Jun 1, 2012

The Year Is Over!

Moment of truth, dear readers! A year ago today, I set a goal to lose 75 pounds in 12 months. And I'm over-the-moon, pee-my-pants excited to announce that I did it! This has been one of the most difficult, thrilling years of my life. This journey has changed everything about my life that needed changing and emphasized all the wonderful things in my life worth celebrating. Its been a spectacular ride.



Okay - so how about some before and after photos just for fun?
A little back story, for the new readers...

In August 2009, 20 months after the birth of my first child, I tipped the scales at 300 pounds. I was happy and satisfied with most everything in my life except my weight. But I was a busy mom with a toddler. I thought I lacked the time and the will power to get healthy.


 Fast forward to to June 2011...
 My body had been through another pregnancy and I was not only caring for my three-year-old, but my 10 month old baby who was dealing with a host of medical issues. I had lost a few pounds, but it wasn't enough. I was feeling lethargic and less than present with my husband and children. I was experiencing low grade head aches, breathlessness, huge energy dips throughout the day and a general malaise of ick. On June 1, after reading an inspiring weight loss blog and eating an overly large breakfast, I decided that I was done being unhealthy - missing out on the beautiful life I had created for myself. I decided to change my ways. And that's just what I did.

So what happens when a 6 foot woman loses 75 pounds?
Here are the stats:

                   June 1, 2011                                                       June 1, 2012
                   288 lbs.                                                               213 lbs.
                   Size 24/26                                                           Size 14/16
                   Waist 48 inches                                                   Waist 36 inches
                   Body Mass Index 39.1                                        BMI 29.2
                   Body Fat Percentage 34.31%                              BFP 25.39%






And the other big loser in all of this is my husband, Jack. Jack has adopted many of my menu changes by virtue of the fact that I'm the one who prepares meals in our household. He did not do anything else except eat less sugar and more veggies. He dropped 30 pounds and has maintained that loss for four months.  Here is a shot of us from June 2011 and another from last night. Together, we've dropped a total of 105 pounds.



Thank you to all of you who have supported me along the way. I am forever grateful. I've had so much fun this year, that I'm going to continue blogging. Next week I'll weigh in as usual and announce my new goal. But this weekend, I'm going to take some time to celebrate the close of my Smaller Sarah year and my 75 pound loss. Thanks again, everyone!



47 comments:

KiKiD said...

SO exciting! Congratulations!!!

Mrs. Bianca said...

I'm bawling tears of joy over here, Sarah!!! I'm so, so, so, so incredibly proud of you and inspired by you!! Here's a big high five and I'm turning around and slapping you on the ass screaming ATTAGIRL!!! You are amazing!! *doing the cabbage patch celebratory dance*

Keep it up, girl!

Anonymous said...

wow first I had no clue you were that tall! lol Second CONGRATS you are truly an inspiration! WTG on the loss and meeting you goal!

Unknown said...

This is beyond exciting/inspiring - congrats a thousand times! xoxo

natalie said...

I've been waiting all morning for this!!! Yay! Yay! Yay!! Sooo very happy for you!! Enjoy the weekend celebrating with your wonderful family!

Jacki said...

wow! you met your goal! fantastic! I'm so proud of you! and, I totally don't remember you looking like that in 2009...LOL! The thinner and fitter(is that a word?) Sarah is burned into my brain now. Really, I can't say how exhilarating and awe-inspiring it is that you have accomplished so much, in just one year. ONE YEAR, and your progress is astounding. You are an inspiration to us all!

Karri said...

You made me cry over my coffee. I am so damn proud of you right now. Congratulations, woman!

Hani said...

So inspiring, and way to go! I'm so happy for you and what you've discovered about yourself this year!

Michelle said...

Congratulations!! So excited, proud, and most of all inspired by your journey!

Anonymous said...

all the best to you and your family. congratulations. what an inspiration you are. congratulations, way to go, bravo, bravo, bravo!

Cori said...

So, so proud of you! Can't wait to hear about your new goals! xo

Anonymous said...

Sarah, I have tears in my eyes. You are the best, and oh, so, beautiful! Now your beautiful spirit is matched by your body!!! XO

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Sarah. I've been cheering for you for a year and can't wait to see what the next one brings! Love your blog!

redheadedstepchild said...

I have chills right now, I'm such a dork! So dang happy for you...you are amazing. well done.

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

YIPPEEEEE! I'm so so happy for you...what an awesome achievement! Congrats girlfriend! Pretty pictures can always wait, but congratulating a huge success like that for a friend can't! xoxoxo Danielle

Anonymous said...

I don't even know you and your story brings tears to my eyes. What an amazing thing you have done with taking charge of your life. I really admire your attitude and I especially love the way you have embraced exercise as something that can be fun. You look beautiful but really the most important thing is that you are HEALTHY! p.s i love your other blog too!

