OK I am all stamped out. So Im finally going to share some things many of you seem to want to know. I know this is primarily a stamping blog but I also share everything else! Basically if its on my mind, something going on in my life, the world knows about it. Why not share a huge part of something I have struggled with?
You all are just so sweet for all the lovely comments regarding my latest new photo! I am eatting healthy, exercising DAILY, and drinking lots of water. I really feel amazing about myself, and am proud I have accomplished what I set out to do. I changed my life for ME. No one else.
I didn’t think anyone would care to read the times I’ve posted aobut my struggles or my exercise stuff and whatnot but MANY have, as it is part of your struggles too.
Now this is LONG so you can stop. No guilt 😀
I have to say spilling all this for the world is NOT easy! Especially sharing my awful photo of a day I felt my worst. The words weren’t as bad as sharing the PHOTOS!! I know this all just rolls out on my blog but I almost deleted it like 20 times. No lie. Its a truly sole baring post. I felt if I can write all this to share and help then I better suck it up and SHOW you that it all works.
Reality of it is, I have been thin my whole life. Never struggled with my weight. Never worked out. I was just thin and had NO interest in being in SHAPE. Well then I get pregnant with Alexa. It was a stressful pregnancy and it was the start of what I call “stress eatting”. I began eatting to fill my worries and fears. Not sure if it helped, but it did allow me to gain 72lbs! Nice huh? I felt so defeated after giving birth, thinking it would just FALL off over the next few months. NOPE! Only lost like 25lbs, kept the rest. Anyway I really thought I’d NEVER be thing again. Well, I worked it off and got in shape after my divorce. I never felt better.
So began the rollercoaster of weight issues.
I went on to have Noah, lost the weight. Then I had Amber, lost the weight. Every time with exercise.
So there I was thinking I didn’t really have an issue since it only came with pregnancies.
Then Alexa got Cancer. My problem came back! Having NO activity LIVING in the hospital for about a year, my best friends were cream cheese brownies, lots of sugar and coffee and whatever other bad thing I could possibly get my hands on at 2am, to help me not deal with my emotions. Over the last 2 1/2 years I see photos of myself where I got to my FINAL weight point, would work it off, then slowly climb back up during another cancer crisis. I would eat my worries away. If I did eat something bad, I would “punish” myself for it, by then eatting something else. Not good. Also the never ending fad diet, not easy to stick with forever!
So I decided for a healthier eatting LIFESTYLE change. Thats why I LOVE Dr. Phil!! He is so realistic about it all. Diets don’t last forever. You need to change the way you LIVE.
I don’t care how thin you are, or your gene pool, if you eat really bad it will catch up with. Once you have those fat cells, they are ALWAYS there, waiting to fill up!
Now I can think of a MILLION excuses as to why I could stay unhappy with myself, WHY I would wait to start-tomorrow, then tomorrow turns into weeks. Why I have NO TIME to exercise, but do have time for other stuff. There are NO MORE excuses. NOW is the time. I put my TODAY outlook on so many other aspects of my life, to finally use it work on this issue now.
I know not EVERYONE is interested in this, but many are, so I’m here to share. If it helps ONE of you, then fabulous. As women I think most of us can say we battle with our weight and what we *think* we should look like.
Now keep in mind I’m not a doctor, or dietican. I am a stay at home mom, to 3 kids, with an INSANE life and a BUSY daily schedule. Just like many of you. I’m just happy to share things that have worked for me and that is basically HARD WORK, with a concious effort to eat healthier. I take food ONE obstacle at a time, and relish in my defeating each as it comes, not looking forward. If I have something I shouldn’t I have it in moderation, and make a better meal choice for my next meal. All about balance.
I have no magic pill or wand that can make anyone healthier or an easy fix to get into shape. Getting out of shape is EASY, getting IN shape is hard work. If it were easy everyone would be models 😀 I had a goal and then worked my hiney off (literally) to reach that goal. The biggest hurdle we all have is our MIND set.
I am happy that weight LOSS won’t need to be a part of my New Years resolution! I can focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and work on other goals instead. I’m not where I ultimately want to be yet, but I know I am not far. I am determined to get through the holidays not a pound heavier. My goal is MODERATION! I don’t need a whole pumpkin pie to make me happy. Only a sliver.
I’m not on a diet, just changed my eatting HABITS, so its not a constant deprivation.
I have received MANY inquiries as to what I have been doing to exercise, and eat to lose weight.
I can’t even believe I am going to say this, but over 12 weeks I have lost 35lbs! I didn’t realize I had 35lbs to lose! LOL! OK well I wanted to lose it, but didn’t REALLY think it would actually happen.
My “OK I am so done with this” moment came on my 30th birthday in May. I was turning the BIG 30, and wasn’t happy. I wanted to be a HOT 30. I wanted people to say “What! You had 3 kids?!” not ‘Well, you have had 3 kids”.
Here is my AWFUL photo that I didn’t even want to look back on
My birthday May 3rd.
I HATE it. This was me. Its also the ONLY photo I let anyone take of me for MONTHS!
Now here was one from Alexa’s birthday Sept 29. Feeling and looking like myslef.
Now I didn’t actually DO something about it until the first week of September. I know! I told you, always “tomorrow”.
Now after losing another 17lbs-this is on the 7th of November
See the difference?
I don’t believe in scales. They make you CRAZY! So I don’t own one. Since Alexa has monthly doctor appointments I began weighing myself there ONCE a month. For ME,that was a good thing. Right before I started in August, then the following month September lost like 18lbs, then again last month (which I had hit a plateau so that wasn’t a fun scale day :C) lost 4 lbs, now this month lost another 13lbs . Boy was I super duper happy when I saw the numbers on the scale this past Wednesday! It was MORE than I thought it would have been.
I started a work out that had me take my MEASUREMENTS the day before I started the workout program. So I figured watching those measurement , and my CLOTHING was most important.
I also marked the WEEKS on my calendar on the fridge, to keep me on track, and knwoing where I was in the programs.
