Monday, June 13, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~FORTY POUNDS LOST~~~~~~~~~~~ My Journey of Weight Loss


Heads Up!

This post is about changing my life one pound at a time...  Even though I hope you'll stay, if hearing or reading about losing weight isn't your thing I give you permission to exit this bloggie right now...
No hard feelings.
Promise.

(OK...In response to your emails I've included a before and after picture at the bottom!)

For those of you who've decided to stick around I first have to say this one thing.
Change us hard.
Really HARD!
Really, Really, REALLY HARD!
But...it can be done
IF you want to change badly enough!  It takes a lot of work and can take a really long time...
BUT...YOU CAN DO IT!

So, change is hard!  We all know it!  But, so is living in denial.  Untruths in any form lay a foundation of pure destruction and I know from experience that doing so leads to great ruin.

Three little words to remember here...
Tell the truth.
If you get three more then you can add...
All the time.

And so, I'm going to begin by saying this. 

When I was a little girl I wasn't heavy.  I wasn't overweight, thick, chunky, large-boned or (forgive me) fat.  I was definitely on the "small size" in regards to body-type and distinctly remember measuring just shy of 4' 10" when I started 9th grade.  I was 89 pounds.  Somehow since the age of 14 I've managed to reach the whopping height of 5' 4".  I'm a medium boned person so ideally I should weigh between 116 and 145. 

I'm going to skip a bunch of the hum-drum stuff and get right to the point.  After 32 years of marriage, the birth (and raising) of two kids, jobs, stress, life pressures, and the consumption of way too much food and making truly poor nutrition choices, etc., I gained weight.  Not to the level of obesity mind you, just lots more than I should have.  Unbelievably I was 40 pounds heavier than I was the day I married my beloved.

Last December I went to my family doctor because I just felt crummy.  I was sluggish and unfocused and was tired all the time.  I had just turned 52 and blamed most ALL of how I was feeling on the "M" word growing older.  When I got on the scale I was taken back shocked out of my head by what it read.  I was quite sure it was lying broken misreading my actual weight.  Incredibly the numbers showed I was only a few pounds less than what I had been at 9 months pregnant with both my children (who are now 29 and 26).

After sobbing consulting with my trusty Dr. Doug (our doctor of almost 10 years now) I asked for advise as to what the BEST plan out there was for losing the weight AND MORE IMPORTANTLY getting healthy both mentally and physically.  I wanted no part of diet pills or drinks...  I wanted to focus only on exercise and eating right...it was as complicated simple as that!

His heartfelt reply to me is what we all hear...
EAT RIGHT and EXERCISE.
I asked about Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, South Beach, Adkins, Weight Watchers, etc.

His response was this...
"All the programs you've mentioned have their benefits, Rebecca!  But until you get it right in your head that behavioral change is needed in your life none of them will work.  None of them!
Trust me!  Get it right in your head and everything will fall into place no matter WHAT program you choose."

After doing lots of online research I settled on returning to Weight Watchers.  I tried WW once before with some measurable success, but returned once again to my old bad habits (celebrating around food has always been my downfall!)

Feeling empowered by admitting to myself
I needed to change
(you can't change what you don't acknowledge)
I began Weight Watchers just after Christmas of 2010.  I opted to do ONLY the ONLINE PROGRAM as going to scheduled meeting and weigh-ins was NOT and never will be for me.  I'm sure they are GREAT TOOLS for some people, I'm just not one of them.
I knew I had to do this on my own.

And so...with lots of fear combined with steely determination I began my weight loss journey.  Initially I set a goal to lose 30 pounds but halfway through my program I upped it to 40.  Last Saturday (my private in-home weighing day) I reached my goal.  Since December 27th or 28th I've lost 42 pounds
and today I weigh 130.
Losing the weight took me almost six months.
(My Mr. AGPMan also followed the WW program and has lost about 30 pounds and still has about 15 to go!)