Shawna said...

Congratulations, Sarah. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I am so happy for your happiness and healthy life. Looking after yourself is the best thing you can do for your family. I am a tall girl too-though a little shorter than you at just under 5'10. I sturggle to keep my weight down as I life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and can not be very active. I have to do it all with careful diet.

Congratulations again!

Chimmy said...

Congratulations, Sarah! You did it!!!!

Thank you for being such an inspiration on getting back on a healthier track!

WOOT!!!

Raina Cox said...

Mazel Tov, Babe! Your journey is inspirational!!

Positively Fit LH said...

I keep waiting to post in hopes that something just right will come to mind.I'm just completely awestruck by you and so grateful that you walked through my door in November so that the gang and I could be a small part of your journey. I am looking forward to a friendship that will endure, and lots more athletic endeavors together!

JMedina said...

Spectacular Sarah!!!
Congratulations!
Woohoo! *happy dance*

Connie said...

Well, I'm glad to read that I'm not the only one crying after reading this. I have always been so proud of you. Time after time you amaze me with some brilliant thing you've done. Whether it's writing a play, decorating your home, making beautiful art, being so very present with your family or gardening, I could go on and on. You touch people, Sarah, and they are never the same. I am eternally grateful that you dropped into my life. How did I get so lucky? I love you, Mama

anita said...

I don't think you know what an inspiration you've been to me.

You DID IT! I wish I could give you a huge hug.

...and look how much SMALLER you are!

I am so glad you will continue with the blog.

love! xo

Anonymous said...

You GO girl!!! I continue to be amazed with your perseverance and strength. You look beautiful!
Love,
Yami

Anklemama said...

I think your mom said it best (no surprise): you have a magic touch. You heal people, love people, and they are the better for your presence. I have known that since the day I met you five years ago. The best part of this story is that THIS time, you turned that touch on yourself. And look at...YOU! Your self confidence is plain as day. I knew you would achieve your goal. You are just that kinda gal. But how you achieved it I could not have predicted. Love you so much!!!

Kimberly said...

Congratulations! How amazing that you helped so many people by doing something for yourself. I think there's a huge lesson in that. If you want to treat people well, start by taking good care of yourself!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! What a star you are (and always have been)...so unblievably proud to be able to say "I know Smaller Sarah and her fantastic family!"

Rebecca said...

!!!!!
I read you daily, sister. You are amaze-balls.
What a GODDESS! I cannot handle it!
Celebrate, darling! You are radiant.

MTRQA said...

This is so inspiring to read about your struggle! I just fund your blog today, and I will for sure follow you from now! Well done!!!

Esmeralda Bohemian said...

wow!! you are truly an inspiration! I have been struggling to commit to a weight loss routine, I've got the healthy eating part down for the most part but the excercise part is what I still struggle to maintain, reading success stories like yours helps me to remember that it IS possible and busy people like yourself do it every day. thank you for being such an inspiration and I hope you have a fabulous celebration- you earned it!!!! congratulations!!!!!

Leia said...

Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment and you look gorgeous!

Stephanie said...

Very exciting! You look fantastic and have been a true inspiration to many, including me! Congratulations on reaching your goal and I wish you blessings throughout your next journey!!!!

Mary said...

Congratulations! That is a terrific goal and you look AMAZING!!!

sweetbittertart said...

Congrats! It has been so inspiring watching your journey this year. You are amazing!! : )

Beth A. @ Songbird Hill said...

So Happy for you! You are an inspiration for us. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Rachel Anderson said...

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You both have confidence and vitality radiating from you in your "after" pic...

Congratulations..such an inspiration!

Poppy Q said...

Well done - you are an inspiration to so many people. Well done girl.

Julie Q

Appletree said...

inspiring! and you look hot!

Ashley said...

You are such an inspiration! Congratulations!

Judy said...

Congratulations! I'm a reader of your other blog and had no idea about this one. So inspiring!

Jules said...

Congratulations! You are an inspiration and you look fabulous! I'm sure you feel fabulous too!

A Perfect Gray said...

you look great. congratulations - so happy for you! donna

vignette design said...

Congratulations! You look marvelous!

Anonymous said...

I don't know you and only stumbled upon your blog today, but I just wanted to say you are a rock star. May you continue to take good care of yourself and reap the rewards. Well done!

ColorFilled said...

You are inspirational. Just saw your house on HOUZZ and love everything you did; I am a color enthusiast as you will see from my blog.

Mary said...

I'm so proud of you Sarah! Congratulations, you truly look amazing!!

Anonymous said...

You are an excellent example of what loving yourself looks like. Hugs from Vancouver.