I never leave the house to get in a amazing workout, and I do it in my living room! LOL! In between all my daily things with the kids 😀 I have an elliptical machine, which was what I started with (had it for like 4 years) but I mainly use DVD’s. Many of these videos also have QUICK workouts for your SUPER busy days. I try to keep mixing it up so I don’t get bored and I work different muscles.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Im not affiliated with ANY of these programs. I just feel like I could be on their advertisements though !LOL! They truly helped me get to my goals.
So here is what I do
I do my best to work out EVERY DAY! Now that may seem excessive, but not when you start to enjoy it, and look forward to that time. Even if its 10-20 minutes. We ALL can find 10 minutes in the day. SOMETHING is better than NOTHING! Its now a part of my daily routine, and if I don’t get to it then I feel tired, blah and CRABBY!! I love having it be part of my day now. Its like my coffee use to be.
NOTE: the first 2 to 3 weeks of this lifestyle I was not overly thrilled with the working out and change in eatting habits!
Now when I eat I use a KIDS plate, or just dish out HALF of what I would normally have on my plate. PORTION control! It is RARE I am still hungry after I eat the smaller portions. I think we get use to eatting MORE, so we THINK we need more, or are still hungry because we are mindlessly eatting all the food on our plate.
Once I got over the CRAVINGS it was smooth sailing. It also takes about 2-3 weeks to have your first real “WOW! Are you losing weight? You look great” compliment, so that helps!!
I chose the Mitch Gaylord Melt it off program. This is THE one that actually got me motivated to START! I found it motivating and helpful. It was the commercial that made me take that first step back to health.
This one was the real start of everything for me. Yes, it was from an infomercial and it works!! I love it. It uses a 2lb “G Ball”. At first I couldn’t do MOST of it, but within 3 weeks I was seeing great results. My brother is in tip top AMAZING shape. He is a professional arm wrestler and he would make fun of the workout. Well I made him do it with me, and I kicked his butt with this video! I felt great! LOL! He was definitely impressed and surprised. Granted I STILL can’t do some of it, but that gives me goals to meet.
This is the one when you start, where you take your measurements. There is nothing like doing the MATH when you are LOSING weight.
I have gone down 3 pant sizes. I now weigh what I did in highschool only I am actually toned! LOL!
I have lost 7 inches from my chest (OK honestly not THAT happy about that-but oh well! LOL!) 6 3/4 inches from my waist, and 6 3/4 inches from my hips!
Now some other DVD favorites of mine:
The Biggest Loser-Cardio Max- Purchased at Target.
There is NOTHING like wanting to QUIT your workout, when you have people far larger than you KICKING your butt, doing the SAME workout! You can customize this and it too have various levels to work up to. If you have seen the TV show you know these are people JUST like YOU. So get moving 😀 Its really amazing.
Jillian Michaels- 30 Day Shred-another Target find. This is my current “go to” workout.
She is the insane one from the Biggest Loser. She works them super hard. So when I saw this video I knew I needed it! LOL! She has a series of 4 levels. 20 minute ONLY- kick your butt (in one exercise quite literally), I think Im going to throw up, amazing workout. This helped me get off that Plateau. In 3 days of her workout I lost ANOTHER 1/2 inch from the measurements! I DO recommend getting in decent shape before beginning this one 😀 That is just MY opinion. But you are guaranteed results in a 20 minute workout, and its so true. I feel I sweat even more in this one, than some of the hour workouts I do.
I also use Turbo Jam. Another infomerical.
I love this one. It combines boxing exercises to kick your but with an aerobic like workout. At first you need to get use to the moves, but once you do you have fun. I used this once after I had Amber and needed to get back into shape for when Jay & I got married.
Pick Your Spot Pilates-Yes another Target one. This is full of 10 minute segments that really work you! Who can’t find 10 minutes? IF you are reading this post, then you certainly can fidn that 😀 AFTER you read my blog! LOL! This one was perfect after I had Noah. Having a colicky baby and little time I got back to pre-pregnancy weight in no time.
If you don’t know what is Pilates-this type of exercise is PERFECT for those of you with back, and joint issues, or who don’t want to jump around to break a sweat. You don’t need to be like a human GUMBY doll to do these, like you do in yoga.
I like this stuff when Im tired, or just want to work on strength. You do get a good workout. I’m still into the cardio/weight training stuff at this point, but still use this one several times a month.
Honestly if you aren’t doing this for YOU, then it won’t work. I reached my limit. My “it” moment when I had enough of failing at the “diet” and saying TOMORROW. Enough of NOT wanting to be in photos or feeling icky about myself. Enough of buying clothes that make me LOOK thinner, when I want to just BE thinner! Now I go in the store and get something OFF THE RACK!
First thing is first. Be realistic. Be honest with yourself. Write your goals down.
Some of this is from the Mitch Gaylord journal and it truly helped me. I also put a photo of me that I LOVE in plain view for me to see when I am working out to remind myself of WHERE I wanted to be! Next to it was my WORST photo, so I had a visual of WHY I was really doing this. Now that BAD photo is gone, but my old one is still there to keep me going.
So now ask yourself-
Why are you doing this?
What is your purpose or desire for changing yourself?
What is your ideal vision of yourself?
What past limiting beliefs have stood in your way?
What are you committed to doing to relieve those beliefs?
What was your defining moment of needing a change?
Then get that photo and start that journal
The important thing to remember is in the beginning ALL of it is difficult. Its alife change. There may even be some excising you just can’t do! Try to modify them if you can, and try to keep up as much as you can. Before you know it, you will be a PRO! Just keep with it. Keep moving.
Next people asked what KEEPS me motivated.
I purposely buy clothes that are a LITTLE tight, or the next size down. I work to make them then fit! I wait a week or 2, then slide them on! That is the BEST feeling. I am also refusing to GO UP a size. If things get snug, I now know to kick it up a notch and not let 10lbs creep back on. THROW AWAY those bigger clothes. Then you have NO safety net! LOL! I mean it!
So that is it. Now for the FOOD stuff.
I MAKE myself eat breakfast! Its the most important thing you can do to get your metabolism going. I read NO CARBS in the morning. It makes you MORE hungry through the day, so I have yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit or something like that. Don’t get me wrong me wrong I still eat the occasional waffle! LOL! Just not so much syrup and butter. I aslo LOVE Quacker Oatmeal (weight-loss one) in banana bread! So filling and really yummy.
