01 October, 2009

Then And Now

I posted about this subject earlier this summer, beginning a diet and removing my acrylic nails... big changes that happened at the same time. The nails were the easy part, I had to take drastic measures on the diet; counted calories, removed between meal snacks and eliminated desserts and empty calories. It wasn't fun, but the pounds did come off, slowly. I expected the s-l-o-w-l-y part, being a woman of, *ahem*, a certain age; but now that it's gone it's not going back on. No, it isn't; it will have to find somewhere else to live, somebody else's hips to hang out on. I was in denial, I even blamed the dryer for shrinking my jeans, (that's where I held onto the weight, below the belt) I have apologized to my Kenmore but it just stared back at me blankly; doubting my sincerity, I am certain. The hardest thing for me to give up were those little square cheese crackers in the red box, (you know the ones), I could devour fistfuls of them at a time! Once I was able to control the afternoon craving for those my life did get easier. Of course there's nothing new, magical or different about practicing some much needed self-control and ramping up the physical exercise. It's the same old formula for losing weight that it's always been, the simple one that I seem to forget all too easily over and over again. But no more, now, with the hint of chill in the early autumn air, I can feel the benefits from months of sacrificing bad habits for a healthier lifestyle in small ways that mean a great deal: more energy, a favorite belt that isn't too tight anymore (just being able to tuck shirts in!) and rings that slip on and off the way they are supposed to. Less food, better choices, huge results~ go figure!
Life is Good!
...and even better when clothes fit...


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24 comments:

BJ said...

You look terrific! Congratulations! I'm on the same path you are - must be the "certain age" thing.

Linda in NC said...

You look great; your hard work certainly paid off and is inspirational for another lady of a "certain age".

Ancestor Collector said...

You always look wonderful! :-) Congratulations on achieving success and reaching your goal.

It sure does get harder to keep extra weight off at this *ahem* age. I went to WW eight years ago and by going back every month to get weighed, I've had the incentive to keep the weight off. I feel like it's a constant struggle and sometimes, not very much fun, but I know it's much more healthy for me.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Another similarity (this list must be endless) ~ I adore those crackers, too (although I've given them up for reasons other than just weight).

Congrats on your success ~ may you continue to enjoy the benefits!!!!!

Linda said...

Congrats on your weight loss. I was in the same predicament 2 years ago. By using portion control, cutting out snacks,and ramping up my exercise program, I dropped 35 lbs. in a year. Then I ran a 5K road race in 31 minutes at age 60. Losing weight is not easy, but once it's gone, keeping it off isn't that hard - You simply have to control what you put into your mouth.
You look absolutely terrific in your photo!

bingo~bonnie said...

Way to go YOU! :) I'm excited for you and just reading your post is very motivating.. I'm sitting here thinking, if she can do it - I can too.

Love from Texas! ~bonnie

*karendianne. said...

Svelte you! July 28th was my day. Silently I embarked. Same journey. Had a lot to do with my health, wanting to take advantage of the time I'm given right now. Wanting to bring the "best Karen" to fruition. Takes a lot to find "best Karen" but this was one of them. 1/3 of the goal is shed & I dig it!

Anonymous said...

Ummm....you looked good before too! I'm just saying....you were tiny when we met. :-) Good job and congrats on your success....your so "teeny tiny".

Rhonda said...

You look wonderful!! Congratulations!

Teresa said...

WTG - you are an inspiration for us all.

Michele Bilyeu said...

"Go figure!" Indeed! You look amazing! How in the world did you still keep in off while on a cruise? I've heard the food is out of the world! But then, so is my home state of Alaska ;) You are such an inspiration! And we love your steadfastness in the face of the opposition..especially that which comes in red boxes!

AnnieO said...

Congrats on some hard work done well! Those four words can be very difficult to manage: "Eat less, move more". I know of the red cracker box and I can NOT have those in my house at all!

quiltmom anna said...

Congratulations on your success- Debbie, the most important thing is that you feel better about the way you look- you are beautiful in both photos.
Feeling healthy is a really valuable thing especially as we get to be women of a certain age
Thanks for your inspiring post.
Regards.
Anna

Salem Stitcher said...

You look marvelous! It's amazing how that formula works, isn't it?

Zlaty said...

Congrats!

I have to get on track... portion control...easy to say, hard to do!

Have a great week and thanks for the inspiration!

Zlaty

Carrie P. said...

Well, you look great! Oh, it is hard work keeping our girlish figures. I am proud of you.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the loss, or should I say, the win!!! It does get harder and harder each year that passes to be able to get those pounds to drop! Kudos to you! What an inspiration!!

StitchinByTheLake said...

You looked beautiful before but you are truly glowing now. I know how hard that is and how pleased you must be. Congratulations! blessings, marlene

Tanya said...

Hey, you looked good then and NOW! I have a feeling that you could hardly go wrong anyway. I am trying to do the battle the exercise way but not fantastic results yet. I am SO glad those cheese crackers in the red box are not available in Japan!!!

Janet said...

Congratulations! I think a lot of us struggle with our weight at "that certain age"!, I know I do! I try the same tactics, but seem to fizzle out after a couple of weeks. Sometimes I feel it's just as successful if I just don't gain anything! But you look great! Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Well, GOOD FOR YOU! I am walking that very path at this time. You are so right, it is a slow process. You look wonderful and I want to congratulate you.

Libby said...

Way to go!

julieQ said...

A wise lady told me...you are not trying to lose weight, you are trying to gain health! I am so proud of you! That is hard work, and it looks great on you.

I have a good life said...

Found your blog randomly. I am so impressed with your weight loss and especially the great way you did it! You look absolutely amazing! :)