The Fat Picture

[Fistandantalus]

I've made reference to "The Fat Picture" in journals and group posts many times.  I keep "The Fat Picture" around to remind myself of who I used to be.  I don't put it on the fridge or anything, I just keep it in a drawer and pull it out from time to time, to remind myself of how far I've come in the last 15 years.

It's a picture of a picture, sorry for the bad quality.  That's me, 15 years ago, age 25, 260 pounds.  That t-shirt I'm wearing reads "Been Through Hell?  Well, What Did You Bring Back For Me?"  Kind of ironic, really, especially as it's a homemade shirt.

I lost the weight over the course of two years, changing my eating habits completely and incorporating various forms of daily exercise into my life.  It wasn't easy to change my bad patterns into healthy ones, but it was worth the effort.   I still eat healthy and exercise daily, not out of fear that I'll go back to that up there, but because I enjoy it.

This is a picture of me from a year ago, after a ballet recital I took part in with my children. 

Huge difference, excuse the bad pun there.  If you're changing your lifestyle or you want to, know that it can be done, it won't always be easy, but it will be worth it.

Join us at Life Change!

[JudesMomma]

May. 17, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Liz, I really needed to see this today.  I am in the process of changing my lifestyle, as well.  I've been a hefty 220 pounds (I'm only 5'2") for most of my adult life, give or take a few pounds.  After Jude was born, I got down to 200 and have stayed there for the last 2 years.  Now, after being diagnosed Type 2 diabetic, I am determined to get down to a healthy weight for the first time in my life.  Seriously, for the first time.  I've lost 7pounds in the last 3 weeks and I'm going to keep going.  I also quit smoking.  I am going to be a healthy 40 (which I will be in October) come hell or high water!

Thanks for being my inspiration today (as you are so many days!)  Much love to you and you look great!

[SalemWitchChild]

May. 17, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Congrats! Unfortunately for me, I just haven't gotten that motivation to change my habits. I keep thinking about it, but never do anything about it.

[ErikaRobin]

May. 17, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Inspiration numero uno, Liz.  Thank you.  :)

[aurorabunny]

May. 17, 2009 at 12:07 PM

You look great Liz!  And Life Change is a great group!!  Thanks for posting this. :)

[Bethsunshine]

May. 17, 2009 at 1:00 PM

I lost 50 pounds 4 years ago and kept it off!!! Let me see if I can find my "before and after" pic and post it on here!!

[MamaSueCongdon]

May. 17, 2009 at 1:44 PM

Thanks for the encouraging post! I'm in the middle of making some big life changes rightnow - and it's encouraging the see the progress other people have made. :)

[ShutterbugMama]

May. 17, 2009 at 1:44 PM

BRAVO!

xoxo

[Bethsunshine]

May. 17, 2009 at 2:08 PM

Okay, I can't figure out how to add a picture to a comment!! If someone can explain it to me, I"d appreciate it!! Maybe what's left of my brain just isn't functioning today.

I will just write a journal and add my before and after pic there!!

[Zanjea]

May. 17, 2009 at 2:10 PM

How wonderful, the accomplishment is not just taking the weight off, it is also keeping it off!  You are an inspiration to me!

[tat2edmommyof2]

May. 17, 2009 at 2:11 PM

As always your words are beautiful and inspiring... You're an amazing woman.