I cut out my coffee, and if I do drink it I use fat free cream and Slenda (that was the hardest part)
I drink TONS of water! Usually a full glass before meals. And I LOVE the Crystal Light packets. The water alone helps. The packets spice it up so it doesn’t get BORING!
No more SODA! I use to love diet Pepsi. Now it makes me SICK!
Have healthy snacks on hand. Readily available. I love granola bars, nutragrain bars, and stuff like that. They are tastey. and low cal. There are SO many 100 cal packets of things you can buy there are NO excuses for KILLING your healthy eatting with a SNACK! Also only eat ONE!
Make sure I stay on TOP of my hunger. If I feel hungry I eat something healthy before it turns into a handful of chips or cookies. Usually 2-3pm is my point of real hunger!
I take green tea pills. I heard they help metabolisim. Not sure if its true but oh well.
I cut my portions in HALF!
I LOVE SmartOne frozen meals! They really good, are quick too. Part of my problem would be skipping lunch cause I don’t eat what the kids do. They are really yummy, and are along line with Weght Watchers. They even have desserts! Also yummy. I like the points system so you can whatever you want. I think that “diet” works for so many because you can eat whatever you like, but it teaches moderation! I just try to live in moderation mode.
Going out to eat. Well like my meals I don’t clean my plate! I also try to go for something “healthier” than I would normally eat. Im not talking salad, Im just saying instead of FRIED chicken I may look for GRILLED! LOL!
I don’t snack after 7 pm!
If I want something bad I ask my self 100 times if it is really worth eatting! Often just by checking the calories I don’t want it bad enough. Then if I did. I usually feel sick after from all the sugar, or I can’t even finish it! NOT a bad thing 😀
Don’t go to the food store HUNGRY! NO! NO! NO! That is when the worst decisions are made.
Most importantly I have recruited my husband as reenforcement! Before we go somewhere that I KNOW may be full of temptation I ask him to keep me in check. By this I mean, I run by him what I am thinking of eatting, he will then say Are you really sure you want to do that. What about having X instead?
Now he isn’t doing this on his own and to be annoying. I ASK for it! It saved me many times from regretful eatting.
Lastly in recipes substitute LOW fat or NO fat items. We always did this so that wasn’t a hard transition for me. I think it adds up though.
So I think that covers it. I hope I helped someone in some way by sharing my own issues, and helping you see I am a TYPICAL person just like YOU! Same struggles. Im not famous, I don’t have a chef, a personal trainer, or any of that fancy stuff that movie stars have. I am a daily work in progress, but I am doing it. I feel so much better that I did 12 weeks ago! THAT makes it all worth it.
Better yet since its a way of living, I don’t feel deprived! I CAN have something. I just don’t have as much.
Start now and by the holidays you could seriously be transforming yourself too.
I hope this didn’t seem like a big ole lecture. Someone on your back doesn’t help you to want to get healthy. I just felt I would openly share what so many have contacted me about.
Now that Im done Im back to thinking I should delete this! LOL!
Oh well. I am leaving. I have Noah’s Party to get ready for.
I will leave you with this quote I always tell myself:
Let TODAY be your TOMORROW!
113 Responses for "My Time to share my weightloss stuff BEFORE & AFTER"
[…] Original post by My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence […]
this is wonderful! thank you so much for sharing such an intimate part of your life with us! I am truly inspried after reading your post! thank you, thank you!
sending lots of ‘way to go’ hugs to you!!!!! 🙂
Wow..what a great story! I need to just actually get off of my butt and get in shape. Thanks for the kick in the butt to get me started! You look fabulous!
Great post, Lauren. Whenever someone loses a significant amount of weight those of us who haven’t started our TODAY love to know how you do it. Thanks for sharing the BEFORE picture. I still think you look fabulous in it but I understand it must have been difficult for you.
[…] Random Feed wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptOK I am all stamped out. So Im finally going to share some things many of you seem to want to know. I know this is primarily a stamping blog but I also share everything else! Basically if its on my mind, something going on in my life, the world knows about it. Why not share a huge part of something I have struggled with? You all are just so sweet for all the lovely comments regarding my latest new photo! I am eatting healthy, exercising DAILY, and drinking lots of water. I really feel amazing […]
[…] See the original post here […]
Lauren, congratulations! Changing your eating habits and exercising are the best ways to lose weight and maintain it. I lost sixty pounds twenty-two years ago and, except for a couple of years after my second child, I have kept it off. Watch out for forty, though. It has wreaked havoc with my middle! Keep up the good work!!! Patty
[…] My “it” moment when I had enough of failing at the “ diet ” and saying TOMORROW. Enough of NOT wanting to be in photos or feeling icky about myself Read more […]
Thanks for not deleting this blog entry. I’ve been waiting to get healthier and have had a roller-coaster ride with various diets. Now, I realize they didn’t work because I didn’t really have faith in myself and wasn’t doing them for ME! I’m grateful you shared your story and am happy for you. It’s sometimes overwhelming when you are going through other challenges to take on the weight loss challenge, too. Thanks, Lauren…today IS my tomorrow. I can do this.
Lauren I must tell you that you inspire me in so many ways. I really enjoyed your sharing today it takes a lot of courage to share this with the world. I must tell you I find you beautiful in both your before and after pics because your spirit makes you always beautiful. That said I am so glad that you are happy with you because that truly is the key to life. Keep up the good work and continue to love you the way God intended and bless you in all you do.
Debbie/Phoenix AZ
I have needing to get my head in gear to lose some weight – once again. But I just COULDN’T find the enthusiasm or enough oomph to do it. I do believe that you have found it for me! Thank you! Although I don’t usually leave comments on your blog I follow it closely – almost every day and I just love your work. Just to let you know that you have at least one follower (and possibly many more) in Northern Ireland! Again, thanks so much for all the inspiration – cardmaking, weightloss and just the everyday ordinary and sometimes extraordinary parts of your life that you share with us all.