I'm not sure exactly what it was that clicked for me.  Part of it was growing older and no longer feeling good.  Part of it was admitting I needed change.  Part of it was that I didn't recognized my face in the mirror.  Part of it was that I missed my focused brain and high-energy activity.  Part of it was about getting healthy and not wanting to get heart disease or diabetes.  Part of it was seeing people I love get sick because needed life-style change was ignored.  Part of it was wanting to see my children grow old and being around for all our future grandchildren.

For those of you who are needing and/or wanting change I encourage you to
GO FOR IT!
I feel better than I have in over 15 years and I'm so thankful to God for helping me take that first step.

Here's ONLY MY FACE!  Too shy to show the rest!  Sorry!
 December 17, 2010
June 8, 2011

Yes...change is hard...but it is soooo worth the effort!

PS:  To those of you who commented and asked about exercising...

Yes!  I exercise!  At least 4 days a week I ride my stationary bike and I walk 2-3 times a week 3-4 miles!
(IT FEELS GREAT, TOO!)

Love to you~

61 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Way to go Rebecca!!! I cannot believe you weighed 172 pounds just that short time ago, you certainly never looked like you did... but I am sure you feel alot better now, and for that I am happy for you! I am sooo glad your doctor told you to do it yourself, and not count on those what I call "fad" diets... I know ww focuses on healthy eating and exercise... I am so proud of you!!!... xoxo Julie Marie

Rebecca Nelson said...

Julie Marie...I know I didn't look like I weighed 172...that was PART of the problem. I kept lying to myself saying "Oh...I'm not that big" or "I don't LOOK like I was that much" etc. Now that I have it off I can SEE with my OWN TWO EYES were all the weight was!

Thank you girly...love you~R

Bobbie said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. First of all, I know absolutely no one who I can relate to in the weight that I've gained and want so much to lose. Everything that you wrote here on this post - I have felt and/or tried. My goals are about the same. I'd like to lose 30 lb. But I have not been able to stick with anything, and always end up gaining a few extra. I usually always go back to online WW because of the same reasons you said.
The part about not recognizing your face - that hit home for me as well. Maybe today will be my turning point.
Congratulations!!! Though I don't know you, I am so proud of you. So glad you're feeling better inside and out. Thank you for sharing your journey!!

Jenna said...

Excellent post! I'm also changing my mind set and putting myself on the path to weight loss. This post was very encouraging. :o) congrats on your weight loss goal! hugs, Jennifer

Unknown said...

first of all congrats! secondly thanks for the encouragement I could be writing this except I'm just going on a diet. I think I'm a couple years younger and a couple pounds heavier than you were.

Also I believe you are one of the many bloggers whose blog isn't behaving. this says you have 0 comments but when I click on it I see there are two. :)

Anonymous said...

Great news and so encouraging. I have a lot of weight to lose and this post has motivated me to start. Thank you for your encouraging words. You are truly a wonderful person. Congrats on reaching your goal. I bet you look great.
Vikki

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
First of all, I want to congratulate you on making the decision to lose weight and get healthy.
I started my diet (healthy eating plan) Feb. 22 and I have lost a total of 35 pounds to date.

I agree with all that you are saying and I too have put on the pounds over the years. I still want to lose at least 30 more. My goal was originally 50 but now I'd like to lose 30 more.

I have come to realize that adapting this new life style is going to be a life long thing with me. I will not return to my old habits and poor health.

It's encouraging to hear your story and I hope that I will be able to blog about my success when I reach my goal.

big hugs and keep on keepin on.

Sissie

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

Huge congratulations going out to you Rebecca on your success! Way to go! I enjoyed reading about it and am inspired now to try to do something myself. I am also tired of being tired!
Hugs,
Kerry

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Congratulations, that is a job well done! I read every word of your post and have been through every emotion that you have been through when I was 52....wait....it seems like yesterday I was 52! Well, 6 years later and after losing 30 lbs on WW at that time, I once again find myself right back to where I started. I do believe that losing weight has alot to do what is in your head and your mental conviction to get "in the game". Somwhere along the way of losing parents, job/family stresses, moving to another town I gained back the 30 lbs and have not ever regained the mental capacity to get in and stay in "the game" again. Very frustrating for sure. As hard as it is to lose it, keeping it off is harder. I applaud your effort for your success and continued success!~Hugs, Patti

Unknown said...

