Hello all! I have been away for quite some time as I started a brand new job that means putting in tons and tons of hours (60+ per week) while I am working it but I am now off for the next month, so I thought I would post.

Many of you may remember me from before and how frustrated I used to be because I could NEVER get below my weight of 122 lbs. I was frustrated because on a body that only stands 5.0'5 tall, every extra pound shows. I eventually got out of the 120's but still at a very high weight (just my own opinion)

So I just went on with my life and stopped worrying about the poundage. I was also a little frustrated with my food as well, because I have never been a big meat eater but didn't care too much for the soy burgers, either. So I finally found something in which I could stick with that made me very happy and that satisfied me. I started eating moderate carb whole foods - fresh fruit, fresh veggies with olive oil, nuts & seeds, green smoothies (absolutley delicious!) &whole grains every other day (though sometimes I might go a month or two without any as I don't crave them the way I used to) I continued doing my hour walk daily and my weight training for 40 minutes 3x a week. So basically, I just stopped focusing on the numbers on the scale and went on with my life - enjoying myself, taking long walks, enjoying the sunshine, focusing on reading the Bible a ton more, focusing on helping people, focusing on my work, of course, too and just kept my mind off those numbers. Of course, I started slimming down more without even realizing it until I got into a pair of my pants and my dh looked at me and said, 'looks like you're going to have to get rid of those now, too.' Not too long after that, I got on the scale just for curiosity's sake and woalah! - 105 lbs! Did that take me by surprise! People kept on telling me that I was looking thinner and better, but I had no clue!

It was only when I really stopped worrying about the numbers that I hit my goal weight. It was only when I started focusing on things other than the numbers on the scale that I hit my goal weight (and dh surprised me with a brand new beautiful outfit a week later).

So, I hope this will be an encouragement to any of you out there who have continued focusing on the numbers on the scale. Start focusing on other things like I did, and the pounds will melt away without you even knowing.

Congradulations Sheyla!

__________________
Anik

Stats
198/183/115
"My metabolism isn't low, it's just hibernating!"

sheyla

Good for you It is wonderful to hear of a success story. I believe that what you intend for others you create for yourself. By taking the focus off of you and looking at the "big" picture you did just that. Like we have all known for all of our lives eat right and exercise and you can be healthy. Thanks for sharing.

Congrats, Sheyla!

I have informed all my co-workers that I am no longer "dieting" I fell into that worrying about it all the time too. My mind had gotten away from thinking of this as a lifestyle change.

So I am glad to hear that your new line of thinking has worked for you and you've reached your goal. 81 pounds taken off of a little frame such as yours is a tremendous accomplishment.

__________________
Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Sounds like you gave this to God when you started reading your bible more. Couldn't have a better team then when God is on your side sweetie!

__________________

Hi Sheyla!!

Welcome back!

Ya know, stress can play a big part in the prevention of weight loss. So it looks like your LACK of stressing over this probably contributed. Now, you are more than at goal weight, so you need to try to maintain that with your healthy lifestyle. Sounds like your life is going great!!!!

__________________

Oh, well done, Sheyla! What an inspiring story you brought us. It sounds like you've really internalized your healthy lifestyle - awesome, indeed! I bet you look just smashing in that lovely outfit your hubby bought for you. What great guy, eh?

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.