Hey Lauren. I am glad you kept this entry. I have a couple of questions about the DVD you are using. I am in the recovery phase after a pretty invasive surgery on my lower leg muscles and bones. The Dr. says I can do anything I want now but I have limitations as I get more of my strength and flexibility back. For example, if a DVD has lots of jumping or squats, I would have a real problem. So I am curious in particular about the Mitch Gaylord and the Pilates DVD’s. If it’s too hard on the knees, I may have to try something a little easier at first.
Currently, I am taking Restorative Yoga classes twice a week and walking three days a week.
Lauren congratulations on a healthier you. You do know that you are beautiful no matter what you weight don’t you? You really are. Thanks for sharing such a personal side of you and I hope you have a great and wonderful day!
Congrats Lauren! You look beautiful!
You journey has been truly amazing. While reading it I found myself seeing my signs about my own weight loss after each child (I have 3 too). I was the same way, didn’t think I could truly change my eating habits or lifestyle. Then I had a injury to my shoulder, and with my line of work I thought my passion for my job was over. While re-habing my shoulder I needed to strengthen all over, and reduce my inflammation and I did that with diet. I lost 16 lbs, but gained so much beautiful muscle. I continue to eat healthy and weight lift, but now I am trying to incorporate more cardio. The message I got out of your story is that everyone is different, and if you truly want to do this you have to do it for yourself, and do it in your own way. Not all the same things work for the same people, find out what works for you what you enjoy and run with it! Congrats!
I come to your site because I truly find all your posts beautiful, whether artistic or family oriented.
CONGRATS!! Thanks for this posting! I have been doing WW for 5 months & was slacking a bit…falling a little off program…I think I’ll take your advice on the exercising. I mean, when we invest in the time to take care of ourselves it’s easier to say “hey, why blow it now?”
You look WONDERFUL ~ such a strong woman! Thanks for being a beautiful influence!!
*hugs* Debbie
Lauren, reading your blog sounded alot like my story. I am a few years older than you and thought why should I worry about my weight now. I have a four kid (all within four years) and food was my comfort also and still can be but I was told by my doctor that I needed to lose some weight for my health, but I didn’t exactly follow the diet plan she gave me but did cut down on my portions and the inbetween snacks and when I went back for a second time wasn’t wanting to get on the scale but I had actually lost weight and she noticed so I felt really good about it and kept up with what I was doing and hopefully I am still losing. Reading your blog this morning has got me thinking if you can do the exercise maybe I can too.
Congratulations on your new and healthier life and you did it for yourself and I know that is what really counts!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this personal story…you will touch more lives than you ever realize!
Congratulations on your lifestyle change and your weight loss…you should be very proud of yourself!
Thank you so much for posting this, you truly are inspiring. I have been struggling with my weight for years, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 7 years ago and that is more or less when my weight problem started. I go through bad flare ups and I’m more or less bed ridden and then same as you did I eat for comfort. I know if I could just start exercising again that would be a huge start and then start working on my eating habits (which are horrid) I could be skinny by summer…wooo hooo, more importantly I would be healthy though and have much less stress on my joints. Sorry for babbling, but when I read your story and also having read what you have been through with your daughter it just really struck a chord with me, you really are amazing and an inspiration!! I think I’m going to get my husband to pull out my elliptical machine today and dust that baby off =)
congrats! You are one dedicated lady! I wish you were my neighbor or my friend…I have a feeling we’d get along very well 🙂 I like that you share things – it makes us feel closer to you and we know you better. In today’s post I’m sure you are helping many other readers who struggle with weight issues. Your sensible approach to making the lifestyle change makes it easier and knowing that you are successful even with THREE kids and the limited time you have to work out, makes things even more ‘user friendly’!
Take care Lauren, and thank you for sharing! You are such a beautiful woman and have an amazing outlook and ability to share things! Stay gorgeous! 🙂
I loved this post… just a beautiful heartfelt share… yes, we all have our struggles – with many many things….
Your road has been a tough one… I subscribe to your blog and often my heart has gone out to you… You have done amazing things and this is another!!!
So glad you are here..
thats awesome- and “real” not like that crap on tv!!!
Congrads…I seem to try to exercise, like now I am motivated, however I am just newly pregnant and need sleep all of the time, I am trying to not eat whatever and go for walks, but you totally get me going!!!!!
Thanks for inspiring me, Lauren. You’re very motivating! You look great!
Bless your heart! What a great post…and I can identify…having done myself what you’ve done (lost for life). My husband saw your photo over my shoulder when I was on your blog the other day, and he said you look like a teen-ager and could not believe you have three children!! Go, girl! You are gorgeous, talented, and lovely! TFS!
Thanks for sharing your post today. You are touching more people with the special sharing you did -THANK YOU!!
Loosing for yourself (no one else) is really the starting point.
I started this spring and now am at a point of just staying and not dropping any more weight, but I know I need to
starting exercising more. Eating for comfort is really easy, but not very easy to stop.
Have a great day!
Thank you for sharing your personal life! It is very encouraging to read…and I read every word. 🙂
I recently was shocked to find out I had lost 12 lbs. I wasn’t doing anything special…I think it’s the poor person’s diet. LOL Money has been SUPER tight so we hardly ever eat out anymore. Before we ate out a lot and would buy junk to have around the house. We hated doing it but had gotten into such a habit that it was hard to kick…well, not having much money kicked it for us real quick. 🙂 Now I just need to get back into the habit of exercising and I’m sure the fat will just start melting away. Maybe this “financial crisis” was a big wake up call from God for us in several ways! 🙂
I am so glad you shared your story.
Having a special needs son, who spent six months this year, at home or in hospital because of illness, excercising and eating right is a big challenge for me. Thank you for the inspriation.
Wow, you worked really hard to get (and stay) where you are. I must say, to me, you are as beautiful then as you are now, and I always said you should be modelling. Not to say that you don’t look good now! By the way, can I move in with my two kids?? :))
thanks so much for spilling all over your thoughts/secrets over the weight loss thing! i really feel motivated right now! i’d lost weight after my brother passed, just from stress and not wanting to eat, but i feel it creeping back on. there’s another saying that i love but have been forgetting lately ~ *Nothing tastes as good as thin feels*!!! i love that. like you, i just want to be thin, not try to look for clothes that make me “seem” thin or hide my chunky areas. thanks again! and best of luck to you, you’re beautiful!!