Carino il tuo blog. Non capisco la tua lingua, ma mi sono registrata da poco al vostro blog perchè è molto carino.
Bye Silvia

Blondie's Journal said...

I am so happy for you, Rebecca. It must feel tremendously great to look in a mirror and see your true self. You are a determined lady to have stuck it out and I applaud you. I think you are an inspiration to all of us that need to lose a little or a lot of weight. I know you are to me!

XO,
Jane

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Good for you! Now the hard part really starts...and I am speaking from knowledge....KEEPING it off!!

My name is Riet said...

Congratulations on that beautiful weight loss. Wonderful. I am a struggler myself. WEight going up and down. Had lost 20 pounds in half a year went on holidays and gained almost 10 again. So I started last week and fell of the wagon again. Started again today and oh boy, I hope I can get back into the rithem again.
Thank you for sharing your story.

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Rebecca,

Congratulations for losing forty pounds. For me that would mean 'death' but I do admire you! Guess it is also genetically and discipline foremost. I've never had to lose any weight but since I'm diabetic II and can't have sugar, it makes you lose a few pounds. That is telling all of us what sugar is doing! If one cuts the sugar out mostly and the high sodium (most prepared foods) than it's easy to stay on the right track.

Lots of love,

Mariette

Pat @ My Tattered Elegance said...

Good going Rebecca, and thanks for the encouragement. I am sooo happy for you. I know you feel better, I lost 30 pounds back in the 80's and felt great. But some of it has come back over the years. I am trying to lose some again, only about 8 pounds gone so far, but I am going to keep after it. Isn't shopping for clothes more fun now?
Hugs, Pat

Rebecca Nelson said...

Pat...Yes...shopping for clothes has been wonderful but since EVERYTHING was too big in my closet (and my drawers!!!!) I have had to buy all new things. It's fun but it can be expensive. I passed along all of my favorite things and even things I held onto hoping to get back into! They are ALL too big now. Mostly though...I feel GREAT and no longer feel like a "square body!"

xoR

Dolores said...

Oh Rebecca.... thank you so much for this post, it has left me in tears, because I'm so unhappy with myself. Your post has given me some courage and hope, that I can lose some weight also.

When I read that you didn't recognize yourself in the mirror; that's me. It seems that my face has lost its shape, along with my body.

I'm going to look at the WW on line. Thank you for giving me this inspiration......

Congratulations to you....Wow, you're amazing!!!
Hugs,

ShabbyESP said...

Rebecca
Congrats on the weight loss!!! How incredible for you to stay on track and see the results. I lost ten pounds since my cruise at the end of February but since then I have moved, I was sick.... my excuses could go on and on and still have not been back on board. I know the feeling of looking in the mirror and wonder who the heck is that looking back at you. Since I am single I do not feel comfortable to even look for a man to have in my life..I am too ashamed of what I look like. Sorry to ramble on I just wanted to say congrats on your achievement and you are an inspiration!!!
Suzann ~xoxo~

Stacey said...

Rebecca, I'm so happy for you! Weight Watchers really works when you have your mind set right. My husband and I have both learned so much from that program at different times. After you experience feeling great - like you do now - it's so much easier to find the discipline it takes. I know you want to keep feeling good and enjoying your clothes. At least that has been my experience.

I'm happy for you!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you, Rebecca!
You are truly an inspiration to those who need and wish they, too, could shed those unwanted pounds. I never for one moment doubted you would not succeed with this little venture...I know you, when you make up your mind to do something, you stick to it. That is so hard to do, so I admire you even more!!
Have a healthy, happy week...
Love ya, Francy

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

WOW and that is Awesome!
I truly know it's a battle! Everyday choices for better eating is hard. The "junk" just calls to me!
Thanks for sharing your battle!
Warmly,
deb

Anonymous said...

