Saturday, March 2, 2013

Before Pictures - The Naked Truth - 2 weeks into my challenge

Before you continue I have to warn you, if you will be offended by seeing me in my sports bra, and undies, showing my belly fat then please do not continue reading.

This has to be the hardest thing I've done, pretty close to EVER. It's brutally honest, I'm being incredibly vulnerable, and I swear that if anyone even thinks about saying anything negative, SHAME ON YOU! I will not tolerate that kind of thing here, so DO NOT post anything, or say anything that is likely to hurt my feelings. I'm not sharing myself to be ridiculed, I'm sharing myself so that I can inspire someone else who might be struggling like me, and hopefully finally reach my goal as a result. I am scared to death of being laughed at, and to be SEEN like this. It's almost more than I can stand, but somehow I feel like it has to be done. I hope I'm not wrong!

As I look back at my life, I can never recall a time that I ever had the slim six pack. However up until having my first baby, I was always on the slim side. I don't THINK I'm heavy boned, but genetically all the ladies in my family carry all their weight in the middle. Tummy!! Not even hips so much, but literally all in the tummy, and back, as is clear from my pictures.

I wish I could tell you exactly how my body became like this. I mean I've always thought that I eat pretty good, and in terms of healthy organic food we do. We have been for almost 10 years now. I cook a lot, we don't eat much processed food at home, and I kind of tricked myself to believe that we don't really eat out a lot. BUT we do. We used to anyway! I'm trying to change that.

Food, I love food. No doubt about it. I know portion control was never a strong point for me, I would eat what I wanted, and as much as I wanted, and that was that! I've never been on a diet before, yup, NEVER. Most days I would eat 2-3 times a day, and pig out at each meal. Why because I was always hungry, WHY, because I wasn't feeding my body often enough.

I also tricked myself into believing we ate enough fruit and veggies, and the reality is not true. Again, something I'm trying to change. Mostly the veggies.

Also we can't forget about exercise, or my lack of to be exact. Once upon a time back in the day, way back in the day I used to really love working out. Then I had kids. Enough said!

However about 5 years ago I took my first YOGA class, and have been hooked ever since. I simply love everything about it, but even then it's been an on and off practice for me. Hardly practicing everyday which I could easily do even at home if I were serious about it. We have TWO gym memberships, yes TWO - and I have not put either to use for almost a year. Clearly shame on me.

Never enjoyed running, but will try. Never could do many sit ups, or push ups, and am slowly working on getting stronger everyday! I'm seriously sore from trying!

A little over a year ago I started Tae Kwon Do with my youngest, in hopes of getting fit, and eventually  becoming a black belt like my other older two kids. I JUST made it to my 3rd belt, YELLOW a week ago. You know why, because we didn't go much this past year.

Yes, my friends. This past year I have EASILY put on, again I say EASILY....... 15 pounds. Not that I regularly weight myself, so Im not sure, but I HAVE NEVER EVER EVER EVER been more than 180 pounds, and that was when I was going to the hospital 9 months pregnant, getting ready to give birth to a big ol baby!!

The last time I actually remember weighing myself I was around 170 pounds.

Ok, so bottom line is this is what I look like now, and you know what???  It's not much different than what my tummy looked like last year or the year before, or at any other time the past 13 years. Ever since having my firstborn.

I know for a fact simply by trying on clothes, that I've gained a crap load more than I was even after having my second kiddo, my beautiful daughter. I can't even get some jeans up my thighs that I wore 2 months after having her a little over 8 years ago.

I have yet to actually take some proper measurements with a tape measure, maybe I'll get to that this week. I also want to take some pics with the clothes I'd like to eventually fit into again. You know as a huge visual so you can see far I have yet to go.

Again my apologies if you find this post full of my before pics gross. I even made them black and white, because somehow they don't look AS BAD that way.

My number one advice for anyone of you who are trying to get healthier, is to TAKE SOME BEFORE PICS. I know that posting them for everyone to see might not be your thing, and I never thought I'd have the courage to do so myself. AT least without having a good AFTER pic to show along side it. BUT the time has come for me to get REAL here. There is simply no hiding how I look, even if I can somehow make it look less noticeable with my clothes on. You can't EXACTLY see all my rolls, all the fat, all that unhealthiness, but you know it's there. My family sees it, my kids see it, and my gosh, I see it every day!!

Enough is enough!

I need to take responsibility for my own body, for my own health, and if this doesn't get my butt moving, then I don't know what will.

