Hi everyone! Whew! I had meant to do an update at the beginning of August but the month just flew by…and then I was so close to my first major goal that I thought I would wait to update when I achieved it. It happened over the weekend, which timed nicely with the start of our favorite season of the year…COLLEGE FOOTBALL!
I am so excited to share with you that on Saturday I officially weighed in with a loss of 50 POUNDS!! Did you hear me scream that from the rooftop, okay from my bed where I’m sitting here typing this…50 POUNDS PEOPLE!! That’s a lot of weight! I decided I needed to reward myself, and no it wasn’t with ice cream or chocolate cake (those are not rewards, those are addictions.)
I rewarded myself with a new Alabama t’shirt! And, for the first time in 17 years I purchased a shirt in the “normal clothes” section…you know the ones that don’t have an X behind a number.
I was so excited to try on a Women’s large and it fit!! yippee! It beats the Men’s 2XL I had to wear last year! The beginning of August saw me hit a 40 lb loss, which I celebrated with my fabulous blogging friends at the Haven Conference. I truly didn’t realize how much I had changed until I discovered a before picture from early March of this year….
Even I couldn’t deny the drastic change in my body after seeing that before and after…I promised myself at 50 pounds I would take a new set of front, side and back pictures to compare…
I even look happier! And those pants, in the before…well they fall off of me now…hehe! Can weight loss make you more glowing? I don’t know but I do know I feel so great! Inside and out…and the inside is even more important than the outside. I was thinking about some of the things I’ve had to give up like: ice cream, cheese burgers, french fries, pizza, candy bars and hot tamales…my favorite candy! BUT I realized I really don’t miss them along with these other things I DON’T MISS…
I don’t miss:
- waking up tired, going through my day tired and going to bed exhausted
- dreading shopping because it hurt to walk anywhere
- having to extend my seatbelt all of the way out
- my bra straps digging into my shoulders
- squishing myself into our dining room chairs with arms
- eating until I feel so full that I feel sick
- wearing plus size shirts
- my double chin
When I started this journey, I wondered if every day would be a battle and I can honestly say most days fly by! I still can’t believe I have been on this journey now for 3 1/2 months and have seen such amazing results! People ask me all of the time HOW do you do it?!
TRUST ME, I am not special. I have the same will-power (or lack of) as the next person. I just decided that I was not going to let FOOD control me anymore. I have a friend who has struggled with a food addiction as well. She has, like me, decided to make changes to overcome it. She wrote me the other day and said the most powerful thing, “For me food is no longer my friend.” That hit me so hard when I read that! It’s TRUTH!
I will always have food in my life, I need it to survive after all…ha! But FOOD doesn’t have to be my friend, my comfort, my lover. Food needs to find its proper place and just be…well…food! Do I still like to cook…yes. Do I still like the taste of quality food…yes. I have just decided that the need to satisfy myself with food in the moment, is not more important than my long term health and well being.
While I am on a plan that works wonderfully for me, and many others, I think that combined with DETERMINATION is helping me to succeed. I’m Determined to change my life and the lives of my family. Bama Boy has joined me on this journey and has lost over 30 pounds himself! We have decided as a family to change our destiny. We are CHOOSING to steer a new course to better health and well being.
Are you struggling with making a change but can’t seem to find the drive and motivation? I encourage you to step out in faith and make the decision to change whatever it is you need to change…
Stope re-reading the last chapter and turn the page to a new one! Stop listening to that voice in your head that says, “you can’t” and realize if I can…YOU CAN!!
I hope that you are finding my journey an inspiration. Maybe it inspires you to NEVER put on that extra weight or to keep up your fitness program. Maybe you see yourself in me and you’ve been where I have been and this reminds you to NEVER go back to that place…maybe you are where I was in May and you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Whatever it is, I hope you find encouragement in my journey and I FEEL the encouragement from all of you who are cheering me on!
I promise to update again soon and my next full body shots will be me at 75 lbs lost so…stay tuned!
As always, thanks for joining me…at the picket fence!
