Before Photos of my weightloss journey

Almost 2 years ago, I got fed up with how I looked and joined a gym. Found a trainer and got really motivated and excited about losing the weight that had crept on me. I weighed in at 173 and at that moment when I saw the results of that scale, I had one of those Biggest Loser moments of shame, shock and desperation. I was motivated by the uncomfortable feeling I had being in my own skin and my sister's upcoming wedding. This was August of 2008. I lost over 10lbs for the wedding that was in October but what started as a desire to lose weight became a passion for running.

That feeling lasted for over 6mos and I even ran a 5K in November (just 4 short months after starting my journey). I slowly slipped off that horse and begin a more sedentary lifestyle and not watching what I ate as much and so 7lbs crept back on. Weighing 170 again... I was determined to get back out there and start running again back in March of this year. I lost 5lbs in combination of watching what I ate (more on that in a sec) and running and incorporating Slim in 6. But I've learned the hardway that consistency is the key and it was the one major player in the triangle of fitness that I felt that I was lacking. I ate decent (although... I've learned that I still ate too much processed foods) and I excersised but I never put these two things in place DAILY!

So this past June, I made the decision to make myself more accountable. Weighing in at 162 at my parents house made me realize that my running efforts just weren't cutting it and I needed to step it up if I really wanted to push past this plateau weight that I've been sitting at for years.  So, here's what I've been doing:

Mon, Wed, Fri: Run 3-4 miles

Sat or Sun: Run 5-6 miles (and this will increase by a half mile to a full mile each week)

Tues and Thurs: Slim in 6 for one hour

I have one rest day a week (the day on the weekend I don't run).

I am working up to doing the Slim in 6, 5 days a week and keep my running days in there as well.

Here is how my diet has looked:

(Keep in mind, I used to fill up on coffee for breakfast and not eat anything substantial until 11pm or noon, then I would eat whatever I could find or eat out and then snack all afternoon and evening before and after dinner)

Breakfast: Oatmeal prepared with water and a 1/4 of a cup of fat free half and half with a little splenda for sweetner, 2 egg whites and one whole egg with mushrooms or just salt and pepper. Coffee.

Late morning snack (about 2 hours later): Light and Fit vanilla yogurt with granola and raisins or carrots and fat free ranch dressing

Lunch: this varies but lately I've loved having:

Fresh lite deli turkey (from the deli as opposed to the pre-packaged stuff in the meat section of your grocery), low fat cheese, lettuce, tomato on a whole wheat bagel or bread. A handful of almonds and a piece of fruit (watermelon, apple, etc.)OR
whole wheat english muffins, 3 oz tuna in water with lowfat mayo, tomato slice and low fat swiss cheese toasted, again with some almonds or baked lays (just a few... I'm addicted to these so I have to remember NOT to eat straight from the bag) and fruit or lowfat yogurt.

Afternoon snack: Brown Rice cakes with almond buttter or fat free jello

Dinner: of course this varies and I'll share more about this soon in a detailed post. I try to keep it to 600 calories and full of protein, good carbs and veggies.

Evening snack: I have been snacking a bit and I'm planning to cut this out by having a shakeology shake for dessert after dinner and help me curb my appetite until morning.

I'm going to be on a 1400-1500 calorie diet and my goal is to burn 300-500 calories daily (or nearly if you don't count my rest day).

SO! I'm being completely transparent and vulnerable by posting these before photos of myself. I have a long way to go to have the body that I envision for myself but hopefully you will stick with me on my journey and watch me as I try to get in the best shape of my life.

SO.. there you have it... NOW! Watch and see as I TRANSFORM!
 
  

Comments

[Denise M]

Way to go! I have been running too and noticing better sleep and a "euphoria" after the workouts. BUT - eating - that is my nemesis. It is so HARD to plan ahead and eat well - but it seems like that is the key. So keep up the good work! On a scrappin' note - I so want to take your photoshop class at Whim So Doodle next weekend but I'm leaving to go out of town the same day. Hope you can come back again to teach soon. I bought Photoshop Elements but haven't used it much but I really want to learn how to use it with my scrapbooking.

Take care- and congrats on the weight you've already lost and good luck with your plan :-)

-Denise

[Staci Taylor]

I'm so proud of you girl! You are very inspiring and motivating, and I'll be coming to you for tips in september when I need to lose the baby weight and get back in shape. It's not that far away, and i'm already trying to make a plan in my head! I'm totally rooting you on!!

[Laura Fiore]

You're amazing and brave Sherry! So proud of you, and I know you can kick ass on these goals!

Just watching you get back out there since March made me start crawling out of bed a little earlier to head out the door too! Congrats on taking on this challenge and thanks for the inspiration!

[tara pollard pakosta]

Sherry!
i am soo proud of you!!! You are doing great already! there is NO WAY I could get out there and run 5-6 miles right now! I did 3 today and that was a jog and some fast walking with it....I started at 167 and keep going back and forth between 147-167 for the past TEN YEARS! I so want to get down to 135 for once and for all! I am going to follow your journey, cheer you on and inspire myself in the process!!!!
THANK you for sharing and being so open!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!! you can DO THIS!
tara
p.s. have you heard of ARnold Sandwich Thins? I toast them and use them for my sandwiches and veggie burgers or with pb on them! YUMMY!

[shannon]

Your awesome Sherry!!! I've been working out for 2 years as well and struggle so much with getting it all to click at the same time w/ me it's usually one or the other...i can eat well or work out but not at the same time. Good luck on your journey!!

ps I went to our HM board the other day just for fun....it had been so long.

[Amy Coose]

Add me to the list of those that are SO PROUD of you!!! I can't wait to see you transform, and I am pretty sure I'm going to join you. :) Thanks for the inspiration, my friend!

[tara pollard pakosta]

Sherry, I got a little brave and had my daughter take before pix, but I am NOT brave enough to post them, maybe in a few months after I get to my goal! ha! I look wose than I ever imagined!!!!!!!!
thanks for the inspiration!
tara

[cosmetic surgeon south dakota]

I admire your guts to post your photos here. You are doing great!

[Global UGGs]

This guy just torn up your post about that Wall E movie. I think you should lay some justice upon this poor soul. MIB4life!!

[Evering2010]

Thak you for sharing them with us , I think it's worth reading

[Coach Outlet]

he Ottoman Porte still profess the greatest repugnance at the idea of an alliance, nor do I yet