Ah Lauren you have touched a chord with us all….and tomorrow is Monday….traditonally the day we all start…yet again. But Monday really will be our TOMORROW. Appreciate all your soul baring and it certainly echoes my life as well….and at the moment I do need to take myself in hand again. I am your second follower from Northern Ireland, the first being Jill Smith further up the posts.
Thanks again for the encouragement.
Thanks for sharing your road to success!! You are such a beautiful person all around!! Isn’t it amazing how we start off trying to change the way we “look” and in the end it’s all about how we “feel” 🙂 I’m so happy for you!!
hugs, Jami
You’re are already an inspiration to so many in the stamping community, and now you’re inspiring us to get healthy? Girl, what can’t you do?!?
Thanks for all the wonderful tips and for sharing such a private part of your lifestyle.
Congrats on getting healthy and looking FABULOUS!!
[…] Go to read the rest […]
Thank you for sharing ALL of you with us!!! This was a great post and I know it not only took a ton of courage to do it but a lot of time too 🙂 You look FANTASTIC and you have an entire stamping community out here cheering you on!!! I think today will become my tomorrow with your motivation — you’re right, “thinking” and “doing” are two entirely different things and I need to start “doing”!! I think this blog post was my motivation. Thank you, thank you. Off to drink a glass of water. . .
Beautiful beautiful beautiful girl. I’ve only read half of this entry- but I will continue. I feel you share so much and I’ve gotten to know you through your struggles and joys and expressions in art. You give me hope. I was always thin too- something I never thought about. Then after having my daughter- Alexis (lol- cuz it’s VERY close to Alexa!- I think they are the same age too!) I realized how I could binge eat. I ate and ate and ate and never thought about it. My metabolism went thru the window and things I never thought about for a while resurfaced with a vengance. The man who abused me was ‘outed’ for abusing my sister too while I was pregnant. It just went down hill from there. I finally lost some weight before getting pregnant with my son in 2003- got married (felt pushed, even tho I did and do love him) and life just got away from me. I was depressed and angry over life in general. I had another baby-gained more weight. Now at 200 lbs (I was averaging 120 in high school) I am at my heaviest and depressed and feel to exhausted to even try. Well- that’s MY story (now you have alot to read on your own blog- lol!!) and you’re story has given me hope. I don’t want to be ‘thin’. I want to be healthy and am tired of being tired. Thanks for sharing your story and keep it up girl- you’re doing great!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Great job on getting fit and healthy. I am at the very beginning of my journey to being healthy and I was thinking to myself today that I just couldn’t do it. You have given me the encouragement I needed to get through another day.
This post is a keeper – what an inspiration you are! Thanks for sharing. Really. Thanks for sharing!
I have been reading your blog for about two weeks now, loving all your ideas etc….
Today was a wonderful surprise to read your personal story! I too would love to lose some weight and your story is definitely one that will stay with me to keep me motivated. I have started to workout regulary and have lost about 6 1/2 inches total. But I know I have not committed fully and reading your post today made me realize that I can do it, if I just stick to a plan!
Thank you for not deleting your post!! You are a beautiful woman and you should be proud!!
Wow! I’m so excited for you. You look wonderful – and so full of energy. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m also carrying around a bit more than I should – and a recent picture made me cringe, too. After finishing this post, you’ve inspired me to get off my tush and go for a walk. Thanks!
Lauren, I don’t know you IRL but consider you a PSF ;)!!! Bless your sweet heart for sharing this!
I need a kick in the rear to get started and this is so inspiring and motivation!
THANK YOU for sharing!
God Bless!!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You look fabulous!!! I’ve just started my “weight loss journey” and for right now I’m just eating in moderation, not snacking after 7:00, drinking more water and avoiding junk. Eventually I will mix in some exercise but for now I just wanted to get a handle on my eating habits. My goal is for my actual weight to be the same as the weight on my driver’s license when I renew it next July….about 30 pounds or so.
Thank you for sharing your story! It’s an inspiration to many of us!
You were not kidding when you said LONG>>> but so glad i stuck with reading it until the end. Very inspirational and all done for the right reasons YOU! So happy so your success! I will take a look at my own life style and see where I can make changes for ME!
Thanks for inspiring so many creatively and personally!
Love,
R
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story of weight loss. You look like a ‘high schooler’ in that last photo! (And that’s a compliment! 😉
You never cease to amaze me with all that you do, share and accomplish! Congratulations on your amazing success with weight loss. I’m inspired by you on so many levels. You have indeed touched more people than you will ever know in being brave enough to NOT hit delete.
Thank you!
You look great! Thanks for sharing the before and after pictures, because it really shows us how all the hard work has paid off. You are a great inspiration! Congratulations!!!
Lauren, you are such an inspiration! I needed to read this–seriously. Thanks for being yourself. Have I told you since maybe yesterday that you ROCK? Well, you’ve been told. 😀
I just started my diet today so this was exactly what I needed to read!
{{{Hugs}}} Lauren….
For just being *you* 🙂
Thank you for sharing all of this with us! I’m just about *there* for *my* healthy life style change. It will surely help reading about yours.
You look FANTASTIC!
Hugs,
Renee
Thanks for sharing your story Lauren. You look great!! I really need to do something about my unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. I purchased the Mitch Gaylord DVD’s the last time you posted something about them on your blog. I did them for about three days. They kicked my butt! I hate to exercise and I am embarrassed to exercise in front of anyone. This makes it hard for me to find time to exercise because there is always someone in the house. I really need to get over my anxiety about people watching me. Anyway, your post has inspired me and I think I’m going to have to get that G-ball out and start all over again. I really would like to lose a few pounds before my son’s wedding in April.
Hugs,
Michele
You look beautiful… congratulations! Thank you for sharing your post. I am dealing with the same issues and reading your blog today has helped me get excited about the journey and know that I can do it if i just put my mind to it!! Thanks again for sharing….
