10%

Well, today I weighed in and hit my first goal...10% of my body weight.  So I originally said at that point I'd post my original weight and a picture. ok ok ok so i didn't think it'd be difficult to do once i got to this point but i'm true to my word, so.....
Original weight....247lbs
Current weight....219.6lbs
Original pant size....18/20 (more 20 than 18, but i squeezed)
Current pant size....16/18
Original shirt size....XXL
Current shirt size....L/XL
Changes I've noticed....I can bend over without feeling like I'm going to lose my breath.  I can walk up stairs without panting.  I am slowly getting high level activity endurance (ie running, biking).  People can tell I'm losing weight without me telling them, I'm not able to wear pants I was wearing in December, I make wiser food choices without trying, people are asking me for advice and accountability, I feel successful.
The biggest thing is I don't feel like a hypocrite anymore in my job field; I feel like I believe what I teach.  I feel healthy, I enjoy healthy options and don't feel deprived, I can eat whatever I want, I am proud of myself.

My next goals:
Weight....199lbs
Pants....14/16
Shirt....L
Food....More red meat and fruit
Activities....Exercise 2-3 times a week

Hard Work

Well I am telling you, weight loss is a roller coaster of an experience.  You celebrate you victories, look down on stagnancy or inclines and over all are probably never 100% happy with the results ("if only i could get rid of my flabby arms, saggy butt, rolling thighs, etc").  I was just venting yesterday that my appetite had changed (which seemed like an awesome the week before when i nibbled at a small portion of icecream instead of gorging on 2 cups or it without hesitating or thinking about it).  I was not hungry,  food was boring, gross tasting, nothing sounded good.  Then still needing to eat 23points at 8pm i forced down half a 11point chipotle burrito bowl, it then came back up around 10pm.   I was feeling flabby and fat (despite my sister's great compliment on how skinny im looking).  I was frustrated that the scale had not moved much at all.   Well, today was much more of the same, no appetite, not satisfaction with what i ate (well may be the piece of garlic bread), nothing.  AND YET, i wore a smaller size shirt today, noticed my scrub pants actually had room in the legs, and biggest of all...i wore a size down jean that i honestly didn't think i'd fit into yet.  the scale is looking smaller today and my weigh-in should be very promising.  I say all this to say, i'm sure i'm going to go through seasons of good and bad times with this weight loss and (heaven forbid) even a gain or two.  But the ultimate goal remains the same, be healthy for the next 26 years.  And i'm on the track that leads to that.

Well into a jouney...

Here I am 18lbs down and it sometimes feels like a billion more to go.  I am settled into a new way of eating and enjoy the adventure of trying new things.  I love my meetings and my leaders.  I have all the support one person could ever imagine.  My friends Elizabeth, Laura, Morgan, and Margo have embarked with me and I could NOT be doing this without them.  They inspire and uplift me.  One thing I've learned-food is controlled by me, not the other way around.  That means I shouldn't spend two minutes stressing over it.  I have provided myself with lots of outlets to help keep ME in control.  Life is so pleasant right now.  Outside of weight and physical health so many other things are coming into balance and control.  I am enjoying picking things I like to eat that seems bad but fits easily into my healthy living-here's a few:

Stir Fry
Steak and potatos
Any Chicken
Asparagus
Cinnamon Sugar Bagels
Soy Lattes
Tea
Fajitas
Shrimp in a Lemon Sauce
Dove Chocolates
Apples
Pineapples
Chipotle
Jimmy John's
Breakfast Sandwiches
CHEESE!!!!

As you can see, I am suffering. lol  HERE'S TO HEALTHY LIVING!!!