Getting back to business

In the summer of 2013, I was FINALLY able to lose 20 pounds. These were pounds that I had been battling for decades.  No one was more surprised than me that I actually did it. I’ve tried so many things over the years, and have ALWAYS been active.   But every time, I pretty much stayed the same. The truth is my activity level kept me from gaining more, but my eating kept me from losing the weight.

March 2013

January 2010

November 2013

The weight dropped quickly, and steadily, for 3-4 months.  I got to buy almost a whole new wardrobe! Almost all the weight came from my lower half.  Looking in the mirror every day and stepping on the scale was like a dream.

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And let’s talk about what losing 20 pounds did for my running! Wow!  I went from being a 9:45-10 min miler to being an 8 ½ min miler and PLACING in and often WINNING my age group! Say What?  I am so surprised that it had such an impact on my running, but I’m so grateful.

I kept it off for about 9 months. Then slowly it started creeping back.  To date, I have put a little more than half back on.  Talk about frustrating!  Even though most of the new clothes I bought still fit, I just felt heavier.

Anytime anyone would ask me how I did it, I credited 2 things:
1) portion control 
2) stopping eating 2-3 hrs before bedtime. 

I didn’t eat anything special and didn’t eliminate anything. I continued to eat dessert almost every day. But I got out my measuring scoop and gave myself an exact (small) portion.

So it’s a new year and it’s time to get back on the horse. I started using my fitness pal to track calories and exercise.  I’m happy to see a sinkful of dirty measuring cups and spoons.  It means I’m on my way!  Look for bi-monthly checkins, because I want to stay accountable.

Cheers to a new year and getting back to the new and improved me!