I can't even imagine the feeling of defeat knowing I posted these pictures, and won't work hard enough to show you what one can do if they truly put their mind to it. I don't want to be a failure, not at this. Not anymore.

PLEASE help me, with any encouraging words you can give. PLEASE refrain from sharing any magic diet, or pills, or things like that with me. I'm sorry but I want to do it eating REAL food, and working out. That's it!

Here are the pics, outlined by date, and any other details I jotted down at the time. Nothing magical happening so far, but that's OK. I still have 4 weeks to go, on THIS challenge, and lots to work on still. I've started, and this is my beginning!!

  • Wednesday - Day 3/40
  • 8:58 am 
  • My 3rd day of the challenge, first time at the gym in almost a year, getting ready for my YIN YOGA class, which was fabulous by the way. 

  • For the sake of being brutally honest, I'm baring my entire belly for you all to see. Usually I pull my pants over my tummy, so it kind of smushes it in, you know what I'm talking about, right? However that would not be really how I look. So all pics will be taken with the full tummy out, as unpleasant as it is for me. 


  •  About fainted when I saw the numbers on the scale. It was SCARY to say the least!


  • Then I went to get some other measurements on my body fat and bmi. Again, all signs lead to OBESE.... yup. I'm literally in the obese category now. Pretty much depressing, if I were to let it get me down. Instead I'm choosing to DEAL with it, and work hard to get healthy. Much better if I do say so myself :)


  • Here I am in the changing stall, getting ready to bare it all. 
  • I've just finished my yoga class. 
  • 11:35 am


  •  I'm so nervous!!


  •  Good GOD, please help me. This is my body now, and I know I need to love it, but I don't. I simply don't. I do know that I MUST cherish it though, it is the only one I will ever have, and if I don't start treating it better, it can't take care of me. 


  •  I need to appreciate that I am "healthy" and strong. I am CAPABLE of doing so much more, and I must do it. Stop taking this great gift for granted. I know there are so many who would give anything to HAVE a body full of potential. 


  •  A body, that although has been neglected, is just WAITING for another opportunity to shine. 

  • This is my BACK.... I really hate that I have rolls even on my back. Just another thing I really need to work on. I'm hopeful that one day it will be gone!


  • My weight after yoga class, wearing a bathing suit, holding my cell. 
  • After going to the spa, steam room, and sauna. 
  • 12:15 pm


  • Just to prove a point. I want you to see why I don't recommend using the scale as your only measurement of progress. Within a couple hours, I literally LOST 2 pounds. Amazing right?
  • This weight was taken only in my undies a couple minutes after the one above. You see, just that bathing suit was weighing me down a whole pound :)


  • Friday - Day 5/40
  • 10:34 am
  • Bathing suit and cell phone
  • After Slow Burn Yoga
  • Before Sauna


  • With clothes on :) Pretty deceptive. Gotta love those tight workout clothes, but you know what? I don't want to LOOK less fat because of what I'm wearing, or putting on a some spanx. I want to look less fat because I truly am less fat, you know what I'm saying!!!
  • This was taken right after my SLOW BURN yoga class, and yeah it was hard. 
  • 11:20 am

  • Barely any visible difference in two days. 


  •  Or is there? I think that MAYBE there is a little less bloating? What do you think?


  •  Getting ready to go detox in the sauna, and hot tub, and steam room - my favorite.


  • After the detox steam rooms, and after peeing, and after drinking LOTS of water, this was my weight. Obviously it's water weight, I'm sweating like crazy in there, but it's really good. All those toxins are just coming out through the sweat. Just make sure to stay hydrated. I drink LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of water. :)
  • Undies and cell phone only

  • Monday - Day 8/40
  • 11:32 am
  • With clothes on after yoga
  • HELLO,,,, can you guys see this. WOW,,, what happened. Seriously 4 pounds in 2 days?
  • Weekends have been challenging for me. 
  • With everyone home, I've been having a hard time staying on SCHEDULE. 
  • No gym, no yoga, no schedule. 
  • Eating with the family, especially the hubby, does not help. 
  • Plus I didn't drink any green tea over the weekend. 
  • Plus I didn't eat early, within 30 minutes, and often enough. 
  • So many things went wrong this weekend, and LOOK what happened. 


  •  After sauna, undies and cell phone only.
  • 11:52 am


  • Wednesday - Day 10/40
  • 9:55 am
  • I got to the gym a couple minutes late today, and my yoga class was FULL. I couldn't go in. 
  • I came unprepared to do anything else, I was only wearing my flip flops. Bo hoo.



