had given myself credit for. I look forward to seeing the continued success the coming years hold for me.
What bits of wisdom have you learned while traveling on YOUR PERSONAL journey?
Janice - The Fitness Cheerleader says
Very very good post! Congratulations on a job well done. I have greatly enjoyed sharing the journey to health with you this past year, and look forward to sharing many more!
Rachel says
Thank you, friend!! I have enjoyed embarking on this journey WITH you and look forward to continuing it with you – side by side – on a whole health wellness kick!! You are such an inspiration to me and am SUPER thankful for your friendship and support! 🙂
Heather @ Not a DIY Life says
Look at those GUNS!!! You’ve come a long way, Rachel! So proud of you and all that you have accomplished in the past year. Yes, there is still a journey ahead of you, and there may still be struggles, but you have the tools and know-how to get the job done! Hugs!
Rachel says
Heather, thank you for being there for me this past year to help motivate, encourage, inspire and PUSH me this past year! I have treasured your friendship and support more than you know! YOU are amazing 🙂
Owen's Mom says
I love posts like that. I just love those before & after transformations. Very inspirational.
I have learned so far that I need to be constantly learning about health and my body. I have also learned I am eating to be healthy for life, and no longer a size or outfit. I think my priorities are changing.
Rachel says
I am SO proud of YOU and all that YOU have accomplished and learned so far on YOUR journey!! This marathon of healthy living and active living is a learning process… we all are constantly learning and changing!! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Greta says
I’m sure I’ve learned something, but I don’t know what it is yet! Ha. No, I think doing things that are fun for exercise is a must…uh, the food thing, I got a lot to learn. Kind of trying to stop that shame cycle. It doesn’t work!!
I’m so proud of you!! You have ROCKED it.
Grace says
Congrats on looking so amazing! You Rock!
Clenbuterol says
Congrats for the successful journey, hope that it will get better with the time.
Jamie says
Congrats on your weight loss and healthy living lifestyle. It really makes a difference in how you feel!
kia says
Awesome. Contract fulfillment DONE. I am not saying you have been doing this for the contract since it is a lifestyle, but it is nice to get that box checked-off. I am still a bit of the way in on my journey before maintenance but not focusing on the weight as much as the play of being active.
Rachel says
Thanks, Kia! Yes, I have not been doing it for the contract… it is a lifestyle change. It is just nice knowing that I can now begin REALLY focusing on JUST *me* rather than my weekly contractual obligations. 🙂 I too have a bit longer on my journey… but am enjoying the whole health focus rather than the obsessive scale focus. 🙂
Thanks for your continued support and inspiration! You are amazing.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
You have done SO great! And I love your determination to keep going, but not focus so much on the scale. 🙂
Amanda says
Rach, I am so proud of you. You have done amazing things and you look fantastic! I’ve told you this personally, but you inspired me to pick myself up, not only for me, but for my family. Your drive, determination and support helped push me beyond my comfort level to achieve my own healthy living goals.
This is a lifestyle change, and together we can and will do this. Go Rachel! Go Rachel! Love you, friend!
@beeacutie2 says
You have done such an amazing job! I am so proud of what all you have done and how you have done it! This past year you have been able to prove to your self and to others that you could do it and did do it!!!! Know that I am here for you 100% now matter what! hugs!
Leah @bookieboo says
I’m so proud of all you have accomplished! This post really made my day! XXOO
Jenny (@luckymom2boys) says
Oh my gosh! Your results are amazing! It is hard to have the discipline required to achieve what you have accomplished but what an incredible feeling! To look at the difference in those photos is inspiring! Congratulations and keep up the great work! I admire your determination to become the best you can be and taking a holistic approach to overall health and wellness.