I am sooooo proud of you Rebecca! You're inspiring me to get the rest of mine off (already lost 25 and have 25 to go, but dragging my feet!) Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing the completed renovations too! Blessings, Lisa B.

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hello Dear Rebecca,

So proud of you girlfriend! Congrats on your great weight loss!
Did you exercise too? Post some pictures for us!

Love and hugs,
Debbie xo

Dogmom Diva said...

Rebecca, congratulations..and now its time for me..I have gained 40 lbs in the last 6 years after maintaining a 130 to 140 lb for most of my adult life. I know how it happened..lack of moving around much due to my fibro and chronic fatigue. I am going to do the online ww..i live too far away to go to the regular one, and i dont drive much anymore anyway..maybe if you can do it I can do it. Maybe some of us can encourage each other..anyone want to join me..I might do a separate blog..I know I don't want to look like this any longer, i have not recocgnized myself for a long time. Good for you, gives me hope:)

hugs
Barb

Unknown said...

Wow Rebecca, Good for you! I would never picked you for overweight and I'm guilty for the same thing, I'm a WW dropout. I'm starting on Wednesday and it seems this post you created is the extra nudge I need! Unlike you I have to go to meetings, like a kid and be held accountable. That is why Wednesday it is as I have my neighbor going with me as she doesn't drive. Last Friday I went to one of my grandsons Kindergarten graduation and when I down loaded the pic's to my computer, I said to myself OMG, who is that person and then Yes, hit the delete button, but it was the nudge I needed. I pray I can get somewhere in this battle this time. Congrats to you for all that hard work as it isn't easy. I'm not young so much anymore and I guess I figured that at my age (69) who cars, but it seems when faced with being tired all the time and that pic, well I just have to do it! Otherwise I won't be around for long! Thanks for the encouragement post and sharing. Your the best and oh so beautiful in everyway. I guess old Grandmas want not to be so Chunky! That be me! Hugs Sweet lady, Marilou

Shabby T said...

First thing is WAY TO GO GIRL...
Thank you for sharing your life's struggle cause there is a confession I must make I too need to jump on that weight loss battle too!! I have to get that set mind that I ca do it & I will doo it. I'm going to check out the online weight watchers I think that possible will work for me cause time is such a issue for me too..
So once again CONGRATS to your achievement..
Thanks for inspiration
love..
Shabby T

Maria said...

Hi Rebecca!
Oh congratulations and good going girl!
It's soooo very easy to have our weight go up a little at a time ... I love the WW points system. It's so easy to follow. I made myself paper points bracelets {a word document with about 10 "pearl" bracelet strips} They look like paper Lance Armstrong bracelets ... as the day goes by, I cross off the points I've used.
By the end of the day, I'm sure how many points I have left. The hardest part of the day for me is... AFTER SCHOOL!
... I use those last 6 - 9 points very wisely.
Using the paper bracelet really helped me get through the first few weeks of my diet. Now, my body is used to it.
God Bless you, Rebecca! it's such a good witness to take care of our bodies...
*Maria

Robin said...

Good for you! I am reading your post and it could have been written by me. Weight watchers works and is the only plan my doctor will support. I think I am getting it to click in my head lord knows I know I need to do something. I am trying to eat healthier and think I was actually not eating enough over the last four weeks because when I got frustrated and gave up and ate 'normal' I lost four lbs the following week. Portion control and healthy snacks is what i am focusing on for now as well as increased exercise. I keep telling myself it didn't go on overnight, it won't come off overnight either. Congratulations to you and keep up the good work. You deserve a star for what you have accomplished and for what you are inspiring!

Robin said...

Ps. I am book marking this post so I can refer to it for inspiration, thank you

Mr AGP said...

Baby, I can't believe the difference in your face! (and the rest is looking preeeeeety good as well. he he)
It is just amazing how we let it come on a little at a time. I can't wait to get my next 15 off. We will celebrate with a great big ahhhhhhhhhh "low fat muffin' :-)

You are so beautiful and I just cannot believe how lucky I am. Don't ever gain it back and help me get the rest of mine off!!!!