  •  Before sauna, undies and cell only.


  •  So since I missed my workout, and was already at the gym, I decided to have a day of pampering. Most definitely not planned, but very much needed. It was GREAT!
  • This was me before my facial :)

  • After my facial :)
  • I had a nice full body massage after this. 
  • Then I went and got a mani/pedi. 
  • A lovely day indeed!


  • Thursday - Day 11/40
  • 1:55 pm
  • After HOT YOGA and sauna, undies and cell only.

  • Friday - yesterday - Day 12/40
  • I didn't weigh myself. I was in a rush after my yoga class to get to my hair appointment. 
  • Got my bangs cut again, what do you think?
  • Then I came home to some BEAUTIFUL flowers by the front door. 
  • It was a LOVELY surprise from my hubby!


  • Here are some final thoughts:
  • Remember friends life is full of ups and downs, just like my weight has been.
  • I know this past week hasn't gone as well as I had planned. 
  • I know I need to do better, because I know I can.
  • I still feel better, I still am proud of myself for trying. 
  • I still have a LONG way to go. 
  • I don't know if my tummy will ever be flat, even if I really HOPE it can be. 
  • I Desperately want my back fat to disappear, but know it can't happen overnight. I accept that!
  • As long as I keep at it, results will come. They have to!
  • Life is beautiful, and I have so much to be thankful for. 
  • If you made it to the end, WOW... I hope you've gotten a small peak into my life. 
  • My struggles, my insecurities, and if they are your's too, then know you are not alone.
  • I HOPE more than anything to reach my goal. 
  • If I can inspire any of you to work towards your goals, then all this was worth it.


  • Remember if you don't have anything NICE to say, PLEASE don't say anything at all. 
  • If you want to leave me some words of ENCOURAGEMENT, thank you!!
  • I truly hope you all have a wonderful day!
  • Enjoy every last drop of it, for every moment is precious. 
  • If you have been waiting to get healthy, I HOPE I've inspired you to do it NOW!

38 comments:

  1. Girl, you are so brave! But I'm so proud of you! Good for you for starting this challenge for yourself! I was considering posting some pics if my body too... Like my belly. Because that's mostly where I have weight to lose (plus my granny arms) and people keep telling me I'm crazy cause I got 30 pounds to lose and are like where? So I wanted to post pics in my sports bra to show how my belly is still flabby. But I've chickened out! You are brave. And I just might have to be brave and share soon too.

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    1. Hey mama, YAY, finally got your attention, lol. I've been asking you to come see me, to encourage me, because shoot, you started this, lol. I've been watching you as you shed that weight, and it was amazing. Always thinking, I NEED to do that, I SHOULD be doing that, and finally I WILL do that!!

      You have inspired so many girl, and I'm happy to bring a little inspiration to anyone who needs it as well. It sure is a wonderful feeling, and makes things so much easier, knowing you are not alone.

      I hope you've taken pictures along the way, even if you never show them to anyone. Believe me, it is amazing to see how far we've come, good or bad, it's all the motivation you will need, once you see yourself LIKE that, in a picture.

      If you get the courage to post some pics, I'm here to tell you, that I could not have been more scared, in fact I didn't even want to read the comments, because I was scared of what they would say. BUT as you can see, everyone has been SOOOOOO amazing, and encouraging. I could not have asked for a better outcome. It's seriously what I had hoped for, and even better.

      So DO IT MAMA!!! You won't regret it :)

      Delete
  2. It's a journey and you are not alone! Congratulations on wanting to get healthy. I shared my own pictures yesterday and I was a bit nervous. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Thanks Mary,

      I know I'm not alone, but I sure felt like that. I really wish I could peek into more people's lives in the way I've been sharing mine. I would find it so helpful, and inspiring. Sometimes, you just want to know every last detail, on how someone reached their goal.

      Hopefully I can paint that picture eventually for others, and they will find it helpful.
      I want everyone to know it's not easy, and it doesn't happen overnight, but if we don't give up, it WILL happen.

      I checked out your post, but only saw one picture, is that the one you were talking about?

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  3. I must say you are brave.. Though I can't relate to or help you with your journey of weight loss as I am on the other side spectrum where I am being asked If I ever eat, how do I stay thin all the time .. Life is not easy at both ends isn't it. Keep up the spirit and work towards your goal. All the best.