Congrats!! You Look Great!!! I too have just had it. Turned 31 this year, and those two kids really took a toll on me. I hope to be losing some poundage this winter too. Thanks for the inspiration!
k
You have truly inspired me to make that change that I keep leaving off for “tomorrow”. I use to be really good about eating well and getting enough exercise, however, for the past 8 years I have been putting it off for “tomorrow”….and reading your story has given me the motivation and encouragement that I so needed. I’m about 40 lbs over my ideal weight, and I haven’t felt happy for 8 years. I want to feel that sense of accomplishement and satisfaction that I can read from your story. I truly admire you and want you to know that regardless of what you think, you were and still are a truly beautiful person (in the before & after)….I follow your blog daily, and you are an inspiration in every way.
THIS WILL HELP MANY PEOPLE.
you should be so proud of yourself. It is hard to lose weight and it is a lifetime thing. I never had any weight problems not even with pregnancy but in 50’s gained more than I wanted . Doctor said he found that women who could not lose it had good luck with Weight Watchers. After about three years I finally thought why not? It worked for me. I lost around 18 pounds. I feel better. I ride a stationary bike most nights. It is hard . I gained a little lately so am trying harder to lose a couple of extra pounds. It is hard. good luck to you. Linda Gerig
Lauren I think you’ve done a great job being honest and sharing these ideas. Good on you for putting it out there because you’ve obviously had a lot of interest from readers and I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated. I think it’s the deprivation that gets people every time with so called “diets”, moderation is the key, a small treat is okay and giving out more than you put in with the exercise thing is so important. Continued success to you my dear:-)
Lauren, all I can say is WOW! you kick some major butt girl! You look absolutely amazing!You definitetly have me inspired! I am so proud that you did this all on your own! Way to go chicky! 🙂
Congratulations on your lifestyle change, Lauren!! You look fabulous, and are such an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing all you have!!
You did inspire at least 1 more person. ME! I’ve been struggling with 120 pounds for the last years. Well, I started struggling with half of it but then got used and resigned. I will post more in my blog. I’m at work (where I take the time to read) and I will just post as I can. I want to know more about where you got motivated. I will post what excercises I used to do and such when I lost some of the weight.
THANKS! When I first saw your blog a few days or about over a week ago, there was your current pic already. I remember thinking you were in your early 20’s. Never thought you had kids and less of all, so big. I’m 27 or is it 28? Not even sure anymore, but I am 15 lbs.off. And to think I’ve done it in the time you’ve lost almost 30 pounds!
I think you look great in your before photo too Lauren, but I totally understand it’s how you feel. Congratulations on making this lifestyle change. You are being such a great role model for your kids!
Can I just say I love you? Not only do you have some incredible and amazing projects to share with all of us but this post reminds me to get my butt back in gear! I too let myself, um, go a little bit and have lost 45lbs…I also started slacking and gained back 12!! Reading today’s post has motivated me to work harder at getting back in shape (I think being vain has finally hit me now that I’m 30!). Thank you so much for the tips!!
Really great post! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! I love how specific you get with the dvds and how honest you are with your struggles for each one. Now I’m gonna go wipe the dust off my treadmill and get my rear in gear!
thats fantastic! Congrats to you!
Lauren,
Thank you for all of the wonderful inspiration! I haven’t been feeling very good about myself lately. I had a major surgery about 2 years ago with a very long recovery and I’ve gained weight and I’m out of shape. As a result, I’m felling a bit depressed about life in general. Combine that with my impending empty nest(my youngest child is a senior in high school) , I’m at a crossroads in my life. Your story has helped me to take a real look at my own life and to begin to look at how I can make some changes for the better. You are such a beautiful person and I really appreciate your honest , open sharing.
ok — first of all, congratulations! Secondly, you said something that really struck a cord with me. This will be the the year that losing weight won’t be your New Year’s resolution. That has been my resolution for my entire life. I’ve always struggled with my weight. I can’t imagine not having a new years where I feel badly about myself. That alone was an inspiring thought. I am much older than you but I am going to really, really try – even though they say you can’t lose weight at 50. Thanks for being so candid.
Vicki
Thanks for sharing. I think that heartfelt stories like these really enable people to make a change. I just wanted to to say congrats and to let you know how fabulous it is that you stressed LIFE change instead of DIETING. I think way too many people get caught up in the diet game and not making small life changes that will stay with them.
I have been very active my whole life, I grew up with 5 brothers and have always loved sports and the outdoors. Having kids changed all that, between knee surgery, emergency c-section and gall bladder surgery… my body was hideous. I made a few life changes 4 1/2 years ago and now I am smaller than I was in high school, I have gone down 4 pant sizes, lost 77lbs. and I will compete in a HALF IRONMAN TRIATHLON this summer. BUT, like you said it was small lifestyle changes, using whole grains, using unrefined sugars, portion control, DRINKING water, exercising everyday, eating fruits and veggies. It has been great, I feel great, and I look great, no more jaba the hut pictures. Also my family and some friends started Logan’s Biggest Loser in September, our results have been really great and we are coming to an end to the competition, but the motivation we have been for each other has been awesome. I know that your post will motivate lots of others. Here is a link to our blog if you are interested:
http://logansbiggestloser.blogspot.com/
Thanks again for sharing your story. Keep up the good work!
–cheers
Lauree Myler
Logan, Utah
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have about 35 pounds to lose myself and am having the hardest time getting motivated. Thinking up excuses has been easy. But this was really inspiring for me, so thanks!!
Lauren,
Thanks for being so honest. I have been reading your blog for a while and feel that we have similar stories. My oldest daughter has autism and her father was a jerk and I then married the best man in the world and we have 1 boy and girl together. I have struggled with my weight since my oldest was born and did lose most of my weight about 6 years ago to gain it back.
You have inspired me to do what I know I need to do. I was going to wait for the new year but I am going to start now. I am going to go buy the Mitch DVD when I’m done with this post.
Again thank you!
P.S. Your before picture wasn’t as bad as you think. But I do know what you mean.
I really appreciate all that you share about your life and your family. I love the idea that you are NOT going to have to use the new year to make a resolution about dieting. I am going to start today so that I don’t have to have a dieting resolution either!
