of my better health journey!

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Last April:

This March:

It was actually last week, but I’m always a day late and a dollar short around these blog parts, you know?

So…last year on April 8th, 2021 I finally knew it was time. I was unhappy, uncomfortable, I had just eaten my weight in Easter honeybaked ham, Sister Schubert’s rolls, potato casserole, and red velvet cake, and I had been having horrible back spasms. Also, I was returning to in-person teaching for the first time in over a year. I was scared. My main motivation was really not vanity, but health. I swear!

I knew that packing my lunches again was going to be on my side. I had had full reign of the food in the house for over a year while I was virtual teaching. I also baked a lot of bread – and then ate it. And, I was also depressed. I was more isolated than I had ever been as a new empty nester and a virtual teacher. There was no reason to put on real pants. Leggings were my friends – until they weren’t.

There are two types of people:

  1. Those who got in the best shape of their lives during the pandemic.
  2. Those who drank and ate their feelings during the pandemic.

I will let you guess which one I was.

So, I finally told my blog readers about this new health journey in July here. I waited for a long time because I was afraid of failure. I mean, it wouldn’t have been the first time I told the blogosphere that I was getting healthy. Hang head.

Since then, I have updated you about once a month on my progress and the foods that have kept me satisfied.

Are you ready to hear my one year stats? I wish I had taken measurements, but I didn’t.

I have lost 60 pounds!

I have gone down at least 3 pant sizes and 3 blouse sizes, too.

I have not really sacrificed fun, etiher. As you have seen from my posts, I still enjoy treats quite often. In fact, I probably could have lost a lot quicker, but I knew that I wanted a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.

I have done this primarily through diet. I really do believe that it is 80% diet and 20% exercise or something like that. I love and standby WW and think it is the most sustainable plan out there. It teaches you to plan your meals around foods that are better for you and to use the other things more sparingly.

I do not do intermittent fasting. I do try to end my eating around 7 at night, but I eat my breakfast around 8 a.m.

I have learned that I love ground turkey, ground chicken, spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and so much more!

I really don’t miss all of the cheese, bread, and chips I used to eat. But, if I am craving something I do have it.

I am learning to listen to my hunger cues more.

There are no good or bad foods. There is just food.

I don’t like the term “cheat” day. I’m not cheating by giving my body a treat that it may need.

I am trying to prioritize protein. I aim for 30 grams per meal. I have learned that this is important for making me feel full.

I really try to not do too many processed foods. No, I’m not perfect in this regard, but I am trying.

I try not to do too many artificial sweeteners, but I do use some.

If you are thinking of starting your own journey, you can do this! Seriously, if I can do this, anyone can. If you are wondering about the cost to do WW, they are always running specials. I am paying about $20 a month for the app (which I think is really worth it) and I look at it like this – it is less than $1 a day. I used to spend at least $20 a month on drive through coffee drinks or treats. You are worth it.

Amy

35 thoughts on “My One Year Anniversary…”

  2. You look fabulous and I bet you feel so much better too! I also really tend to sing WW praises because I feel like it has taught me how to treat myself and what best foods to eat all the rest of the time. I can’t believe it’s already been a year though… man, time does fly! I have been trying lots of “new” foods thanks to your posts and I love seeing how you treat yourself and then balance it out the rest of the time.

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    1. Thank you and I do! You were one of my inspirations I hope you know. It really does teach you how to live. I can’t believe it either. I am so glad I chose my health a year ago. This is the first spring in a long time that I am not dreading spring and summer clothes because I have lost some weight – finally!

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    1. Thank you! I am not sure I picked the best before and after photos and I can’t believe how much more I have lost in my face and upper body. I didn’t think that would be the case. Of course, I should have never gained in the first place, but ya know – life. I’m not sure teaching encourages a healthy lifestyle and balance, but that is maybe an excuse!

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  8. Congratulations Amy! Your diligence and hard work have really paid off and you look wonderful. I’m sure your fellows are very proud of you!

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  9. Your WW updates and tips are so motivational and helpful! You look wonderful! —And I’m sure feel much better. I am currently getting motivated by hip and knee pain. Congratulations on this achievement!

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  11. I just want you to know you are one of the ones that inspired me to get on the lifestyle change. I did WW many moons ago and was successful. I have taken habits and foods that I ate back then and started my own journey. I have also taken some tips from you! I have lost 19.6 lbs since January 4th. and will not stop till all 50 lbs that I need to lose are off me. I know now that I will always have to log my food, even when I get to my goal. Anyway, really just wanted you to know thanks for the inspiration and keep going girl! You look great!

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    1. This touches my heart! I had others that inspired me and it is so nice to be able to pay that forward. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me, too. That is amazing! I have had a friend tell me that maintaining is the hardest part. Eek! Yes, logging is so important. We just don’t realize what we are eating without that accountablility, but you will get to where you kind of know how much you can eat, I think. Thank you so much!

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  12. Amy you look amazing!! I know you must be so proud of yourself. You did this the right way, by making sustainable choices that will overall better your health. Congratulations!

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