Congratulations Heather! You look absolutely positively beautiful! I know you feel like a million bucks too. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Debbie! I do feel so much better than I have in a long time. 🙂
Heather
Way to go Heather … so inspiring … you look amazing!
Thank you Becca!
Heather, In the words of Fernando (aka Billy Crystal on SNL) “You Look Marvelous, Darling!” Keep up the great work. I’m sure you feel great and that is the best reward for all your hard work to change your life.
lol…love it! I FEEL wonderful and that is the most important thing!
Good for you! You look amazing. I know it must have been hard as I have struggled to lose weight since March 2012 and I’ve only lost 10 pounds. There have been setbacks but I keep trying. Your quotes are so inspiring.
PS – I’m a big VA Tech fan, but I still think you look great in your Alabama shirt.
It was a great game! Thanks for the encouragement and I’m cheering you on too! Don’t give up! even a small loss is huge for your health.
You look amazing! Keep up the great work! When you feel good, everything else in your life feels good : )
Thank you!
Three Cheers For Heather!!! You look great and I know you must be very proud of yourself; so nice that you have your family supporting you (plus the weight loss for Bama Boy – congrats to him as well). Just printed out your inspirational message “can’t start the next chapter” – very encouraging.
When I lost weight a few years ago I remember, vividly, the day when my shoes were too big. For me, that was victory. When I was heavy my feet hurt ALL THE TIME. They throbbed when I went to bed at night and they were stiff as boards when I woke up. Losing weight made my feet PAIN FREE. That alone has helped me keep the weight off. I went down one whole shoe size and stopped needing wide widths! You are an inspiration to many…keep up the good work!
You look wonderful! Roll Tide!
Heather you look wonderful. Congrats! Love your positive words. Very inspiring.
Could you send me an email and let me know what diet plan you are following (if any)? I am starting today – and finding your message here after I just completed my first 45 minutes of exercise in a long time seems like a “sign” – CONGRATS to you, I know, firsthand, how hard this has been…I “use” food in many of those ways -THANKS!
Hi Cheryl,
Yes I will email you. 🙂 Great job on the exercise! That is the hardest thing for me, making sure to work it in.
Heather
Please email me what you are.doing also.
Heather, I’d love to have the same information.
I’d like the information as well as I just started a new plan today…you look amazing.
Heather, you look FABULOUS! I am so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your success with us. You are so inspiring and realistic about your weight loss journey. Could
you please include me in your email and let me know what your plan is?
You’ve made my day! Thank you!
Heather,
You look amazing….I’d like the information for your plan as well. I plan on starting like you did…
Thanks Lots
You look wonderful and your attitude is amazing! I am also on a weight loss journey and have lost 20lbs in the last month. I know the weight loss will slow a bit now but I am determined and I have totally changed my relationship with food. It is amazing how much that changes what you eat or “think” you need to eat.
Again, congratulations and I look forward to seeing the 75lb loss achievement photos!!
Congratulations!! You do look wonderful and I know feel so much better. I’ve been that same path you are on (still taking it) and know it isn’t easy. The rewards sure are fun though! Thank you for sharing you weightloss journey. It’s hard to talk about, but I know I appreciate it!
Have a wonderful week!
Heather!!!!! I am sooooo proud of you!
You are SUCH a rock star!!!!!!
Happy day skinny mini. 🙂
karianne
You look amazing! You should be so proud of yourself, overcoming a food addiction is serious business! Way to go!
You look great. Give yourself a pat on the back. I’ll bet that by the end of Sept. you will have lost another 15 – 20 lbs.
You were always beautiful. Now, you are stunning! I don’t even know you,
but I am very proud of you. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Hi, You did it! Congrats! I noticed you have a Bee ring on. I was told that the only reason a bee can fly is because no one told him he can’t. Have you ever heard that? Years ago in the business world I always wore a bee pin on my suit shoulder to remind me I can do anything I choose to do. Best of luck for more goals!!!!
You look fabulous. Thanks for the update.