You look great!
You look wonderful, congrats on your lifestyle change. I need to get toned up as well, thanks for sharing!
I hope you keep this post up to keep people (like myself) motivated. You sure inspired me to get back with the exercising. I have let my exercising go by the wayside and have been trying to start it up again, but end up making too many excuses not to. I wasn’t even going to read posts today, but I was drawn to your blog. I didn’t even know what it was about at first.
I am 60 yrs. old and exercise is more important than ever. I can not tell you how much you have helped me get going today. Thank you so much!
You have done an amazing job! And quickly, too! I think your “before” picture is beautiful; but I guess it depends on what you were used to….
You look gorgeous, and I’m glad you are happier. That makes all the difference…not to just do it for “looks”….you FEEL better, and you can do more physically…
Congratulations on your great success! You are just excelling in all aspects of your life!!! 😀
Thanks so much for sharing this with us!!! You are such a great craft inspiration and now you are my personal life inspiration too. I am struggling with my weight and this feels horrible. I need to lose weight not only to look better but also for my health. I want to get pregnant and I can’t. I weight 150 pounds, but my ideal weight is 120.
I stopped working out due to my asthma problems, but now I feel better so no more excuses.
I think I need to go to Target and get a couples od DVDs, I love Jill and Bob and I am pretty sure they are going to help me.
Thanks so much Lauren!!!
God bless you
Giovana
Wonderful Post…
Weight Loss is a problem for many…
this is a very Inspirational story 🙂
You look Fantastic!!
TFS
Its so nice to hear such an amazing story, I feel a connection with you because I too have started my lifestyle change journey for ME.
I am starting to see some dramatic changes in my body – I am training for a 1/2 marathon (couldn’t run more than 1 minute in June and just ran 8.5 miles this weekend), doing pilates on my malibu pilates chair (love it….) every other day and also portion control and smarter choices with food.
My key is to sleep in my workout clothes, so when I wake up I don’t have any excuses and I can just get started right away:-).
You truly are an inspiration – creativity and healthwise – bless your heart and thanks for sharing such a personal side of you.
Congrats – you look awesome!!!
Lauren,
You look wonderful!! I know how difficult it can be. I have lost almost 200 lbs. but only after gastric bypass surgery. I have been dedicated enough to keep it off and keep working even with a fibromyalgia diagnosis. I am just so proud of you, doing it all on your own with such commitment. Keep it up girl!!
Suzie
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the hardest thing to by pass is craving the old life style. Many years ago a friend recomended getting a “Weight Watcher” cook book, best advice ever! Now some 15 WW books later…if I have a craving, I just open the cookbook and make and enjoy it the healthy way and I have not found a craving I can not cure with less fat, sugar and smaller portion size.
You are amazing and you look wonderful! I have been struggling with my weight gain for over two years now. I keep telling myself “tomorrow…” too (well, more like “next month…”). Thank you for the inspiration and the motivation to start TODAY!!
Wow, you are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Thanks to you, I just ordered the Mitch Gaylord G Ball workout. I am looking forward to getting started with a workout program that I can do inside.
Oh Lauren,thanks soooo much for this post!! I too am loosing weight and still have like 7 pounds to go. It is sooo
hard to shed these last pounds,but with your story have found lots of great info,will try to get those Biggest Loser dvd’s. I love that show,watch it every week!
Maybe it’ll help me with these last pounds,I’m not too strived for exerc ise,I do walking mostly,but I guess I need more.
Thanks for this post,I’m sure it’ll help lots of us!!!!Mouahh!!!
YOU LOOK GREAT!!!! Keep it up girl!!!
Lauren,
This is so inspiring…you are so driven to do anything! I’m so proud of you. I have an extra 10 pounds just lingering around and when I go to the hospital all of the time it is so hard to stick to anything. I’m hoping that things will settle down when we get back from Philly and I can concentrate on a few things for myself.
By the way, I just posted today a card using the new Lily and Billy Winter set. I absolutely love it.
I probably won’t have a card to post unless my Mom decides to take the challenge this week. I’ll be back next week though!
WOW – What a powerful testimony. So real. Refreshing, after all the bombardments of ads by famous actresses who obviously have all the ‘perks’ including prolly getting PAID to take the programs. Thanks so much for sharing.
You go girl! I wish i had been that inspired after I had my 3rd child back in my 30’s. I have used every excuse in the book for years and now that I am 40 it is 100 times harder to get the weight off. We have just started changing the way we eat here at our house and I am anxious to see how that changes my life.
Congratulations! You look great and you did it the smart
way and will surely keep it off because you made good
habits part of your lifestyle.
wow, lauren, you really touched my heart by being so open about all this. it’s been a year and a half since i dropped 50 pounds and i’ve gained all but 5 of it back, doing what you did—worry eating (over several yucky life situations). just recently have i hit that point that i “completely” hate the way i look/feel compared to when i was in a size 10!! eek!! i need to make today my tomorrow as i’ve been saying tomorrow, next week, after i do ____. STOP! you look awesome and deserve big hugs for your accomplishments. thanks for the inspiring blogpost and i’m out to get me some of them green tea pills, and get on that treadmill!! hey, it’s worth a try, too!!! maybe you should be my accountability partner!
Wow! You are an amazing woman. This post is exactly what I need right now. Like you, I had always been thin until having children. And went through some big struggles and just seem to add 10 pounds a year. I am now 50-60 pounds heavier than when I conceived and so tired of feeling this way.
Thank you for your inspiration. I am going to dust off the treadmill and order some workout dvd’s from Target!
Congrats on your success! You have totally earned it and look AMAZING!
Lauren– Thanks for sharing your story. It is truly inspiring as I have 30lbs I would like to burn off and the motiviation is lacking. I truly want it off but exercise and me just don’t mix but I know it’s what I have to do. For $14.99, I’m willing to give Mitch a try. Would you mind telling me more about the green tea pills? What kind do you buy and how much do you take in a day? Any side effects, like insomnia, have you experienced? Thanks so much!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I have been watching mine too and have been a bit discouraged because I’m not seeing the scale go down as quickly as I would like (I do use a scale because it does keep me accountable). I have been doing the 30 day shred and I’m finally getting through circuit 1 without having to stop and die! Today I added in the cardio from The Biggest Loser Cardio Max- oh my I needed that!!! Anyway, just wanted to say thanks and I’m rooting for you! You look GREAT!