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    1. Hi there friend, SO glad you stopped by, I've really missed my blogging buddies :)

      I totally understand Lakshmi, and you are right, obviously I can't imagine ever being asked if I eat enough, lol, but my kids get asked that all the time. They eat lots, especially my daughter, but she is skin and bones, lol.

      I used to be like that when I was young, and so was my mom. Long, lanky, and thin as a board.

      Note to all women, do not have kids, lol..... seriously it was over for me after that, haha.

      Thanks for the kind words, I sure hope you stop by again to check in on me :)

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  4. Bella, am so glad that you are taking your journey to a healthy body this seriously. You are going to reach where you want! I can see that because you are so honest and so determined. Keep your spirits up!
    Hugs!

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  5. I saw your post on project inspire. WOW. You are SO brave, so so brave. GOOD FOR YOU for taking matters into your own hands and controlling your destiny. Eating whole, real food is such a good way to go - and it works I promise. There is something (artificial I'm sure) in those diet meals that keeps you coming back for me. I found WW helpful to get me where I wanted to be (but again - hard to do with whole foods for sure - so much easier to count points when you by the preservative laden WW food) - after getting to my goal - I have maintained my weight - eating real food and minimal processed foods. Good luck to you. You will succeed!! You're amazing for putting this all out there. I am going to try to make a clickable link below to my blog... I'm new to it though :)
    One Organic Mama

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    1. Hey girl, thanks so much for the encouraging words. I've been getting my daily dose from you on facebook, lol.... and Iove it :) I've had friends who swear by WW, but like you said, I don't eat prepackaged foods, and plus I hate counting calories, points, etc. That would take all the fun out of it for me, lol. I've gotten used to taking pics of my food, and actually enjoy that, but that is the extent of it. I simply couldn't handle any other tracking. Plus I don't like that program because it almost condones eating kind of whatever you want, as long as you have enough points left, maybe I'm wrong, but it's just totally not for me.

      Real food, YES... that is my goal, and I'm trying, trying, trying.

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  6. Good for you! You're really putting in the effort to make this happen and that's great!

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    1. Thanks Lisa. I really am trying. This was def the hardest part, REALLY putting myself out there, and accepting my body for now. I think only by doing that, can I actually move forward. I've tried to deny it or hide it for so long, but hey things are a changing around here, and hopefully for the better :)

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  7. I can't tell you refreshing it is to read such an honest post - my family all carry their weight in the middle too!
    Good luck dear Bella - and WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    XOX

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    1. Thank you sooooo much for cheering me on. It means so much to have such wonderful support.
      Yeah, I can't say I WISH I carried my weight on other parts of my body, that would be a lie, but carrying it in the middle is by far the most dangerous, so I REALLy need to get it under control. Its SOOO hard though, dang it.

      I wish that if I could just make the change, my family would follow too. That is truly a very dear goal for me... getting my loved ones to make healthier changes too :)

      Delete
  8. Hi there, newest follower. I just wanted to say Good Luck, I've been exactly where you are, I know we are supposed to love our bodies, but I hated mine. I was over 230lbs at my heaviest. I'd tried loads of "diets" but I could never stick to them, but then one day I seemed to find the willpower and 3 years on I've lost 100lbs and, at the moment, I'm managing to keep it off by exercising daily and eating things in moderation. I know some days it feels like everything is against you, but once it starts coming off it's even more incentive to keep going and I'm sure you can do it, you have all of your blog friends here to support you, so Good Luck! :D

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    1. Oh Annie, thank you so much!! Since coming out, and sharing my body with everyone, I learned something really important, that for me personally I had to desperately ACCEPT my body before I could work on fixing it. I've lived most of my adult life trying to hide it, pretty much in denial.... that I was ok.... when in fact the pounds were just packing on. I could see myself in the mirror, and knew when I had seconds, and even thirds that maybe I shouldn't, lol.... but like I said, totally kept it off my mind. Kind of ignored it, until, well, I just couldn't ignore it anymore.

      I hope that I haven't tortured my body too much, and that it will be kind to me, as I try to heal it.... but it's a long road to where I need to be. I am learning so much every day, and am scared to think I was ever actually healthy.... If only I had taken this seriously sooner.

      What did you do during those 3 years to lose weight? You certainly came a long way for sure. Not that I am looking to "LOSE" weight, but as I get healthier, I guess I will start shedding some. Perhaps around 20-30 pounds from what I've seen is about where I need to be. But mind you this is FAT weight,,,, so I have a LONG, LONG, LONG way to go....