Congrats Heather!!! You look AMAZING! I started walking and was up to 6 miles a day when I fell 11 days ago. I cannot continue walking at the moment, so I’ve got to curb my eating while I may here and heal. You are an inspiration!!
Wow! Awesome job! I am starting my journey this week!
Heather, you look fantastic and you inspire me!! I have 40-50 pounds to lose and I just can’t seem to make a dent in it. And like you did, I want to get out of the X sizes and be able to get around without my back and legs killing me. I read the book Obsession and I really believe there is such a thing as food addiction. But it’s possible to change our taste and get “hooked” on healthy foods. I’m going to keep plugging along…8 pounds down and when I read stories like yours, I am SO motivated! 🙂
XO,
Jane
Heather you look FABULOUS!! Congrats girl!
Heather you look awesome!! Congrats on 50 pounds! I just want to hug you right now. 🙂 I will keep cheering for you because nothing is going to stop you now. Good for you!!
Heather, congrats!!! You look fabulous. You are inspiring me to get going on the weightless train! Could you email me you diet & exercise plan?? Thanks for posting!!!
Hi Heather, congratulations!!!! I am struggling to find a plan that works for me. Could you possibly email me and share what you are doing that is working for you? Thanks so much!!!!
Beautiful! So very encouraging… thank you!!!
What did you do to lose so much weight?? How long did it take you?? I’m desperate to lose
and really NEED to! Please address this email!
Lynda
Wow! You look great! Your words of wisdom will inspire many of us, I am sure. Thank you for taking us with you on your journey.
Wow, Heather, you go girl! I need to lose 30 pounds myself and it so hard. We have to remember that food is fuel for our bodies; not for pleasure. They say when you take all the garbage out of your diet, you feel so much better. Once you lose the weight, you don’t have pain when you put on your shoes and socks, walking is easier, bending, too. All the daily chores are not difficult anymore. You won’t feel tired in the afternoon and need that nap. What about activities with the kids? Life just gets better when we’re fit. Cheers to feeling better inside an out!!
Congratulations Heather! You look wonderful and happier! Sending you big hug from the East Coast! You are an inspiration! Just this morning when I was commuting to work, I had a little conversation with myself about needing to lose some weight that I’ve put on this year and now after reading your post, I am truly inspired!!! You rock girl! God bless and keep up the great work!
Congrats! You look awesome – not that you didn’t before – you are a beautiful lady inside and out – but I know just by looking in your eyes you now FEEL beautiful!! I started just this morning to change my ways…………..and when I saw your post you gave me such inspiration! If you would please, I would love for you to email me the plan that you followed. Blessings!
I am so inspired by you! I’m fooling around with attempting to eat better. Lost a bit but feel like I need a plan.. Could you please share what you have done to lessen the food addiction? Thanks
Amazing!!! do you have a menu that you can share??
Thanks
Heather this post is sooo inspiring!! You look amazing and I’m sure as well as you look…you do FEEl even more amazing!! I would love to know the program you are following as well!! If you wouldn’t mind would you please email me as well about your program!! I appreciate you sharing with all of us!! 🙂
I am usually more of an admiring lurker on your site but I am so compelled to comment after your post. I too have been struggling to lose weight so I know the feeling of excitement. And yes…you are glowing in all your “after” photos. Congratulations.
One important lesson that I have learned is actually the opposite of your friend.
I have learned that food “is” my friend. Food provides me with energy to make my body function as it should. The problem was for me that I wasn’t paying attention to what my body needed to function properly. Now that I have learned that lesson, I love food even more. I really enjoy learning how to make wonderful recipes that allow me to explore fabulous flavours and actually I think everything I eat is now more savory than before. I had fallen into a food trap and now that I am climbing out of it I have learned how to celebrate food.
I also had an issue with metabolism but that has been regulated on the plan that I was following.
Best of luck with your future goals. It really is wonderful to read such an inspirational stories.
You look amazing!!! Congrat’s on the loss, you have inspired so many people, I am so happy for you!!!
