Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Before and After = MOTIVATION

For the past two years I have worked hard on getting back in shape. In 2007 I was at my absolute heaviest. I remember having to buy a wardrobe of summer clothes because nothing I had fit me. It's 2009 and I am still working hard. I look and feel so much better, but I know this is a lifestyle that I will probably always have to stay on top of. It has been a slow process, but it's been so rewarding in many ways and I have learned a lot!

The gym I workout at has seen me go through my ups and downs, but has watched me push through each challenge. They have asked me to do a little "Before and After" to help inspire others at the gym. So for the past few days I have been going through my pics for some full body "before" shots. Boy, I didn't realize how tough it would be. I either cropped a lot of myself off so all you see is my face, or I had Will take pics from a good distance so you couldn't see how much weight I gained over the year. I did manage to find some pics (most of them were in my friend's album, where I didn't have the freedom to crop my picture). In looking back at the pics, it seems so surreal. I was like, "Who is this person? It kind of looks like me, but it doesn't" I was showing Will and he said he just didn't remember me looking that big. How we forget... These pics have really motivated me to keep pushing!


BEFORE (2007)








The top from the first pic is now one of my favorite workout tops. I also kept the red tank top for working out. Everything else I wore in these pictures has been donated or sold at a garage sale.


AFTER (Today's pic)


Patience and hard work does pay off.

Even though I didn't hit my last mini goal, I am still fighting the good fight. I really want to thank everyone who has given me encouraging words and support. It means a lot. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a great day!

14 comments:

Rachael said...

Wow... what a transformation! You were just as gorgeous at your heaviest, though!

K said...

You look wonderful! Keep up the amazing work.

Anonymous said...

You look wonderful. You give me the courage to keep fighting. I will look at these pictures and keep going one day at a time. Thanks you look great!

Tina said...

Motivation indeed! You look stunning. And like Rachael said - you looked beautiful when you were heavier too.

BTW, love your skirt today.

Tabitha said...

you look great....keep up the hard work!

Leslie said...

WOW--What an accomplishment! Congrats to you!!! Look fabulous

Anonymous said...

Well done you look fantastic and just think all that hard work is so worth it. Just to feel more comfortable is a wonderful feeling.
You have encouraged me to keep going even though some days are hard.

Cristina said...

You look amazing. What an accomplishment!! We all know weight loss is so HARD to do but you are doing it!! Good for you!

I recently started a little weight loss program myself. I'm only two weeks in but I'm going to stay strong this time and stick with it.

Keep it up girl, you can do it!!

Ally said...

You're amazing, Hillary! xoxo

Milly said...

Congrats!!...you look amazing!
share some of your secrets lol

Anonymous said...

lovely in each pic, but your hard work has paid off. you look wonderful.

Hillary said...

Thanks so much guys! I really try to just watch my calorie intake and workout 4-5 days a week. It's been a slow process, but it takes a while to break bad habits. My husband has also benefited from our new lifestyle.

Sheila said...

You were lovely then, but your health is the most important goal of all - and you look FABULOUS now!

I know how hard it is - not just to lose the weight - but to keep it off. It really does mean a full lifestyle change.

It's funny, what Will said, that he couldn't remember you being that heavy. My husband says the same thing, and so do a lot of my friends. I need to remind myself and them that it is still a challenge for me every day. I keep a photo of myself at my heaviest on the fridge, where I see it every day.

I'm so proud of you, Hillary - I know how hard it is. I hope you reward yourself with something special. :)

Cheers,
Sheila

Nina said...

Hillary,

You are just as beautiful in your before as your after photos. It takes a lot to go from that kind of transformation and a lot of courage for you to share those photos. I have lost 40 pounds and since my weight loss I still can't find it in me to share pics at my heaviest. Maybe now that you have shared your transformation photos I will have to share mine.

I also want to add you are an inspiration to all that with a little time, commitment and healthy lifestyle any goals anyone wants to achieve can be done.

Kudos to you!!

Nina