Having shifted a massive 4 stone (that's 25kg or 56lb) in less than seven months, I fully appreciate the benefits of weight loss. Moving around is easier - there is less stress on my internal organs and my joints, even going up and down the stairs used to make my knees hurt, I feel better, happier and more confident, I look better. Losing the weight has only been a small part of this experience for me (sorry, I simply can't bring myself to use the word journey *cringe*) and I feel it is important to remember that it isn't a diet, it isn't just about losing weight & fitting into smaller clothes, it's a lifestyle change.
As well as the pound loss, I've lost a considerable number of inches from my whole body - 35 at the last count. I also have little bosom of which to speak any more but then again, it's easier to fit 34Cs into clothes than 38DDs and I can always buy myself a new pair in the future should I so desire. I also don't have to deal with gaping shirts or backache, and they are well proportioned to my now size 8/10 frame. So every cloud and all that.
My fitness levels have improved enormously. I am capable of so much more than I ever thought was possible at the beginning of the year. From getting out of breath from running up the stairs, I can now run a mile and a half without stopping or slowing down to catch my breath which is a massive achievement for me, and I am improving week on week. I live at the top of a hill, and on my many trips up & down to the pool or to the library with the kids I remember how I used to struggle and get out of breath. Last night I walked up it whilst having a conversation & didn't have to stop or slow my pace.
In addition to all of these amazing benefits, I haven't had a headache since before Christmas and my gums no longer bleed when I am brushing my teeth. I also don't get 'sugar hangovers' any more, and even when I allow myself a treat here and there I know when to stop and don't binge on it. I've learned it's okay to treat myself, but that I need to do it responsibly and exercise to balance it out, too. It's been a steep learning curve.
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24 weeks of hard work! |
I have learned so much about my body and how to take care of it, including how to maintain my weight loss & fitness goals even when enjoying a holiday, and learning to prep food in advance and use meal planning to my advantage. I keep a food diary on myfitnesspal to keep track of what I am eating because it is so easy just to graze through the day when you are busy without realising what you have consumed.
But by far and away the most important thing about all of this for me, is being a role model for the children. I'm not a perfect mum (and newsflash - there is no such thing) and I make plenty of mistakes, but I want to set good examples for the kids. I've given up smoking (I am six years smoke-free next month) and now I am maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime, teaching them how to eat well and to stay active.
I don't want to be a fat mum that is embarrassed to swim with them and won't play with them on the beach because I am worried about what other people think of how I look. To be honest I stopped caring what other people think a long time ago, and now the most important thing for me is having confidence in myself & my body, which I do have now.
I will walk down the street in a dress or on the beach in a bikini without wanting to cover myself up, I will play with my children in the sea and the pool and not feel self-conscious, I will take them out running with me, or even out SUP boarding or on a kayak on holiday. I will be a good role model, and I will continue to encourage healthy habits as I already have done for years with all the sports and activities that the kids take part in on a weekly basis. I will let my husband and children take my photo, & be present in our family memories instead of using the camera to hide behind.
There are some things as a parent that I don't always get right, but this I can - being a fitter, healthier, happier mum is something that we all benefit from.
Well done you look amazing. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much x
DeleteWow well done! That is fantastic. I really need to shift a stone. It is all done to eating well and exercise isn't it x
ReplyDeleteIt is, as much as I would love a magic wand to make it happen without all the hard work haha. It has been a challenge but one I have really enjoyed and feel so much better for doing so x
DeleteI am so in awe of you x
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely xx
DeleteThat's so very true and you do look amazing! It must be brilliant to experience all those changes like not getting out of breath and not placing so much stress on your joints.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky that I've always been slim, so have never had to go through what you went through to get to that shape and size. I exercise, as do my kids, and I like to think we are bringing them up and leading by example on a reasonably healthy lifestyle (although nothing is banned altogether, but many things are a treat).
PS I'm jealous of your 'small' 34C boobs. Mine are 34A, well, I tell myself they are as you can't get nice bras in 34AA!
Thank you! It has been a challenge but I am reaping the benefits in all ways now, hard work but worth every minute
DeleteInspirational! Well done you. And you look great! #BloggingtoJogging
ReplyDeleteThank you very much :)
Deletewell done on your achievements! So positive to have lost weight and made so many healthy lifestyle changes. I'm sure you will inspire so many people. Wonderful to be feeling all the benefits of your hard work now too. #bloggingtojogging
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, feeling as good as I do now it has been worth every aching muscle and bead of sweat!
DeleteHonestly my lovely, what you have achieved is utterly incredible and you are such an inspiration. I think the reason people yo-yo is because they expect a diet to fix it all whereas like you said, it's a whole lifestyle change. Well done! Thanks for linking with #BloggingToJogging xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Hannah, thanks for all of your support on the FB group and through the linky it has been so appreciated!
DeleteWell done Julie! It's great to see what you have managed to achieve, and as you are saying it is all about a lifestyle change not dieting.... You look great in your bikini, and bet it was a fab feeling walking around and not being embarrassed about your body, but proudly showing off ;-) Thanks for linking #FitnessTuesday Would be lovely to see my badge here too. Thanks
ReplyDeleteIt was an amazing feeling, one I have never had before and I loved feeling so happy and confident - it makes all the difference. Thank you!
DeleteWhat an inspirational post. I'm struggling to lose weight at the moment, it's coming off very slowly but I have about 4 stone, if not more, to go and I will never look like you, but I just want to be healthier, to feel healthier. Thank you for showing that it is possible and worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteAs the saying goes, it doesn't matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop! You are doing wonderfully, well done you, keep up the good work xx
DeleteWhat a phenomenal and inspiring post. You look utterly amazing and as another mum on her own journey - I don't want to be a fat mum either and you are spurring me on to reach my goals. Honestly those photos are just amazing. Well done #weighloseorstay
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goals x
Deletewow you have done brilliantly. im so inspired, thank you so much for sharing your story. I have lost a stone and a half and i have another (ideally two) to lose. I can do it, just like you!
ReplyDeleteWell done on your loss, that's great! Keep up the good work, good luck in reaching your goals! You CAN do it!
DeleteI know I've said before on Twitter (I'm @daisychainbaby) but I just can't get over what a transformation. Having done the same many years ago, albeit taking years rather than months, I always want to say to people it's a lifestyle change, the hardest part can be acknowledging that. Bloody well done for your absolutely amazing achievement x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, it absolutely is and maintaining a lifestyle is not the same as being on a diet, you have to make it a long term thing x
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