XO
Kristin
Congratulations, you look amazing! I follow your blog and was delighted to see you in your Alabama gear…Roll Tide!!
So AMAZING Heather!! Your Journey and Vision for you family is Awesome! Looking forward to seeing your next milestone.. I am sure it is Just around the corner. 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations! YOU LOOK INCREDIBLE! It’s amazing how we feel about ourselves on the inside, is what we project on the outside…as seen in each of your before and afters. You were beautiful before the weight loss, but now, not only do you look absolutely gorgeous, your accomplishment seems to have given your life new meaning, and it shows! With this newly found self-confidence, there’s no doubt you’ll reach your goal!
I’ve only been following your blog for a few months, but when I saw today’s post with you wearing an Alabama t-shirt, I knew exactly why it has been so captivating!
continued…
As I was saying, I’ve been a Bama fan all my life (married to an Aubie,BTW!), and seeing my alma mater represented in such a beautiful way, it thrilled me to no end! So I’ll be cheering you, and our team, on! RTR
I am screaming this …YOU LOOK INCREDIBLE!! Did you hear it??? I hope so! You are also inspiring so many, that I am so sure of. Including myself. Heading to the garage right now to get my elliptical workout. I always feel so good after, but it’s getting out there that’s the hardest step. So happy for you. XO
You go, girl! You look wonderful. Best wishes for continued success.
Way to go girl – you look so amazing and I know that you are feeling so much better now. I know that I have put on the weight in the last year since I retired – I saw a picture of myself a couple of days ago – a side view – and I almost cried. This is the most I have weighed in my entire life. I need to lose the weight but honestly I don’t know how. I have never been on a diet before – so I don’t know what to do. If you would, please let me know what you have done. I know some people will think that I am joking but I promise you I’m not. Thank you so much!
You look mahvalous dahling! You look soooo much happier too! Your “before 2XL picture” looks like you are ready to cry. I too struggle with my weight, but mine is a result of a live saving kidney transplant and the medicines that come with it. Congratulations on your 50 and good luck on the next 25! Take a new photo – we won’t be able to tell you and Vanessa apart! Praying for your next success!
Congratulations, Heather. That is a huge accomplishment. Anyone that has never battled with a big weight loss has no idea how challenging it is. You have done a marvelous job. Keep it up…and I know you can do the rest…and keep it off. GREAT job– You were beautiful now but you were just as beautiful to me before, too. You have a beautiful heart- xo Diana
I’m so proud of you!
You look so much happier – just radiant! While I don’t need to lose weight; your words rang true, especially the line about stop re-reading the last chapter. I have changes that need/must be made but in order to truly succeed I have to start at page one, new chapter. Thanks for the push in the right direction & congratulations!
Would love for you to share your plan. As all have said, you look great and I’m sure you must feel even better! Congrats on success thus far! Look forward to your updates and inspiration! Thanks for sharing your plan if you would!
Congratulations!! I was recently diagnosed with diabetes so I understand what it means to alter completely the way you have always done things – and what you normally eat. But, it is SO worth it and I am very proud of you!!!
Congrats Heather…you look fantastic…and you should be so proud of yourself to have the strength and courage to seek out your goals…I admire your tenacity!…you go girl!!!
Heather, you look amazing. Like quite a few posters, I need to lose weight and take control of my life again. Been over 25 years since I have done that, and now is the time to do so. I would LOVE to know how you accomplished this wonderful feat. Please drop me an email and let me know how you turned your life around. You are an inspiration!
HEATHER!!! You look amazing! Love seeing that light in your eyes… prayers for continued success on your journey. I know you are inspiring so many others by sharing and encouraging. God Bless!
xo Heidi
Your Dad and I are so very, very proud of you Heather. I can’t adequately express what this means to us to see our beautiful daughter choose to be healthy. You are an inspiration to all of us who have various addictions! Thank you for your courage in allowing us to follow this path with you. You are loved beyond words! Mom
You are beautiful!!! Be proud of how far you have come!!! I would love to hear from you on how you are reaching your desired weight goal…..
