Half Way There

Tuesday marked my six month mark (and my half birthday). The time has flown by. First things first, my monthly results:

Oct 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31.5 inches

Nov 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31 inches
Down 1/2 inch! Down 2.5 inches total!

Oct 3rd Hips: 36.5 inches

Nov 3rd Hips: 36.25

Down 1/4 an inch! Down 2.75 inches total!

Oct 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
Nov 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
No Change (but I really think I am exchanging it for muscle).
Down 3/4 inch total!

Oct 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
Nov 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
No Change. Down 1 inch total!

Now for the six month pics. Suprisingly, posting these was not easier than posting them last time. I thought I would be over it and confident, but I still feel exposed and vulnerable. However, I think it's really important to share. First you'll see Day One, followed by the Six Month Mark. And yes, I got new curtains in my livingroom :)

Then  Now

Then   Now

I didn't share my back pic in May, because I was embarrased, but the pics show some telling results, so I am sucking it up and sharing, because there is nothing to be ashamed of-these are just progress shots, I'm not done yet!

Then Now

So, although I dreamed of being further along after so many weeks of effort, I think I represent the many women who are very busy, don't have personal trainers, private chefs, and expensive pre-made food services, or have hours to work out everyday. I am a real woman on this journey! (However, I think a personal trainer and private chef sound dreamy!) I also need to celebrate the fact that I've lost 7 inches of mush off of my body, I am much firmer, and my clothes are loose. That's a great feeling!

I've realized that since I am someone who has always been chubby (and at times clinically obese), I don't have that picture in my head of what I will look like when I reach my goals. I've never been in shape and thin. I have never seen myself slim and svelt with muscle tone. I've neer been able to wear an outfit that shows off my legs because my thighs have always been jiggly and doughy. The goal pictures in my head are of other people and what I hope I can look like. I have to make sure to manage those expectations since we're all different and the look of my fit bod will be unique to me. Unfortunantely I will never be able to look just like fitness inspiration Janine although I can definitely use her as motivation!

I would say the two biggest factors that have contributed to what I have achieved thus far are:

Support and Being Picky

Support:

You fabulous motivating followers are always in the back of my head when I have tough decisions to make, and the first group of people I want to tell about successes. I appreciate you!!

My hubby and pals: I feel very lucky to be surrounded by people who are supportive of my plight and accept when I turn down junk food offers and don't pressure me to overindulge.

Being Picky:

I am a pickier eater than I have ever been. For the most part I only eat or drink something if I really want it. If I am not really enjoying something I typically stop, because it's a waste of calories and will only doom me in the end (even if it's not a seemingly detrimental high cal treat). I think this is a great habit to form, and it keeps me from mindlessly eating everything in sight when I am stressed out and helps me pay better attention to my food.

So there you have it. I am half way there. There is still a long road ahead, but I haven't given up, and I am glad so many folks have stuck with me.

Up Next: Embarking on a new way to nourish myself inside and out and really care for myself. I'm very excited to talk about this!