I’ve been hesitant to blog about my latest weight loss journey. I say latest, because it seems like I’ve tried everything over the past 10 years – Weight Watchers, Atkins, Nutrisystem {I even blogged about it on here a few years ago}, counting calories…you name it, I probably tried it. I’ve gained over 100 pounds since I first started dating my husband 12 years ago – 100 pounds!! I’ve never had a significant weight loss since then, maybe 10-15 pounds or so but then I would gain it all back. And then some.
When I got pregnant with my twins, I was at my highest weight ever which is something I never intended to be. After all, I had wanted to LOSE weight before I became pregnant. And then to find out I was having twins?! How much weight would I have to gain? Throughout the pregnancy, I only gained 30 pounds and after having them, I lost the 30 pounds within a few months thanks to breastfeeding and well, having twins! Lack of sleep and being unable to eat will do that to you!
This past summer, I had some health issues. My joints were hurting, I discovered my white blood cell count had been elevated for 2 years, I had a bone marrow biopsy which revealed I had no iron in my bone marrow which has resulted in iron infusions and I had to have a lymph node removed because it was swollen. Oh, and I have an extra rib. I’m STILL undergoing tests to find out why that is happening. Over all the stress of my health issues, I ate and ate. I’m an emotional eater. Finally, in July I decided that I was sick of feeling bloated and overweight. I needed to do something. My Mom had been eating low carb for the past few months since being diagnosed with Diabetes and had great success so I decided to try it. I quickly was hooked.
I mentioned that I tried Atkins before and while I did drop some weight, I think I depended too much on processed foods. This time, I’ve been trying to eat more clean while still avoiding sugar, white bread, pasta, etc. The first week was HARD. I was truly addicted to carbs and sugar, so I went through withdrawals – headaches, crankiness and more. But once I got through that week, I found I felt more clear headed, my joints didn’t hurt as much and I had more natural energy. I hadn’t been drinking soda since before I was pregnant with the girls, but I was still drinking coffee. I started out by drinking coffee with a little heavy whipping cream in it {low carb} before completely switching over to black coffee. Sometimes I miss my lattes, but not too much – I love drinking it iced! {Check out my post for low carb meal ideas and what I’ve been eating!}
I recently shared a before and after picture of my weight loss on Instagram and got great feedback to share my journey which is why I decided to write this post. I was a little nervous to share because I’m afraid I’ll fail again. But I realized that by sharing, it keeps me accountable.
The before picture of me is in June of this year. I started my low carb diet at the end of July and in less than 3 months, I lost 25 pounds. I feel SO much better since being on this diet and like I mentioned before, I have more energy and my joints don’t hurt. I started working out at the gym – elliptical, treadmill and weights and I can’t believe how it gives me even more energy!
I’ve been at a stall since the end of October and I know that it’s completely my fault – I had cheat days while we were in Walt Disney World, I was sick for a week with the stomach flu and could only stomach carbs and I indulged on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. But even though I haven’t lost anything in 2 months, I’m okay with that. This is a diet where you have to see what works for you – when I eat too much dairy, I gain. I know that I have to cut back on dairy more but I love me some cheese. Sometimes I eat too many carbs {I try not to go over 20 net carbs a day} by eating too much salad and veggies {cauliflower and broccoli are my favorites}.
But I’m sharing my journey with you because I’m recommitting now – back to a diet that will make me feel better and make me healthy for myself and my family! I hope you stick around with me because I hope to show you some great results in 2015 – my goal is to lose about 80 more pounds!
Join my Diet Bet!
I’ve teamed up with Emily of Our Knight Life for a DietBet that starts on January 5th. I would love for you to join us! Bet $25 that you can lose 4% of your body weight in a month and you could win! Adding a quick note. There are many great options out there to help you lose weight. You can check out this guide on bestfatburners.co for more information on the topic.
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Way to go! It’s amazing how much of a difference 25 pounds makes!! I’m trying to get my butt back in gear for the new year, so this post was timely for me! 🙂 Keep up the awesome work!
Congrats!! You look great.
Thanks so much!
Good for you! I swim 3 times a week and that helps me relax and get good exercise.
Oh, I have been thinking of taking a water aerobics class!
What an incredible change! I can’t wait to follow you through 2015 to see how much more you accomplish. Personally I plan on doing a very similar diet in 2015 to get my health (and weight) on track!
Wow, you look great! I’m so glad I read this b/c I have been wanting to start a diet soon too, however I keep thinking about how cranky I get when I cut out sugars. I’m going to take the step! Thanks! 🙂
I am so proud of you for sharing your story. I know it can be scary, but you are doing fantastic! I can’t wait to follow along as you go on your journey!
You look great!! It’s amazing how much better you can feel just cutting out processed foods!! I have recently done the same!!
What a difference! Great job! My bff cut out carbs completely after baby #2. She was the smallest I had ever seen her and we’ve been friends for over 10 years! Keep up the good work.
This is so inspiring. I can’t wait to kick off the new year on a good note!
Wow, what a transformation! You look amazing and I know it must feel great. 25 pounds is a huge accomplishment. I wish you the best of luck in your next phase in the new year.
You look amazing, god for you! I need to cut back on carbs and sugar too but I fear the cranky withdrawal, I need to just do it.
FANTASTIC!!!!! You CAN keep it up!! I can see such a difference already!
Awesome job! You look wonderful! Keep up the great work. I know the struggle of being over weight and learning how to eat right. It is difficult but definitely possible!
Oh, WOW! You look great, and I’m really proud of you! Even more so, you look happier that you found something that works for you! I need to go to Low Carb as well (just diagnosed with diabetes as well) and I know this will work for me. When i just revamped my blog, I saw how many times I said, ok, starting over!” and now, well, besides that I have to, I want to. I’d love to follow along with you. WAY TO GO!
YOU CAN DO IT!! Do not give up.. I too struggled with weight for a long time and in the last 8 months I’ve lost 73 lbs. consistency is the key keep those healthy foods coming! You look fabulous!
Good for you! Hang in there and keep it up. You didn’t gain that weight overnight and sometimes it takes a few years for it to come off. Stick to smaller portions and stay away from sweets. If you are exercising regularly, you tend to build muscle and shouldn’t be looking at your scale but going by how your clothing fits. For example, it took me 2 years to lose ten lbs but I lost 2 sizes in the process.
That’s awesome, congrats! You’re an inspiration! I really need to work on my diet and eating less processed foods and sugars.
This is awesome. You are awesome. I’m so happy for your journey to a healthier you. Losing weight is hard but I’m finding that FOCUS is the answer. I hope to join on this journey to living a healthier lifestyle.
WOW! You look amazing. Keep you the great work. Raise a glass to continuing your journey in 2015.