Jun 4, 2011

Before and After


I'm having a little internal debate.  Most weight loss blogs I've read begin with a "before" photo.  This is usually a terrible self portrait in the mirror of a small bathroom with the top of their head cut off.  Ugh.  Then at the end of the journey, the blogger has someone take a nice photo of them in their workout clothes with a spray on tan.  Again, ugh.  If I were going to do it, I'd probably just have my husband snap a shot of me in my normal Sarah clothes and then take the same kind of photo when I'm 75 or more pounds smaller.  This is the part where you comment below and say:

"Yes, you'll definitely want a before and after photo." 

or 

"No, you'll know that you've succeeded because 
you'll feel better and you won't have to buy your underwear 
in an eight pack from that online specialty store anymore."



13 comments:

Nicole said...

I've been thinking about this photo thing to. I'm sure the sense of accomplishment you get from looking at your before and afters is great. But I'm not happy looking at myself now, I don't want keepsakes to share with the grandkids later in life. I'm for no photo!

Suze said...

I'm casting my vote with Nicole. I think the main transformation with losing weight is internal and for you, with the class you've exhibited in your other blog, would be the perfect candidate for focusing on that aspect.

Having said that, this is your journey. So, if you choose to post photos then that would be in keeping with the spirit-- namely, yours-- behind the endeavour. Hope that makes sense.

Suze said...

Also, I have never been one to ogle the human frame but damn that sculpture of David is amazing.

Nicki said...

I'd take one! You don't have to post it for the blog world, but that way you'll have it for yourself. It's amazing to see the transformation of weight loss, and I think sometimes we tend to forget how far we've come. Having a picture will be a great reminder of what you've accomplished and how much you've changed. But this is just my personal opinion!

Splenderosa said...

Know what, you captured the essence of weight loss in the most profound way I've ever seen. 'Nuff said !!

Helen said...

I'd take it & file it away somewhere. Then, in a few months when you're losing the passion, take it out & realize how far you've come. Maybe at the end of the journey you'll want to post a before & after, but even if you don't it'll be a great motivational tool for yourself.

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Hi Sarah!- If you do, show photos with a head with a big smile on it!

I'm popping over from LMB, and will tell you my husband is in your boat with a 40 lb weight loss planned. I'm in it for health too, and we're following the Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls. I really like it so far (lots of eat-your-veggies!) - we took the book out from the library.

You can do it!
Loretta

Laura said...

I will bet that you look beautiful now. You will look beautiful in a year and also not be in fear of developing diabetes and bad knees. Post your beauty!

sarah. said...

David's before & after made me smile. I'll keep up with your blog, and hopefully I'll burn more than I consume too.

Erica @ Acire Adventures said...

I think that it would be a good idea to take a before picture, print it off, and put it away somewhere. That way you don't look at it now and feel bad about yourself, but if you want it down the road it's there if you want to take an after and compare. I would wear normal clothing because you'll be able to see plenty of a difference no matter what you're wearing when you are 75 pounds lighter. I think posting a before photo before you've lost the weight would be pretty scary! But kudos to anyone bold enough to do it. Once you are no longer that size, it will probably be a lot easier to share that photo or maybe you'll just toss it because it won't matter anymore?

JMedina said...

Sarah, I think you are incredibly beautiful right now. Is it about how you look? Because you look great, from over here.

I know we are going to feel better, physically when we've lost some of this baggage.

Anonymous said...

You should totally take a before pic! I think you'll be glad you did!

Shari said...

Definitely take a before photo! I took off 60 lbs. 2 years ago. The photos of the old me are a reminder of how far I've come.