Three Year Weight Loss Update, Before and After

I am coming up on my 3 year health anniversary of keto weight loss (Friday August 3rd) for changing my life, eating low carb/keto, and putting my health first.

Last year, I had gotten about 13 pounds within the goal that I had originally set for myself.  And that goal was to become my “Better Half” – meaning I wanted to lose exactly half of my body weight.

I never actually achieved that original keto weight loss goal, and since then have gained back another 15 pounds or so.

So am I disappointed?

I was.

I wasn’t.

I am.

I am not.

It depends on the day that you ask me.  It’s been a long journey, and even though I am not at where I originally wanted to be.  I am so very very far from where I started.

Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.

Is the end goal as important to me as it once was?

Honestly?  No it’s not.

I am so much healthier now than I have been since I was a twenty something young women.  I was to the doctor at the end of June, and even though I have gained a few pounds – all my blood work is still perfect.

• My blood pressure is still normal no longer requiring any medication.
• My sugars are right in line with where they need to be.

Here’s what I’ve learned (and continue to learn on a daily basis):

1. I’ve learned that I am a caregiver, and a nurturer to other people.  But because of this I have to be VERY careful, not to neglect myself.
2. I’ve learned that it’s not about getting to half of my body weight.  It’s more about the person that I have become along the way to get there.  That is my true “Better Half”.
3. I’ve learned that what matters most is “liking the person I am”.  It’s easy to say we need to love ourselves (and we do)…. but we need to LIKE ourselves as well.  We need to take time to be nice to ourselves,  to spend time with, and do nice things for ourselves.
4. I’ve learned that I need to STOP listening to all the noise around me, and peoples opinions of what I should or should not do.  I do need to spend time with and listen to the things that my INNER voice is telling me to do.
5. I’ve learned that even if I never to reach my original goal weight, I will be happy with the body I have.  I will (and do) care for my body and hold it in a high regard.  I will be happy and grateful for every little bit of progress that I have made along the way.
6. I’ve learned (and this one sounds really quirky), that the Joy IS IN the Journey.  Everyday we wake up with a day and a choice to make it a good day or a bad day.  The way the day plays out is TOTALLY dependent upon what we choose to put our attention on.  The very same day, can be a “good day” or a “bad day” depending completely on where we put our focus.
7. I’ve learned that the Journey isn’t about a big destination and a finish line – it’s the little itty-bitty moments in each day that fill our hearts with joy.
   • It’s when my grandson says “Amma, I love you”
   • It’s when my Miss Molly has to sit underneath my desk because that’s the only way she can be close enough to me
   • It’s when I get to spend some time with my family
   • It’s when someone who hasn’t seen me in 3 years has to pick their jaw up off the ground from the change.

What is important now is living a healthy life.  Enjoying my life on a daily basis.

I have been really focusing this year on doing things and spending time with people that make me feel good.  I am enjoying my journey, and I am done with beating myself up for not being perfect.

If enjoying the journey means allowing myself to enjoy a special meal with my kids that includes carbs – that’s okay.  That doesn’t mean it’s the end of my keto journey, and it doesn’t mean that I will be back to 300+ pounds ever again in my life.

I still do want to drop a bit more weight, but only because I will feel better when I’m back down another 15-20 pounds.

I started back on my low carb/keto on Monday.  I feel better when I eat this way.  I feel healthier all around.

Right now I am of the mindset that if I drop another 20 pounds I will be where I want to be for my health.

I still won’t be a “light-weight” and that’s okay.  Part the weight that I will always carry is from the extra skin that have now that use to be filled with fat.

Because I have been struggling this past year – I think I am going to get involved in this 28 day Keto Challenge. 

If you are just starting out on Low Carb/Keto, or you like me are struggling through the last little bit, this may be helpful.  You can take a look at it through my link above.  This plan comes with 7 guides and 3 bonuses to help you through the rough start.

I won’t ever get rid of all that extra skin unless I have extensive and very expensive surgical procedures.  The excess skin I have IS significant, and I’m sure weighs a good amount (or at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it lol).

But I’m okay with that.

 

I am truly at a point where I am looking forward to the adventures I will get to experience as I enter into year 4 on the ketogenic diet, and as a fly closer and closer to the big 5-0.

I can hardly wait to see what this next year has in store for me!!

 

Talk soon,

 

 

P.S. –  If you are interested in joining me in this last 20 pounds, go ahead and check out the 28 Day Keto Challenge

P.S.S. Did you know you can get all of my updates by signing up to receive them directly into your inbox? This way you don’t miss any of my progress updates.

P.S.S. – Please take a minute to connect with me: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+ | Twitter |LinkedIn