Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Then and Now Comparison

So here it is: A comparison of what I looked like before I started Ideal Protein and a photo of what I look like today, 45 pounds lighter!

Two things I wish I had done differently, and I'll keep it in mind for my next "photo shoot."

1. I wish I had a "before" photo of myself where I wasn't wearing an outfit to camouflage my size.  While one fat roll can be seen on my belly, the big shirt hides a lot of what I was carrying around.  I think I have a more honest "before" photo hiding in a drawer in my office.  It's really horrible but it's what I am going to use for the next reveal.

2.  I should have worn pants, or something more form-fitting, and a different colored shirt today.  The skirt hides the progress I've made on the lower part of my body.  And my thighs were one of the first places I've lost weight.

All that aside, here's what I notice.  I see a waist line where it wasn't before. My face has changed (My mom says I look younger). My eyes are bigger and I have a neck again!

At the same family camp out I mentioned in an earlier post, I complimented my seven year old niece on her lovely swan neck.  She responded with, "Yeah, you don't have a neck, do you?"

Ah, the brutal honesty of children!  Yes, it was mean (probably not intentionally mean) but I needed to hear it.  My ego took a real beating on that campout!  :)

The next time my little niece sees me, which will be in a few months, I wonder if she'll be able to recognize me.  The changes aren't huge or dramatic yet, but they will be.  She's only known me as the slow-moving, obese aunt she's had all her life.  I can't wait to see her face when she lays eyes on her new and improved aunt the first time!

Later this week I'll post a "typical day in the life" so whoever reads this blog knows what following this diet is like, along with a couple of veggie recipes that I've discovered and fallen in love with.

So now I'm headed over to FaceBook to put my story out there.  It's a scary step - one that opens me up to the opinions of others, whatever they may be.  No matter what anyone says, I am fully committed to this diet and I'm not going to stop until I've reached my goal.  I've come too far and feel too wonderful to stop now!

Wishing you, whoever you are, all the success and joy in the world - no matter what you're attempting!

4 comments:

  1. YOU ROCK GIRL!!!! LOOKING GREAT!!!

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  2. You are unbelievably brave to go public with your struggles. I have been kicking myself all summer for not going that very first meeting with you but I am SO, SO happy for you. Pretty sure I'll be joining the program, too. I know too many people who are having great success on it to not at least TRY it. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration. You look GREAT!

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  3. SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU LANZA!!! I already knew you were amazing but now the whole world knows. Keep it up my friend!! I am rooting for you. And thank you for sharing your journey so far..you've given me courage to continue on my own which coincidentally also started in June. It was just what I needed today to get me out of the slump I have been in for the last week. What matters is the NOW. Hugs to you my friend. You ARE doing this!!! You are already a success!! xx

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  4. Great job! So encouraged that you shared.

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