Love,
me

BrushedByAnAngel said...

You did great, Rebecca. I am working on my weight also - started WW online. Had my photo taken and when I looked at the proofs I didn't think it was me because my face had gotten rounder (fatter). I didn't want the pictures, I told him I would be back when I found my real face again.

My hubby eats all he wants and never gains a pound. I could live on turkey hotdogs and fresh tomatoes and still gain weight. It seems there are a lot of us out there trying to get healthy. For those who are trying - good luck, we can do it!!
Brenda

Susan said...

Rebecca you look awesome! Congratulations on all your hard work!

Patty C. said...

Beautiful photos Rebecca

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Congrats Rebecca! You look fabulous and your an inspiration to the rest of us as well!
What an accomplishment...way to go!
Cindy

NanaDiana said...

I am sooo proud of you, girlfriend. It is not an easy journey to lose the weight. Now the real trick is that you will keep it off because your mindset has changed. You are beautiful...but the truth is you were beautiful even when you were heavier because your beauty comes from a well deep within you. Love you mucho-Diana

Anonymous said...

HEY PRETTY LADY..... SO PRETTY... BUT I ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU WERE PRETTY BEFORE.. BUT NOW "YOUR A KNOCK OUT"" I STARTED COUNTING CARBS AND LOST 40 LBS... BUT GOT SICK SO WHAT EVER I COULD FIND THAT WAS EASY I GRABBED FOR IT.. BUT NOW I AM GOING TO GET WITH IT AGAIN AND TRY TO START WALKING... WILL HAVE TO WALK IN THE MORN .. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND BOY IT IS HOT HERE... TELL YOUR HONEY... " HE WILL LOSE HIS ALSO,:: I HAD TO GET TO WHERE I WAS GOING TO LOOSE IT NO MATTER WHAT... LIKE THE MR. SAID YOUR FACE SHOWS IT .. BUT YOU ARE JUST MORE BEAUTIFLY.. HAVE A GREAT EVENING.. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS... LOHOMA

Jan M said...

Congratulations! You have given yourself and all of us the wonderful gift of good health. It is difficult, but so worthwhile. You are an inspiration!

Deanna said...

fantastic accomplishment!!!
Congrats on the new weight.

I'm proud of you.
God bless,
d

Sherri B. said...

Wow, great job, good for you!! You look so pretty! I have made some changes too. I have almost cut out goodies totally and have cut portion size and I'm seeing some results and I do feel better too. I agree with everything you listed about getting to that point.

Contratulations again! xo

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Rebecca,
Congrats to you!!
I am so proud of you!
I hope your story will inspire me. I NEED to lost weight...not just for appearance sake but for my health. I am going down the tubes fast when it comes to my health. I know , as a nurse, that I need to lose weight and it has been my problem for my entire life. I was a fat kid, and I am big bones at 5' 6", then lost a huge amount of weight at the end of junior high because of getting braces and not being able to eat solid food for 3 months. Then put weight back on with the boys, lost it again bit I have gained 60 pounds over the past 15 years and I truly need to get it off before it kills me.
Thanks for sharing your story and I hope I can get started on my jounrney toward a healthier future!!

hugs,
Deb

Lynn B said...

Congratulations Rebecca!
I agree with everything you said, in 2008 I had 21lbs to lose, I knew it was going to be hard but I wanted to lose the weight so badly it hurt! Everyone said "how did you do it" and I just kept saying I wanted it badly enough. By that it meant that no matter what the weather I went on my 3 mile walk, rain, hail, snow, blowing a blizzard! One day it was minus 10 degrees (which is very unusual in England) and I still did my 3 mile walk! I really hate doing energetic exercise but this 3 mile walk was perfect, there was a little hill to climb but most of it was quite flat, I didn't run but just did a nice brisk walk, basically I tell everyone I walked the weight off!
I had a book from weight watchers and followed it but the main thing was cutting out bread and eating less potatoes or sometimes none at all, I also cut out sweets, crisps and chocolates. Now anyone who knows me knows that I loooove my sweets and chocolates, so that part was hard!
You look lovely in both photos but I know how you feel, losing weight is wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it as the rewards are worth it!

