I’ve never really talked about weight loss. I don’t have any tips on how to make lifestyle changes or increase your calorie burn. In fact, except for pregnancy, I haven’t had huge weight swings. Instead, I’ve spent much of my life fighting the “last 5-10 pounds”.
When Shoo was a month old, I looked like this:
(There aren’t a lot of pictures of me from the first few months and I’m not brave enough to share the one that really shows how big I was.)
7 months later, I looked like this:
I have to admit I like the way I looked in picture 2 much better. In fact, if I could look like that again, I’d be over the moon. I didn’t work hard to lose the weight. I lost it all by breastfeeding a child with allergies. (Yes, giving up dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy while breastfeeding drops the pounds like nobody’s business, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it.)
I’m only 5-10 pounds heavier than that now. And I don’t think I look fat.
But I really miss being able to walk into my closet and put on the skinny jeans or the straight cut dresses. It was the only time in my life I felt skinny instead of “average” or “chubby”. I have drawers full of the pants and shorts from when I was nursing that I can not comfortably wear now.
The weight I’m at now is the weight that my body comes back to easily. I can go on vacation and gain a couple of pounds and return to this weight in a week without trying. I can eat what I want (within reason) and have some beer on the weekend and I’m back to this weight by Tuesday. I can run 37 miles in a week or 10 miles in a week and my weight barely fluctuates. Unfortunately, it’s also a weight where “baby got back”.
So, my first goal for my 40s is to come to terms with that. I’m planning to add some cross training and I’m going to be watching my snacking and obviously I’ll keep on running. We’ll see what that does. A year from now, if those skinny pants and shorts don’t fit, I’m getting rid of them.
Because in all honesty, I’ll take my strong legs that help me run marathons and the yummy beers that I enjoy sharing with Beer Geek over skinny jeans any day.
You look great! And I wish I had your toned arms!
I totally agree with Scarlett….you do look great! I used to weigh 25 to 30 pounds more than I do right now. Most of my weight has stayed off since I was in my mid twenties but I go through little ruts too. Actually I always end up gaining weight from training hard:) I have gained muscle in my legs from running and my favorite pair of jeans are too damn tight for me now! Grr! Oh well, who wants a skinny ass anyway:)Just remember that you look fit and healthy! Does it really matter what the scale says as long as you look good and feel happy?
You do look great and it is just a number. I keep telling myself that too! : )
Awesome attitude! I think you look great, skinny in my eyes. I'd love to look like you, toned and fit!
You look fantastic!! I wish my body always easily went back to a weight I could live with. 🙂
You look fabulous. To my eyes, nothing needs changing. And as I understand it, men like it when baby has back, so no worries there either. 🙂
Sounds like you're at your "happy" weight. And, you DO look great 🙂
You look great! I have clothes I can only get into rarely. Don't know why I keep them.
You look like you shold enjoy another yummy beer!
Getting rid of clothes that don't fit is a great idea. Years ago when I gained weight, I tossed all my "skinny" stuff because it was too depressing. And later when I started losing weight, I got rid of my "fat" clothes because I didn't ever want to wear them again. Be happy with where you are now and GO SHOPPING! 🙂
"Because in all honesty, I'll take my strong legs that help me run marathons and the yummy beers that I enjoy sharing with Beer Geek over skinny jeans any day." LOVE IT!I am the same way – when I lost all my weight in the beginning, I got to a really low weight that I would love to go back to. But it's not my base weight and I'm okay with that. I run well, eat well and enjoy my life. I also can never loose the 10 pounds I would love to shave off those 10 mins of my marathon time. Oh well, I'm happy and healthy and I'm glad you can see it, too.BTW, picture 3 you look awesome 🙂
I like your realistic view. If it doesn't work, scrap it. Keep the things that matter — like running and beer! Cheers!
You look great! I have totally been struggling with the same last 5-10 lbs I put on just after my wedding… grrr. But like you I have to remind myself this is where my body is happy because I love some cheese fries (on occasion) and good beer more than what it takes to fit in my skinny jeans.
So first – I think you look great now! But – I definitely understand what you mean. I'm also at the weight that is easy to stay at when I'm exercising comfortably and generally eating okay. I'd like to drop 5-10lbs myself, but then I'd have to give up summer ice cream, cold beer, and be much more anal about every morsel that goes in my mouth. To me, right now, it's not worth it. 🙂 But lots of luck to you – it sounds like your head is in the right place about it!!
You look fabulous in that third pic (and great in the others too). Be happy!
You have the best attitude! I have a weight that comes easily too. I think you look great and if you are comfortable in your own skin then thats all that really matters.I like that you know what really matters like the beer with your hubby and strong legs. Sounds good to me 🙂
In my early 20s I weighed 15-20 lbs less than I do now. And I was miserable. I was completely obsessive about what I ate–which was very little (anyone who eats a quarter of a PB&J sandwich and calls it lunch has a problem)–and worked out ALL the TIME. I felt like it was the one thing I could control, and by God I was going to control it.Yes, I was miserable, but you could bounce a quarter off my ass.I'd love to have that body back, but I'm much happier now.
You look great, but it is about being happy.
First off, you look great.I recently lost 5lbs by cutting alcohol completely out of my diet. So if you REALLY want the weight off, you could try that approach.
I always think you look lean and fit in your pics – what more could you want? I hear you on the last 5-10 lbs, though. I'm having the same struggle myself except my weight fluctuates like CRAZY! It's so frustrating and I just try not to obsess over it.
you look amazing, great job learning to love YOU.
You look lean and good. 🙂
You do look awesome! I can't wait to get to my "last five pounds." Whoo hoo!
You look great…and I would pick beer over skinny jeans anyday!
I think you look fantastic! Have a great weekend!
As I am quickly approaching the 40's this is my vow too, to lose the last pesky 15 pounds, I'll be in good company!