Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Before and During

Last August, my parents threw a luau to celebrate my mom's birthday. I couldn't find anything to wear (hint... nothing fit!) so I made myself a dress. You'd think that taking my measurements and seeing myself in pictures, it would have made a dent. It didn't. The stress of selling our house, moving, resettling the kids, etc - I covered it up with food. Covered. It. Up. During Thanksgiving break, we had family pictures taken - the first with my parents, my sibling and her family, and my family. I was dismayed when I saw the pictures. It took all my willpower not to cry while we were ordering pictures. Right then I made myself a promise. Come Monday, things were going to change.

And change they did. I jumped fully on the South Beach bandwagon. By cutting out processed foods, wheat/grains, alcohol, and as much sugar as I could, the results came rapidly. There was a minor setback with the two weeks between Christmas and New Years, but come January 2nd, I was back on the plan.

Now I don't see what I'm doing so much as South Beach, but reasonable eating. At this time I am keeping as much processed food, wheat/grains, and sugar out my diet as I can. I occasionally have a drink - every other week or so. I eat lean meat, plenty of veggies, a little cheese and occasionally fruit. My lone hold out is Diet Coke. I am not ready to let it go just yet. The best part about this is I am rarely hungry and seeing real results.

So far, I've lost 35 pounds.


I am not yet where I want to be. I'd like to see another 10 - 15 pounds off the scale. It will come in time. Right now I'm rejoicing in the success I have had. And that makes me smile.


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9 comments:

Tree said...

Hubba hubba! You look great and more importantly, you sound great!

Piper Paradise said...

Yes I agree - hot mama! And you sound like you feel good, which is so important!!!!

Tanaya said...

Congrats on your success! You look really great!

Jen said...

great job - hope I can join you on that bandwagon in a few months...

Melissa said...

Yay! You look fantastic and sound happy - You are an inspiration to me! I just bought a new pair of running shoes and am going to break them in this weekend.

I thought about you today when I was referred to the KC Modern Quilt Guild by a fabric designer (Tara Pink). Thought you might like to check it out - http://kcmodernquiltguild.ning.com/

I am going to join with my Mom. It seems like a nice group and might be a bit of a boost until Spring gets here. Have fun! :D

Loralee Choate said...

YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And how dumb am I? I moved your cute grocery bag photo to a different file and forgot to upload it to my post! (duh. It WAS 2 am, but STILL!)

I fixed it! :) xo

Karen said...

CHECK

YOU

OUT!!!!

Rachelle Jones said...

fantastic work Gretchen....trying to do the same here!

Sandra Henderson said...

So proud of you! I'm beginning my weight loss journey and you've inspired me. My husband got REALLY sick about 6 years ago and all the sitting around has caught up w/me. 60 lb. overweight! UGH!
Glad I found your blog...
www.cumberlandislandquiltchick.com