100 LBS GONE, but not forgotten

In 47 weeks, I've shed 100 lbs (well 102.6 to be exact). That's 5 dress sizes (as I mentioned in my Sunday Funday blog). This means I've lost 31.25% of my body weight and that I'm just over 2/3 of the way to meeting my weight loss goal.



Here is a BEFORE picture of me. This was taken at younger sister Linda's pre-wedding Luau on March 20, 2009. I was quite the chunky monkey!

Here is an IN PROGRESS picture of me taken on May 31, 2010. Note that I did not say AFTER because I'm not done yet. =)

Big difference, huh?

How did I do it? Well if you are just tuning in, I started the South Beach diet on July 6, 2009. With the exception of the fact that I eat full fat cheese in restaurants or at parties (because God forbid I were to give up cheese when offered), I stick to the plan 24/7. I only swayed from my diet while on vacation in Playa del Carmen earlier this month - that was after 10 months of being a good little dieter...er...life style changer.

Other than that, I have incorporated a good healthy dose of exercise in my life. I started off trying a couple of Zumba classes, but alas...though an amazing workout, they kinda stressed me out since I never really could get the moves down. Next I moved onto water aerobics. I started off doing it twice a week and then moved on to three times a week. Occasionally, I would go to the gym and do the elliptical for 30 minutes, as well. Starting in January, I took up running and did a few local 5Ks and even a 10K. Now I'm training for my very first half marathon which is on August 1st in Chicago! Besides running, I've given yoga a try (and plan on going back when it works into my schedule) and I continue to workout at the gym on the elliptical and the recumbant bike. Once my half marathon has been run, my training will begin for the Houston Full Marathon (eeek)!

In my very first post, I discussed how many times I had tried and failed on the dieting front. There really is something to be said about *finally* being in that right state of mind to embark upon that journey...successfully. I was miserable with the way I looked and the way I felt. Carrying around an extra 100 lbs is no laughing matter. I still have aches and pains, mind you - but those are from intense exercise and there is a certain feeling of pride that comes from that kind of hurt.

I never ever preach about what diet plan any person should be on, it is just important to pick a HEALTHY one that works with your life style and then to be FAITHFUL to it. I specifically chose South Beach for me because I wanted something that did not require me to keep track of calories or journal my food, but that would rid this body of cravings. With the exception of that whole Chocolate Stat incident last month, it's done just that for me! It is also of great importance to just MOVE - whether it be walking around the block, taking a class at the gym, or doing an exercise DVD in the comfort of your own home.

I've been asked how I plan to celebrate this 100 lb. mark. I didn't have any specific plans...probably because I know I'm not done. Though I know I shouldn't reward myself with food, I did allow myself to indulge *slightly* on this Memorial Day. I went to lunch with my Amy. We decided to be adventurous (for us, this means we went to a restaurant we have never been to before). I had a margarita. It was amazing. The rest of the meal (fajitas, no rice, double beans) was South Beach friendly. After lunch, I went to my Meliska's house for a BBQ. There, I had a little bit of crockpot mac 'n cheese. It was just a taste, definitely not on the diet, but mmmm...it was good. Thanks to Greggy-D for that bite of heaven! Later in the day, I had a scoop of dirt cake that Greg's cousin Amanda made. She told me she made it with sugar free pudding, South Beach approved Cool Whip, reduced fat oreos, and some gummy worms. So, with the exception of the oreos and the gummy worm, it wasn't soooo bad. haha!

I guess I will just start planning my REAL reward for when I reach my goal weight - which will hopefully be by the end of the year. In the meanwhile, I will continue my healthy eating and my exercising (with a strong focus on running) and fully enjoy my increased energy and rejuvenated spirit.