Best wishes

Lynn B

Theresa said...

Great job, high five, chest bump:) I love WW and believe it is a healthy way to live! My Sister has just lost 21 pounds and it is her second time around too! I am so proud of her! My husband lost 70 pounds cutting down on eating and jogging lots every day! Fruits and veggies for free was a great change for the better with WW!

You look gorgeous in both pictures, the smile is the same!

Have a blessed day my friend, HUGS!

Kelly Mac said...

Just yesterday I hopped on the scale and was so dismayed. I too have gained 40 pounds. 40 pounds in the last 10 years. My love of cooking, some health issues, and hatred of exercise have caught up with my rear end. I never post a picture of myself on my blog. I'll post a picture of everything else in the world but me. I know I need to make a change. Thank you for sharing your story. It is a real encouragement to me today. Congratulations on your success.

Unknown said...

Rebecca congratulations on all your hard work and determination!! You look wonderful, actually radiant!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Way to go, girl! I've lost 11 pounds since Mother's Day! My goal was to lose 20 but something tells me I'll keep on going! It feels so good to get it off! ♥

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Rebecca,
You must feel great!! You are so beautiful! I just lost 45 pounds, but it has taken me since August--I want to do the "before" and "after" too...I just haven't had a chance!

Sending (((hugs))) to you~
Love,
Cindy

Unknown said...

I have embarked on a similar journey recently and I have discovered I really cannot deviate from my plotted course or the weight just jumps back on. It must be that over 40 thing. Congratulations on your successful weight loss!

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Rebecca,
I just sent pics to your email! lol One day I'll have the guts to post em!

katiemedarlin said...

Congratulations on your weight loss. You're right - you have to be in the right place in your head before you can do anything. Unlike you, I was morbidly obese. After seeing the number on the dr's scale one day, I just had enough and joined WW. In the last two years, I've lost 137 pounds. I'm not finished, but I'm getting close. I'm off all medication, but one and I bike 15-20 miles a day. I'm 55 and healthier than I have been in 20 years.

I still love food & cooking, but it's all about making smarter choices and holding yourself accountable for what goes in your mouth.

You look wonderful!

KatyDidStitches said...

Rebecca...

I read this post last night, and was just too emotional to comment until now. I could have written this...along with many of these comments. Like you, I'd never been a "big" girl...but I'm tall (5'10")...and so I always felt larger than my contemporaries. I remember weighing 128 as a high school Freshman and feeling HUGE. Looking back at my old pictures...at the slim, athletic girl I was...I can't believe I felt that way. If I had that girl back again, I would be much kinder to her.

So here I am at 55...many pounds heavier...and finally facing the truth. I've come to terms with so much about myself...it's time to settle this one last thing. All the years of beating myself up about being larger than everyone else have taken their toll. We become that which we fear most, don't we? I AM large...with my weight hovering around 200. I'll never weigh 128 again, but I know that the "adult me" feels best in the 150-160 range. That's 40-50 pounds to lose...a daunting task...but I'm determined to do it. You've inspired me.

You are beautiful, Rebecca...inside and out. Thank you for sharing this very personal story with all of us.

Kathy

Carolyn said...

Rebecca,

So happy for you!!! I have been in both places and I know how wonderful it is to reach this accomplishment....it is AMAZING! :) Sweetie, you look pretty before and after...honestly, you have a beautiful face!!

Congrats!! Love you!
Hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Love the pictures Rebecca! You look beautiful in both of them! Thank you for sharing this weight loss journey with us. You have motivated so many of us to get in shape, and take care of ourselves.

Love and hugs,
Debbie xo

Patti said...

Congratulations on a job well done!!! You look fabulous! (Though to be honest, I think you looked pretty fab back then too...I don't think you looked 40 pounds heavier.)

