One Step at a Time
- Thread starter AnnSparks
- Start date
AnnSparks
New member
Alright, so today I actually took some pics to show the size I am now as a "before" type of thing. Background is a little messy cause I have blankets on my chair since I was cold this morning lol. Also dont have a full length mirror so this is the best I could do and my phone decided to take really bad photos. But oh well, they work well enough for their purpose.
And I added in a bonus pic of one of my cat that came over to see what I was up to. So yes, I have 2 horses, and I have 2 cats as well. The one in the pic is named Tiger and she is about 9 months old and I've been in her life since the minute she was born (literally). Even had to bottle feed her at one point cause momma cat decided to take off for a bit xP. And no, I don't own the momma cat.
And I added in a bonus pic of one of my cat that came over to see what I was up to. So yes, I have 2 horses, and I have 2 cats as well. The one in the pic is named Tiger and she is about 9 months old and I've been in her life since the minute she was born (literally). Even had to bottle feed her at one point cause momma cat decided to take off for a bit xP. And no, I don't own the momma cat.
Great photos! Or slightly fuzzy photos, if someone wanted to be pedantic, but of a really good-looking (and healthy-looking!) woman. They'll be a really benchmark for comparison in... what... three months' time? I'm sure you've said a time, but I've sloppily forgotten. Anyway, - you look terrific right now, and the photos will be a really good benchmark for whenever, when you'll look even better!
(Like the colours, by the way - that dark greeny-blue against the bluey-green!)
(Like the colours, by the way - that dark greeny-blue against the bluey-green!)
Also you're smiling in the cat pic and that's always a good thing. But nobody smiles in before pictures, of course. Gotta stay true to the brand 
alligatorob
Respected Member
Hey Ann, thanks for the pictures, its always nice to put a face with a name. I agree with Liza and Amy you are a very healthy looking beautiful young lady. And now I am looking forward to following your progress so I can add slimmer to that list soon! And as you get slimmer you'll feel better and be even healthier.
Keep up the good work!
And I agree its a nice cat, but I prefer horses.
Keep up the good work!
And I agree its a nice cat, but I prefer horses.
AnnSparks
New member
Thanks guys! I honestly don't see the healthy look part myself but I appreciate the words anyway 
And I honestly find it very hard to smile in pictures. Have for a couple years. Kinda funny how it's gotten that way since I've seen pictures of myself as a kid and when I was 10 and younger, I was quite the clown for pictures lol. Would often strike poses or do something silly. So I would love to get back to the point of being confident in myself and how I look enough to feel comfortable doing that again.
Feeling pretty good right now. I've been watching some youtube videos that have continued to encourage me to push on and keep going. So that's what I'm doing. I managed to get in a bit of a workout this morning. Went on the bike thing again (having a brain fart on what it's really called) for about 14 mins. During this, I didn't use the handle bars since sitting straight makes my body engage my core muscles a lot more. Also did some arm stretches like that and afterwards, got off and did some lunges and leg stretches since my muscles were warm.
I've also discovered that my left side is weaker than the right. I noticed a few times that my right would do all the work while my left side just went along for the ride so to speak. Same goes with my arms. I lifted weights a little and I my left forearm muscles were sore/stiff, where is my right arm was unfazed much longer. I am right handed, so I think that's translated into the way I use my body as well along with the different ways I've had to walk or move to accomidate an injurred limb in the past. So now I have to deal with those after effects.
I'm also getting pretty close to deciding to go for it when it comes to the personal trainer. Since I'm starting out, I would much prefer to start with a female trainer, but since my town is so small, I'm only coming across the one guy right now. So I guess I'll just have to start that way. Just for a few sessions anyway to help me get the idea of what I'm supposed to be doing and how so that I can then continue on my own.
Also finally noticing some changes too! Like, I've had less bloating. I usually don't notice bloating, but yesterday, I could definitely feel that I wasn't bloated since the whole day, my stomach actually felt flatter and not like it was sticking out a lot. Very nice change. Also been struggling mentally but I think part of it is due to my smaller portion sizes and my body was struggling to deal with that. But yesterday was like I finally made a break through and actually had energy and was in a pretty good mental state for the day. My body is also getting used to the new sleep schedule which can be a little challenging at times. I generally go to bed around 8, sometimes at 9pm. But every morning, I get up at 4 am. I get up this early so that I have time to make breakfast and anything else I need to have ready for lunch or supper, do a bit of a workout (which I haven't been too consistent with), and go tend to the horses before work. Unfortunately, today I woke up around 3:30 instead and was so awake that I just got up, but actually feel like I have energy to do things.
