I have struggled with my weight for what seems like forever. I have tried various diets and even starvation (which really screwed me up – whatever you do, don’t do that!) I’ve tried exercise, and usually it didn’t have the results I wanted. I’m even ashamed to admit it, but I tried diet pills a few years ago. They worked, but my doctor didn’t want me on them for very long and so once I stopped taking them, poof, all the benefits were gone. But nothing has really worked with my weight loss journey.
After 3 pregnancies and hitting the big 4-0 I have topped out at a whopping 184 lbs! My heaviest ever. I hated looking in the mirror and despised going clothes shopping. Instead of trying to look nice I opted for Old Navy jeans and T-shirts as my daily uniform. I dreaded those occasions when I needed to look nice, like my friend’s recent wedding. I could never find a dress or outfit that looked nice on me. So this past December, right before the whole New Years Resolution thing, I decided to try Weight Watchers Online. I have tried WW before and had good luck, but for one reason or another I never stuck with it. I know the last time I tried it was after I had Matthew and I was in the depths of depression from learning of his diagnosis. I was doomed before I even started.
Now, I’m down 15.4 lbs and I am feeling much better. I have had some ups and downs along the way (or should I say weigh?). I am really trying to look at this as long term lifestyle changes and I find I am willing to make those changes. WW is not the reason for that change of heart, and neither is the desire to be thin. Actually, learning about Matthew’s autism recovery has been the guiding force behind this change. I have watched, actually, I have been an active member in his transformation and I know so much of it is from making a conscious decision to eat real food. I can no longer eat processed foods. I can’t eat things full of chemicals. I want foods that are homemade and come from whole foods. Larry and I have gotten on a green smoothie kick, and we drink one almost every morning. We start the day with kale, cucumber, celery, parsley and hot peppers. The nutritional value of that drink is just amazing and I feel good for drinking it. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy having a dessert or treat sometimes, but I find myself gravitating to those desserts I make, not bought stuff full of crap. We just don’t eat much of that at all anymore.
And exercise. Well it is super important. But I’m not so worried, at least right now, about gaining huge muscles. No, instead I just try to walk 5 days a week. I get myself on our treadmill when our youngest naps and I go, go, go. I pull out my iPad and watch some episode of Saving Grace, Dr Who or Shameless and when I’m done I feel wonderful. I’m hoping to get into the Couch to 5 K once my PT says I’m good to run again. But until then I’ll just keep up the walking.
Well, that is is a huge update. I have met several of my first smaller goals, and I can’t wait to keep you posted on my progress. How do you keep your weight under check?
Current Stats
Weight: 169 lbs
Dress Size: 14
Waist: 35 inches
Hips: 44 inches
Bust: 41 inches
Weight Watchers is such a great program!
Lolo recently posted..A Chat With Rosita and Sesame Street’s Newest Neighbor Mando
Keep up the great work!
Alison recently posted..Realtor App Update – Something New!
Your doing a fabulous Job stay motivated and keep on the go. Excited for you and can’t wait to see your next update.
Tricia Nightowlmama recently posted..Thursday Giveaway linky
You look fabulous!
Jenn- The Rebel Chick recently posted..Find Everything You Need and More at Sears.com!
You look great!
courtney recently posted..The MoonWalk New York City 2013
Awesome job. Keep up the good work.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com recently posted..Our Disney Room Makeover Reveal
I have a cousin who did very well on Weight Watchers
Penelope (NYC Blogger) recently posted..Hey America, What’s Your ID @InDelight #WhatsYourID
Awesome job Maryann! Weight loss takes dedication and commitment and thanks for sharing your story.
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving recently posted..Video Tutorial: How to make Paleo Oatmeal
Yay for those 15 pounds! Love your dress.
Jenn recently posted..Join me for a Twitter Party Today! #NTGDERM
You are doing fantastic! I have stalled out lately, but am keeping at it. You will reach your goal!
Kathleen recently posted..Help Make Dreams Come True with Huggies®
LOVE the picture of you in that blue dress, you look beautiful! Keep up the great work, it’s inspiring to see what you are doing!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids recently posted..Summer Styles From Gymboree + $75 GC Giveaway
You are doing AMAZING and you look great.
Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment thus far! I know cleaner eating certainly helped me shed some excess pounds and I went from dreading exercise to feeling bummed all day if I skip a workout. A tip I’d like to pass on to you is that lifting light weights (5-8lb dumbbells) doesn’t make you super muscular (or give you many body as I call it) instead it just creates lean muscle, which in turn burns calories and fat while you are at rest.
Marcie W. recently posted..Minnie & Daisy BFF Magazine & Chapter Books
You look great!
That’s wonderful! The biggest difference is probably the amount of your determination. I need to start on a similar track to cut out processed foods!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted..Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village in Destin, FL
15 pounds is a great accomplishment! I also struggle with my weight and know that I need to do better at cutting out processed foods.
Angela@AboutAMom recently posted..Watermelon Lemonade Recipe
Congratulations! You look amazing.
Mellisa recently posted..Weight Watchers Online Update: Month Two
Congrats! You look great!
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I think you look wonderful!
Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma recently posted..Wordless Wednesday 5/15/2013
You look beautiful — congrats. 🙂
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You look great!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins recently posted..Frugal Shopping: Six Ways to Save at the Grocery Store
Wonderful job. Your lookin’ great.
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Way to go!
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Way to go, you are going to do awesome, I just know it.
Toni recently posted..Come Talk Travel With Me On Twitter #DTourParty
You look great, but good luck with your goal. Let me know if you need encouragement! I will be with you in few months.
April Golightly recently posted..Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
Woot! You’re doing awesome! And you look great!
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Great job!!
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You look geat! Much luck to you.
Good luck!
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You look great and I love that dress!
Leilani recently posted..28 Week Bumpdate
Congrats! You look great!
Stefanie recently posted..The Bubble Room – Captiva Island, FL
I’m loving WW on line! Keep it up!
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Why Buy It – When You Can Win It!! #win #giveaways
You look great. I have never had success with WW – for me, it feels restrictive. Most people that I know feel the opposite, so it may just be me. I found that walking with friends really made the difference – all the extra movement burned tons of calories without feeling like exercise. But, without the support, I have been sitting on my rear and gaining the weight back. I am going to try training for a big race to see if that can motivate me to get moving again!
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You look awesome!
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Love that color on you!
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You look great!
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I think Weight Watchers is a great program
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina recently posted..Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Quest for Crystal Mickey
I don’t think you’re alone in trying diet pills. I remember the ones that caused all the controversy! It’s fabulous that his journey and yours have worked together in a positive way.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted..Look Mom, No Powder!
I heartily endorse Weight Watchers, I lost 30 pounds using the program 11 years ago and I have kept it off all these years because I still count points! Congratulations on your weight loss so far, you look great!
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You’re doing great Maryann!
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