Wow Lauren! That’s so great! I am actually in that same stage of looking at myself and knowing thats not where I want to be. I also, keep thinking I’m going to fit excerising in, but it never seems to make it in my daily routine. Thank you for sharing this with me and everyone else. Oh, And to think you were going to delete this….I am like the 89th response, so I’m sure there are alot of people that are glad you posted instead of deleting.
All I can say is you look TERRIFIC! Thanks so much for baring your sole with this. Funny but I don’t usually read much in these blogs (mostly look at photos to get ideas) but this really got my attention as I began to read through. You are truly an inspiration and I will be starting to make changes in my life tomorrow! Keep up the great work.
Thanks!
THANKS for the motivation.
I was starting to get weak and feel sorry for myself for any number of reasons… but I feel ramped up again…
THANK YOU!
em
Thanks so much for sharing all of this! You look amazing!!!! You have motivated me to increase my daily workout by 5 min. this week!
Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your life. You look fabulous and should be so proud of yourself.
I for one know how hard it is to lose weight also.
Congrats Lauren! Besides looking amazing I’m sure you feel terrific – what the scale reads is not as important as feeling great, eating right, exercising and seeing the inches drop! Wishing you wellness!
thank you for sharing your struggle and your tips and the links to your favorite workouts!
you look awesome and your story is very inspiring!
Hi Lauren, Thanks for your post, you look beautiful, and I Love your blog. I need loss weight and I Think your recomendation can help me. Kisses
Thanks for all the information. Could you tell me how long the Mitch Gaylord DVDs are? I was just wondering if the workout was 30 minutes or more like an hour.
Dear Lauren, I hope you read this, as it’s now quite a way down 😉 I lost 25 kilos a few years ago, by doing what you’ve done: changing the way I lived! I was a big fan of microwave meals, chocolate, soda, potato chips: everything that’s bad for you basically…and I was HUGE! Didn’t even have three lovely, adorable children to show for it (don’t get me wrong, not calling you huge ;)) I ate healthy, drank lots and lots of water, walked everywhere instead of taking the bus: the weight just flew off and I felt sooooo good!
Then I got sick and started comfort eating, and most of the weight piled back on again, about 20 kilos… I’m so ashamed of myself and I so long to buy lovely slim clothes… Sometimes I feel I’m 83 instead of 38, I’m always out of breath and my knees and feet hurt from the strain… So now that my medication is working and life is back to normal again, I’ve vowed that I’m going to lose every single superfluous ounce before my 40th at least (maybe even my 39th, that’s still 358 days away ;))! Thank you for giving me that last little nudge Lauren, I’ll let you know how it goes 😉 And thanks for listening!
Hugs,
Erica
Hahaha, seriously, you get a year older and your mind starts going…I completely forgot to tell you that you look FANTASTIC :D! Well done to you, you must be so proud!
Hugs,
Erica
You look so beautiful Lauren!! Well, you always did – but even more so. 😀 Thanks for sharing this, I’ve been in “putting it off” mode for quite a while now, I think your post was the kick in the pants I’ve been needing. I think I will bookmark this post and come back to it when I’m not feeling like following through…!! THANKS AGAIN!! Off to get some water (instead of diet coke…)…
Lauren,
CONGRATULATIONS, and you look amazing! I cannot BELIEVE how much you lost in 12 weeks! WOW!!
I have gained weight, considerable weight, myself. After I married (2000), I gained the “freshman 10”, AND the “newlywed 15”! It was the first time I lived away from home, LOL. Well, I think it was in 2002 (and more lbs. heavier) that I decided – ENOUGH! I joined WW, and lost 31 lbs. in 5 months. It melted off at first, then got harder. I was so proud of myself, and swore I’d never get that big again.
Well, here it is 2008. I’ve got two great kids and am 40 lbs. heavier than I was at the end of my WW loss.
I totally hear what you’re saying about your ‘point’. I don’t want to be seen in public – I feel like I don’t have anything to wear that is somewhat flattering…and I don’t want to be seen in pictures. Which is a shame, because I DO *want* to be carefree and in pictures with my kiddos.
What you have written IS taking a step out there, for sure. But Lauren, you are helping so many people by doing so. Giving us the courage to do as you have done. Thank you for putting yourself & your struggles “out there” for the web world to see! 🙂 Thank you for being an inspiration.
Even writing all this out is inspiring me to try harder. I start & fall backwards so many times, it’s not funny.
Thank you again,
Crystal
Lauren you look beautiful. I really enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing your story. Weight loss can be a lonely journey. It is nice to know of sucess like yours. I am working on myself also. It has been a lsow journey, but I am moving in the right direction. You are an inspiration.
Gail
Hey lauren.
I just want to say a very BIG thank your for your wonderful honesty, and encouragement! It is always hard to know how much it too much to write on your blog, but you inspire me to be open and honest, and I truly thank you for that!
All your tips are fabulous, and i too am trying to be healthier, and get away from the emotional eating! It is hard, but like you say, you get there, and by the look of your photo, we can now all say…” What, you have had 3 kids???!!!”
You look fabulous, and thanks again for the encouragement to stay strong!
Love Keesh x
Dommage je ne comprend pas tou, en tout cas bravo pour la transformation, et ton courage, et merci pour tout ce que tu nous fais partager
Wow. Just catching up on your blog. You look great! I never would have guest you were 30! Congrats and thanks for being brave enough to share it all with us!
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What a fantastic story regarding your fitness efforts with obvious success! Congratulations on looking so youthful and being able to maintain a regular exercise routine. Your story was touching and I could particularly relate to the time you spent in the hospital with brownies. It is so difficult to avoid food when dealing with intense emotions like that, but your success in reaching fitness goals is really inspiring.
Have you tried Turbo Fire? This program might help you. Nice work raising your kids!
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