And if all goes well, I may end up going to the gym on Monday since it's my day off and see about starting a membership or something and see about personal training. So ya, things could be getting rather interesting in life pretty soon. Going to the gym is honestly more intimadating that I'm doing it in the town I'm in currently cause I'm related to like, half the town xD I have a big family. And I don't really want to run into people I know. But my health and fitness is more important so I'll just have to suck it up I suppose.
A little pic of my salad and tea for breakfast.
And I honestly find it very hard to smile in pictures. Have for a couple years. Kinda funny how it's gotten that way since I've seen pictures of myself as a kid and when I was 10 and younger, I was quite the clown for pictures lol. Would often strike poses or do something silly. So I would love to get back to the point of being confident in myself and how I look enough to feel comfortable doing that again.
Feeling pretty good right now. I've been watching some youtube videos that have continued to encourage me to push on and keep going. So that's what I'm doing. I managed to get in a bit of a workout this morning. Went on the bike thing again (having a brain fart on what it's really called) for about 14 mins. During this, I didn't use the handle bars since sitting straight makes my body engage my core muscles a lot more. Also did some arm stretches like that and afterwards, got off and did some lunges and leg stretches since my muscles were warm.
I've also discovered that my left side is weaker than the right. I noticed a few times that my right would do all the work while my left side just went along for the ride so to speak. Same goes with my arms. I lifted weights a little and I my left forearm muscles were sore/stiff, where is my right arm was unfazed much longer. I am right handed, so I think that's translated into the way I use my body as well along with the different ways I've had to walk or move to accomidate an injurred limb in the past. So now I have to deal with those after effects.
I'm also getting pretty close to deciding to go for it when it comes to the personal trainer. Since I'm starting out, I would much prefer to start with a female trainer, but since my town is so small, I'm only coming across the one guy right now. So I guess I'll just have to start that way. Just for a few sessions anyway to help me get the idea of what I'm supposed to be doing and how so that I can then continue on my own.
Also finally noticing some changes too! Like, I've had less bloating. I usually don't notice bloating, but yesterday, I could definitely feel that I wasn't bloated since the whole day, my stomach actually felt flatter and not like it was sticking out a lot. Very nice change. Also been struggling mentally but I think part of it is due to my smaller portion sizes and my body was struggling to deal with that. But yesterday was like I finally made a break through and actually had energy and was in a pretty good mental state for the day. My body is also getting used to the new sleep schedule which can be a little challenging at times. I generally go to bed around 8, sometimes at 9pm. But every morning, I get up at 4 am. I get up this early so that I have time to make breakfast and anything else I need to have ready for lunch or supper, do a bit of a workout (which I haven't been too consistent with), and go tend to the horses before work. Unfortunately, today I woke up around 3:30 instead and was so awake that I just got up, but actually feel like I have energy to do things.
And if all goes well, I may end up going to the gym on Monday since it's my day off and see about starting a membership or something and see about personal training. So ya, things could be getting rather interesting in life pretty soon. Going to the gym is honestly more intimadating that I'm doing it in the town I'm in currently cause I'm related to like, half the town xD I have a big family. And I don't really want to run into people I know. But my health and fitness is more important so I'll just have to suck it up I suppose.
A little pic of my salad and tea for breakfast.
alligatorob
Respected Member
Hey Ann, you have very healthy nice looking skin and a nice face. And although you are a bit overweight your body shape is good. A nice looking and healthy looking girl, very easy to look at. As you get slimmer and you'll be even healthier.
Nice indeed, and it will only get better.
Yeah, I went through that too, all I can say is stick with it and things will get easier. I call the first few weeks the withdrawal stage, it takes the body a while to understand that the bingeing and junk food days are over. Logging in here and writing about how you are feeling and doing can help, and you are pretty good at that.
Your health absolutely is what matters most, what you think others may think should be pretty low on your list of worries. The truth is other people can see you and know you would be better off losing weight. Knowing you are working at it is more likely to positively impress than anything else. If you see one of your friends or relatives trying to better themselves don't you think better of them?
Hang in there you are doing great!
Hope the gym and trainer works out well for you. I always get intimidated by gyms in general. Just all the people looking like they know what they're doing haha. But yes when I used to go regularly I found people really friendly and supportive so hopefully yours will be like that too.
Are you going to ask the trainer for a routine to use at the gym or one that you can do on your own at home? I prefer now to do workouts at home (not that I do much of one these days)
Are you going to ask the trainer for a routine to use at the gym or one that you can do on your own at home? I prefer now to do workouts at home (not that I do much of one these days)
So good you found a breakthrough with your energy. Yes the adjusting to new ways of eating can be tough for sure! I'm impressed with your early waking. I used to be such an early riser and loved the quiet of the mornings, but lately there's no way i could face a 4 am waking!