You look incredible!!!I would love to know the program you are on too! Thank you!
Congratulaions on such a wonderful accomplishment of losing 50 lbs. Will you share what diet/program you are on please?
My daughter-in-law has also lost a huge amount this spring and summer. I NEED to do something too!!
Can you see me… I am giving you a standing ovation and blowing kisses and I’m all teary eyed!!!! I can’t tell you how proud I am you. I know what courage and determination and effort this took. As you know I have lost almost 100 pounds and I feel like a new woman.
Keep going… I am cheering you all the way to the finish line… and beyond!!!!
xo
Congrats!!!! I’m screaming with joy with you! Hmmm…weight loss is the top of my to do list!
My favorite thing about the before and after photos is your smile. You look happy and radiant. That in and of itself makes me so glad for you.
Thank for the inspiration and encouragement!!
I read your May post in May. I thought about it. I found several of my friends had decided to do the same thing as you and are at the end of their journey. I realised I was not good. But it took until the middle of August. Now I too am thinking “why am I eating that, I am not hungry” and looking at my choices. I have told no one but my sister and we are in it together. But only 5lbs down and I have energy I did not have – I think it is about the food choices that help me not to feel tired and that it is all too much. Thanks for being brave enough to post about it. I am following what is happening with anticipation. Congratulations, this is a huge milestone. I hope that I too may be able to post a milestone like that someday.
Please add me to list of people you’re emailing your plan to! Amazing change, amazing attitude!
Congratulations on your success. I am so inspired by you and your encouragement. I too have struggled with weight all of my life and your success has inspired me to try again.
hugs
Sissie
Heather, you look amazing! You looked amazing at Haven but can tell you have lost even more now. Congratulations!!! Excited to keep seeing you press on in this journey of yours! Hope to see you next Saturday! 🙂
You look amazing, would love to know your plan also. Roll Tide!
Girl, girl, girl–you look great!! I am so proud and happy for you.
And you are rockin’ that Bama shirt, I must say! There’s still a lot of Crimson Tide in my blood–we lived in B’ham for four years before we moved to North Carolina, and you just never get over it, do you?
Around here, of course, College Basketball is THE season. But we’ll enjoy college football along with all the SEC fans! 🙂
Wow! You are so inspirational! Thank you for your courage to share all of this with us. My husband and I are trying to steer ourselves on a similar journey. Your post will help me stay focused. Thank you!!
Good for you! Amazing:)
Congrats! I was just heading up to bed for the night and clicked on your post…now I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Your before picture is me. Right now. I so, so, so want to miss those 8 things you don’t miss! You look so beautiful with that huge smile…the smile that was missing in the first picture. Would love to know what you are doing to achieve your goals, if you don’t mind sharing. I want that smile…
Ooops! I don’t want to miss the same 8 things you don’t miss!
One. Beautiful. Woman.
Congratulations!!! I lost 25 pounds last year (and kept it off) and it feels SO wonderful! It is a mind game we play with ourselves, it’s a battle, but a worthwhile fight!!
Heather,
Congrats to YOU!!! You look GREAT and I know you are feeling even better. Can you e-mail me what type of plan that you are using…this ole gal really needs to join you.
Blessings,
Linda
coastal.charm@yahoo.com
You are so beautiful and I am so very proud of you, my blogging friend from afar 🙂
You look AH-Mazing! How brave you are for taking the journey and for sharing it with others 🙂
congratulation on your weight loss, it’s never easy, but few things in life that you really want are easy
PLEASE share how you are being so successful! It sounds like there are many of us who would like to join you! What are you doing?
Please e-mail me more information on the plan that you are using. Thanks.
OMG, Hunny you look FABULOUS! Wow, I am so impressed. I went on this same journey a couple years back, well 2007, and lost 75 lbs, and it was NOT easy, but I had to do it, too. I just had to tell you how marvelous you are and how beautiful you look. Keep Going, Heather. You will make it~~~
Oh BTW, ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE, ROLL! I love it.
You look FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS! Amazing!