      AGain, thanks so much for the support, and girl, I can't believe you bake all that yumminess, all the time. I am a baker too, but if I gave in and ate all the goodies I know I'd never make it, lol. How do you maintain, when you are constantly baking such yummy sweets?

      Delete
  9. I think you are a beautiful woman. I'm glad to see you sharing open and honestly and I hope to see your "after" pics one day soon!

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    1. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I sure need it. I have such a long way to go, but slowly, and SURELY I will get there. I can't wait to share some after photo's one day soon. What a great day that will be :)

      Thanks so much for stopping by!!

      Delete
  10. YOU GO GIRL! i have to hand it to you, you have alot of guts and it's very admirable that your putting yourself out there. I've tried to work out all my life, here and there i would stop and then start again. You get older and it gets harder but the biggest thing is just to get yourself in the car and drive there.
    Just do it. that has to be your attitude. And it takes time you just have to stick with it. I wish you luck my friend and i will be checking in on your progess. I've started again and i think ill get the measuring tape out and scribble down some measurements to keep track myself.

    thanks for the inspiration
    Lauren

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    1. Lauren, YAY.... so glad to see your pretty face my friend. Thank you so much for stopping by, and checking me out, lol.

      Oh man, I can't even begin to tell you how scary it was to post these pics, but it's been a little over a week now, and it's like therapy looking at them, and reading all the comments, and realizing, HEY this is me, NOW,,, and if I don't change it now, it could get worse. :(

      I don't want it to get worse :(

      Can you believe I have 2 gym memberships, and I haven't gone to either in forever? Not a single walk in the park, not a single push up or sit up, nothing.... Walking up and down the stairs at home doesn't even count, I seriously just didn't do a single thing to improve the way I looked, and it was getting old, just like me, lol.

      I am working at it, trying every day to make a choice... to be healthier. It's so hard, but I'm doing it, YAY!!!

      Have you taken any measurements since stopping by? I still haven't measured my body yet.... 3 weeks into my challenge, and other than my weight, I haven't tracked anything else. I'm curious to get some measurements though, so hopefully I get that done this week.

      So glad you stopped by, and I inspired you.... AWESOME!!

      Talk to me, how have you been doing this past week?

      Delete
  11. Wow- I admire your courage. Stay strong and keep up that great attitude you've adopted. I think if your focus remains on being healthy and being real , you will find success! I'm looking forward to watching your journey. I'm hoping to lose 10-15 and overhaul my eating habits too- so I'll be working with you!

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  12. I feel like I am in the same place! I still am hoping to have more kids, but I am the same weight as I was when I got home from delivering my second daughter... So i am scared about getting prego again and gaining even more weight.

    My only advice is to be sure to talk to yourself positively. And notice your small victories! I think a measuring tape (or even your jeans) is far more accurate than a scale, so don't let two lbs up or down get you down.

    This is super inspiring! Keep up the good work!

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  13. This post definitely took courage, but we gain so much strength when we lay bare the parts of us that we are ashamed of and can experience love in return (from others, from God, from ourselves). I know that while this journey won't be easy, it'll be worth it in the end and your mind, body, and spirit will thank you. Hang in there, Bella. You got this!

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  14. You are positively glowing in that shot with the flowers! You know, I love that you are learning to appreciate your body and the beautiful gift it is. By taking this risk and being SO STINKIN BRAVE you are setting a fabulous example for us all.I am pretty sure most of us are sucking in our guts, pulling our pants up to harness it in, and wincing at times when we really take in our bare naked selves. You are not alone, you are doing it, and you should be proud every second of every day!

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  15. I think it's great that you're focusing on getting healthy, not just losing weight. That's my goal too! WE CAN DO IT! :)

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  16. Wow Bella I wish I had the courage to do what your doing....this is very inspiring. I have struggled with my weight since coming to the states and its only gotten worse after the kids. I can totally relate because I love food too! Recently some of my girlfriends organized a weight loss challenge and I have lost 15lbs and it remains a daily battle to keep my self motivated to continue leading a healthy lifestyle. Hope you reach all your goals girl :-)

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  17. Wow. You are amazing! You will suceed because of your motivation if nothing else! Good for you Isabella for having such courage & conviction.

    I put on 95 lbs when I was pregnant with Sebi. No gestational diabetes, although I was checked several times just to make sure. I just get very big... very fast.