I understand what you mean about being consistent and being disciplined. We all want an easy fix when it comes to weight loss, but weight loss that lasts won't be accomplished that way. It MUST be a lifestyle change, and that begins with changing our mindset.

Like you, I've gained a few pounds here, a few pounds there, until last October, I weighed (according to my scale) 163 pounds...FAR more than full-term pregnancy with either of my kids. Now I recently was on a trip, and on my in-laws' scale, I was a full 15 pounds heavier than on my scale. So, what I thought was 163 may, in fact, have been much higher.

For me, the need to change began with the knowledge that I didn't want any photos taken. We hadn't taken a family photo for 4 years...because I didn't like how I looked. I knew I needed to get serious about weight loss.

So, by changing my eating (smaller portions) and exercising 4 or 5 days a week, I easily lost 20 pounds. (I am a firm believer in, and have blogged about, The Nine Inch Diet...which really is the need to stop using the enormous dinner plates we all use nowadays and to return to the 9 inch size that was used for decades.) I didn't give up any specific foods, just used moderation, and in about 4 months, I lost 20 pounds. I would still like to lose another 10, especially, since my scale is probably not accurate. And because of my success with the last 20 pounds, I KNOW I can be successful to get the remaining pounds off. (For the first time in years, I'm back in a size 10 dress...had been up to a 14).

Victory feels good, doesn't it? I am rejoicing with you.

Love,
Patti

Tara said...

Good for you Rebecca! I've been trying to get back on my walking schedule to try and lose some of the 10plus lbs I've gained since last summer. It's amazing how fast it can pack on and how slowly it comes off. I was always tiny growing up too and it's a learning process to try and keep weight off. Congratulations and I hope you truly feel better in body and heart!

Chatty Crone said...

Funny I just asked on my blog today for an answer. There it is - a behavioral change.

I am so very proud of you - you look gorgeous both ways to me.

love,
sandie

Nancy said...

Rebecca, God put you in my path today....All you said in your post could have been about me excluding the weight loss.......I am so in the same place you were in last Dec and I have been told to loose weight and I have just ignored but I have been convicted after reading your post that God is ready for me to accept the challenge......

I am so proud of you......Your picture reflects a woman who is beautiful no only on the outside but the inside as well.......thanks for being real with us about your weight loss as it has given me the courage I need to tackle this issue in my life.......

I hope you don't mind if once in a while I ask you a few questions or need encouragement.....Thank you so much for this post.....God bless you....

Hugs and blessings,
Nancy

d e l i g h t said...

Just found your blog and congratulations on your weight loss! I have just started a program also. Thanks for the inspiration!

Jen said...

Congratulations Rebecca! This is an awesome weight loss in 6 months. My weight loss is much much slower...you are an inspiration to all of us who are trying to get to a healthy weight. Pictures look terrific!
Thanks for sharing

Jeannette

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Congratulations on a battle well fought. And Thank You, after a tear or two, I can say "Ditto" to all you wrote. But I have not put the right foot forward. I am going to try the WW online in the morning. I am tired of being in photos with my grandkids and looking like a square box!!!!
AND I am going to start walking and riding my bike on some kind of a regular basis. I always loved it and have no idea why I ever quit.

I became a follower of your blog yesterday, because of the beauty you have shown in decorating, but I think I was directed here to read this post.
Thanks for the inspiration in so many ways.
Wish me luck.

Unknown said...

Dear Rebecca:
I've been MIA from blogland a lot these last two months (end of school for girls, parties, recitals, etc, so anyway, I missed your REACHING GOAL post. This is such a HUGE accomplishment! You are an inspiration. You should be very proud of yourself! Everything you said is so true, especially the part about lying to oneself and having our head "in" it for it to work. Very proud of you!!!
I am still chugging along, with a few set backs but still chugging.

xoxoxo
Roselle

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Hooray!! -3 first week. I started walking every other day this first week. Riding my bike ..now up to 3 miles as of yesterday. Weights every other day..and a small plate, better grocery shopping.Oh those melons are soooooooo good.
This week hope to reach 5 mile rides and much more walking.
Thanks so much for a great incentive.

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