Heather, WOW. I have always thought you one of the most beautiful people I know and now look at you.
You have inspired me. Could you please email me what/how you are doing this.
On a side note, I miss you all so much, looking forward to seeing you again.
Love you all.
You look fantastic! Thanks for being such an inspiration to me with a great post!!
Hi
Would you be so kind and email me too with the info on how you are doing this wonderful thing.
What plan or whatever it is. You look GREAT!!! Thanks for sharing and giving encouragement to all of us.
How wonderful that not only do you look great, but you feel great, too! I’m another one who’d love to hear from you about what you’ve done to get your results!
Wow, Heather! As one who has struggled for years with my own weight issues, I celebrate with you! Fifty pounds is a huge amount of weight to lose and you lost it fast. Rhoda and I walked 3 miles this morning and she told me about you and sent me your blog info. I was at Haven too, only as a volunteer. You are inspiring so many with your honesty and success. May I request you send me the program you followed? Thank you and now that we are acquainted, I will definitely continue to follow your blog. Until then, God bless you!
Vicki (Rhoda’s friend)
Heather will you please add me to the email as to how you did this. You look great.
You ARE glowing! I sent you a private fb msg. a few days ago asking about your plan, Heather:)
Hi Heather – loved your post . You go Girl!! There has been several times in my life that the outside changes occurred once I gave the inside (thought life, behaviors, etc) over to God (my weight included). I am following you on Bloglovin. If you have a minute come over for a visit to Deliciously Inspired. I have several healthy recipes you might find helpful. You are so pretty and all that happiness radiates in your beautiful smile. PS – I am sharing your post on my blog’s Facebook page – it has a powerful message I want to share with my readers.
Heather I am so happy for you! I know you feel incredible and you look amazing!I know you have true beauty inside too!
xx
Anne
First of all, you look FABULOUS! Seriously. Your boobs look amazing. And happy! 🙂
So proud of you. Can’t wait to see minus 75 …
🙂 Linda
ha! Best compliment ever. Love you Linda! 🙂 Heather
From one Kentuckian to another, congratulations!! That must feel so amazing! Even though I’m a UofL fan, you look great in the Alabama shirt! 🙂
Congratulations! You look wonderful! This is so imspiring.
this is so wonderful! Love the quote that food is not your friend. This is SOOOO good. I have made food ny end all. It fills so many needs that it is not meant to fill. It should just keep my alive, period. Nothing else. You are an inspiration!!
You look FANTASTIC!! I saw that photo of you at Haven and thought you looked different 🙂 What a powerful message, thank you so much for that inspiration! I’ll read this again and again while I work on the 30 lbs that I need to take off 🙂
xoxoxo, Andrea
Wow! You a such an inspiration. I am a teacher and my roommate at school and I are constantly struggling to get started on overcoming our food additions. I would love a post from you regarding how you started and have stayed on track. Also if you could please email me whatever plan you are following I would be so appreciative. Bethramsey76@gmail.com. Congratulations!!!
I just found your blog and this is truly inspiring! I am trying (once again)to lose weight and would love to hear what diet your following. And by the looks of all these other comments, a lot of people would love to know. Please email me with what diet your following or a post would be wonderful too! Congratulations! barbaraboxell@yahoo.com
I love to read you and your sister’s blog! You are both so talented and have beautiful homes! I have never commented before this but I just had to tell Heather how amazing she looks! I would love to know what plan you are following! Could you please email me?
Congratulations!! You look awesome!!
Congrats on your health journey! Please add me to the loooong list of requests for your diet plan. 🙂
Stephanie
P.S. I love your blog too! 🙂
Heather,
That’s really amazing! You look wonderful:)
Cheers
Carly
Heather,
This is awesome! Pleas we mail me your plan and keep up the good work. Here’s to good health!
Thanks, Kimberly
You have accomplished much. You are certainly a role model for many of us. Please e-mail me with the information for diet plan you are following. Would appreciate all the help I can get
I would love to know what you are doing to lose weight. Can you email me? Thanks!