    After I had him I had no excuses. I went on a 100% vegan diet. Worked out 3 times a day for one hour (I put the baby in his stroller and sped walked my subdivision in the morning, afternoon & evening) after 1 year I lost all that weight. It was hard & grueling but my motivation was my mirror & it never lied.

    Your motivation is what will make you succeed. I can't wait to see you when your challenge is done!!

    P.S. I never weighed myself through my process. I let the clothes sizes do the talking because the scale depressed me.

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  18. Im back again. Ive been following your goal. I get depressed because I will follow a strick but healthy diet and I still cant seem to loose any weight. Now I try to just make my weight more appealing by trying to tighten it up or something...I dunno. I get discouraged but Ill say to you..Dont give up. You are a beautiful person.

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  19. Bella, you're so brave.. I don't think I could ever post my photos! Good for you :) Don't let the bad things get you down.. Keep at it :)

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  20. Just popped by quickly to say 'good for you' on your journey. It's not easy, but if you stay the course and listen to your body, and treat it well, good things will happen.

    Just to come clean about my blog- I no longer blog over at the blogspot site, I moved to smoothiegirleatstoo.com But funny thing that happened when I did this, I happened to stumble upon a totally different way of eating/living which is more ancestral/whole foods holistic. I haven't blogged about it because it's a 180 degree turn from where I was. While the fake ingredients in my smoothies did help to temporarily 'fill the tummy' I've found that feeding myself whole unprocessed foods (lots of veg, meat, fats, some fruit) and no or little sugar/grains has made me more satisfied and I no longer rely on smoothies as a crutch. So you can see there's no point in writing my smoothie blog when I haven't had a smoothie in months and months. Anyway, just some ideas. If you want an idea of the approach I'm using check out Balanced Bites.

    Best of luck!!

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  21. Good for you for being so brave to post this. I took pictures in my bikini to track progress and let me tell you, I don't want anyone seeing them. Keep up the good work!

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  22. Hi Bella, I agree with Lidia, do not weigh yourself but once a week because you want to focus on eating healthy and your workout and then, loosing weight and looking better will just fall into place. I am very proud of you taking charge of your body and most of all of your health. This journey is not for a limited time but it's for a life time. I feel like, the way we have to eat or take a shower, the same way we can make working out a mandatory thing because it is as important. Good luck, stay strong and infuse yourself with determination. I think that being determined will get you through anything you have in mind.

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  23. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog yesterday, because I'm SO freaking excited I found yours. Keep up your hard work, it WILL pay off, I promise!!! And, the scale isn't the only way to track your progress, I haven't lost weight in months, but I'm down an entire size.

    Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily

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  24. Thank you so so much for the sweet comment you left on my blog! Good for you for taking a stand ready to fight for your health! It definitely takes a lot of guts to post these pictures so I can only imagine how you feel right now! Just remember, patience and perseverance! And if I were you, I'd try to stay away from the scale for now...it will only act as distraction from your goal. You are focussing on HEALTH and improving your well being...don't let that silly number dictate how you feel! *hugs*

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  25. Wow, you are so inspiring! I am really impressed with your decision to be vulnerable- that's such a great way to reach out and be accountable. We're all behind you-- and I look forward to the changes ahead for you!

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  26. You are working so hard Bella!! I know you'll get to your goal!! Keep at it!!

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  27. Hi Bella ~ I am not sure how I missed this last week?? What an incredibly amazing post and so awesome that you put yourself out there.
    Losing weight and changing a lifestyle is SO hard but here we are doing it!
    It's crazy how our weight fluctuates day to day isn't it! It's almost depressing.

    We have a lot in common and I am excited to follow along with you in your journey!

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    www.raising-reagan.com

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  28. Lots of kudos on your bravery for posting your photos - that takes a lot of bravery! Being focused on getting healthy is such a great goal and you sound well on your way! Can't wait to follow along :) Good luck!!!

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  29. Hi Bella! Congrats to you! I SO admire your honesty & courage to "put it all out there" for the world to see! You are so brave & honest, & I just love it!! Good for you on making a change & I wish you all the best! :)

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Hugs, Bella

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In my spare time I enjoy cooking, and baking. In fact my mother and I have been making cakes for over 30 years. I also love gardening, traveling, and all things crafty. I struggle daily to keep my like organized, along with my never ending battle to keep the house clean. I adore my three kids MOST of the time, and can usually be found doing the mom thing from morning till night. I try to catch a few mommy moments, but those are hard to find in this wonderful life of mine. I am blessed and happy, and am thrilled you stopped by today :)