AnnSparks
New member
Update
Current Weight: 215.5 lbs
Total Weight Lost: 5 lbs
I'm pretty excited. I'm back on track with losing weight and actually feeling better again. And with watching the different videos, I have learnt that consistency is key with meals. So I'm thinking for a few weeks, I'll do pretty much the same meals, but maybe after 3 or 4 weeks of this, I'll switch up the meal. This way I'll still get some variety, but also will be able to have consistent meals to help with the weight loss.
And for my cheat meal, I'm going to make one of my favorite keto fat bombs. This way, even if I have a few more than I normally would, it's still healthy and not going to throw my body for a loop with something that's suddenly much higher carb intake than I've been doing the rest of the time.
I've also realized that I haven't had any bread, bagels, wraps, or anything similar to that at all this year yet. Which means nearly a month lol. I know bread can be a big thing that contributes to weight gain if the rest of your meals aren't properly balanced either. And honestly, I haven't really missed bread. On random occasions, I think a sandwich would taste really good, but it's usually just a momentary thought and it's gone as soon as it pops up.
- - - - - -
@liza I'm probably going to ask for a few personal training sessions to help me get an idea how to use the equipment and perhaps a recommended training plan and after a few sessions with him, do it on my own. I'm probably going to do them at the gym as the floor in my cabin is not straight in the slightest which makes it hard to do a workout since the floor is so uneven.
Current Weight: 215.5 lbs
Total Weight Lost: 5 lbs
I'm pretty excited. I'm back on track with losing weight and actually feeling better again. And with watching the different videos, I have learnt that consistency is key with meals. So I'm thinking for a few weeks, I'll do pretty much the same meals, but maybe after 3 or 4 weeks of this, I'll switch up the meal. This way I'll still get some variety, but also will be able to have consistent meals to help with the weight loss.
And for my cheat meal, I'm going to make one of my favorite keto fat bombs. This way, even if I have a few more than I normally would, it's still healthy and not going to throw my body for a loop with something that's suddenly much higher carb intake than I've been doing the rest of the time.
I've also realized that I haven't had any bread, bagels, wraps, or anything similar to that at all this year yet. Which means nearly a month lol. I know bread can be a big thing that contributes to weight gain if the rest of your meals aren't properly balanced either. And honestly, I haven't really missed bread. On random occasions, I think a sandwich would taste really good, but it's usually just a momentary thought and it's gone as soon as it pops up.
- - - - - -
@liza I'm probably going to ask for a few personal training sessions to help me get an idea how to use the equipment and perhaps a recommended training plan and after a few sessions with him, do it on my own. I'm probably going to do them at the gym as the floor in my cabin is not straight in the slightest which makes it hard to do a workout since the floor is so uneven.
Lovely!
alligatorob
Respected Member
Good for you, and it sounds like you are on a roll now. Keep it up!
AnnSparks
New member
So, I didn't make it to the gym today. But I did still manage to get exercise in. Spent some time with the horses and took my big guy out for a walk. Since he has long legs, I had to walk a little faster than I usually would to give him a comfortable pace. We didn't walk too far, but it was a decent ways. Also spent some time cleaning up the pen and hauling wheelbarrows of poop around isn't fun to do and definitely makes the arms sore after a bit. But at least it makes for a good workout.
I also had a rather interesting dream last night where I was starting to swim laps and I realized when I woke up, that I could definitely do that as a way to work off some weight as well. Pool is currently closed for maintenance, but I'll have to get a bathing suit and see about starting to go swimming. I honestly haven't been swimming in... 4 - 6 years roughly. So it'll be good to get back in the water and swim around.
I've also been finding some food that's very low carb which awesome. One of them being hemp hearts. So I think I'm going to starting adding the hemp into different meals since it's very high in healthy fat and protein.
Once more, some pics of my boys.
I also had a rather interesting dream last night where I was starting to swim laps and I realized when I woke up, that I could definitely do that as a way to work off some weight as well. Pool is currently closed for maintenance, but I'll have to get a bathing suit and see about starting to go swimming. I honestly haven't been swimming in... 4 - 6 years roughly. So it'll be good to get back in the water and swim around.
I've also been finding some food that's very low carb which awesome. One of them being hemp hearts. So I think I'm going to starting adding the hemp into different meals since it's very high in healthy fat and protein.
Once more, some pics of my boys.
alligatorob
Respected Member
Didn't know a hemp had a heart, but if it works on your diet go for it.
Good for you on the progress, and always nice to see your boys!
Look at those pretty braids 
My hair used to be that color and it always gives me a feeling of kinship
Swimming is great exercise, although it makes me extremely hungry afterwards, and I love hemp hearts. Important to measure/weigh them though, as they're quite high-calorie.
My hair used to be that color and it always gives me a feeling of kinship Swimming is great exercise, although it makes me extremely hungry afterwards, and I love hemp hearts. Important to measure/weigh them though, as they're quite high-calorie.