this is probably one of the hardest pics i’ll ever share. (please don’t mind the chaos)

I’ve been hesitant about sharing this. Mostly because I still really hate Full body pictures.  Any person can take a decent slimming head-shot of themselves and post it.  I’ve gotten pretty damned good at it if i do say so myself. Truth is however, I’m not thin, I’m rather quite chunky or fluffy or in all honesty fat. I hate it. I hate the extra rolls, I hate that I can’t fit the ‘cute’ stuff that makes me feel good.

So, once again, I’ve taken the step. To just DO IT. I joined a Biggest Loser challenge on one of my teams that i belong to on Spark People.    The challenge started on May 5th.  Cinco de Mayo. Good thing i didn’t ‘pig out’ on nomtastic Mexican cuisine. Honestly, over the last 2 months I’ve been eating pretty darned well.  Of course, there’s been an exception or two. *coughburgerking* But really? ANY person who knows about healthier lifestyles and getting to the point where you are healthy and happy, knows to not completely cut yourself off from those horridly not good for you yummy tasting foods you crave.

SO, I’m putting it out there now.  Here are my Stats as of May 5th, 2012.

• Weight : 210
• waist : 42 inches
• hips : 52 inches
• neck : 15.25 inches
• thigh : 28 inches

Please note, I’m ONLY 5’4″ first thing in the morning lol! by the end of the day I’m lucky to be 5’3″ haha. NOW, would you like to know the progress I’ve made in 2 months? It’s not stellar, but it’s something that’s for sure!

As of today July 20, 2012 my Stats are :

• Weight 201
• waist: 38.5 (difference of 3.5 )
• hips: 49 (difference of 3)
• thighs: 25.75 (difference of 2.25)
• neck: 14.75 (difference of .5)

this is me, May 18th (with some very faded blue & pink in my hair) 

not flattering, but it’s head on – see what i mean?

this makes for a total loss of 9 pounds and 9.25 inches.  I gotta be honest when I say I don’t see it.

This is me a week ago – different filter/lighting and angle. best of 3 if you ask me. also, no glasses.

to make my point here’s a pic of me that I took a week ago. you know, the one where those of us trying to hide weight know just the right way to take a photo so we can look at ourselves in the mirror..

Ok, NOW onward!

Here’s what I have been doing:

Taking a daily supplement, working hard on getting a minimum of 64 oz of water a day in.  Eating smaller more frequent meals, and as of Wednesday, 20-30 mins daily of “Formal” exercise. By this, I mean other than up and down the stairs multiple times a day doing laundry, putting the minion to bed for nap/bed time, the ‘voice olympics’ you know – “HEY GET OFF THE COUCH!”  ”QUIT HITTING YOUR SISTER!” etc *wink* While my lungs get a great workout that way, that’s about all that does lol! Also? Sex. Yep, I said it. When done right, you’re whole body is feelin it. However, it’s hard to count the calories burned during it, cuz, well everyone burns calories during sexcapades differently. I don’t have a nifty gadget that I wear that’ll tell me how many calories I’m burning..and well Spark People doesn’t have a tracker for that activity. *wink* So, i don’t really count it. Even if more recently – I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say it’s been nearly nightly (and sometimes before breakfast) *wink*.

Now, for the possible TMI I warned about via twitter. I’m a mom of 4. Many of you know this. Having kids puts some MASSIVE strain on your bladder. All mom’s will understand this. Now, being over weight and starting exercise again, after being more than a bit lax in the past couple years – causes what I have termed “Mommy Bladder”.  Mommy Bladder is the cause of  ”Sneezepee” and “coughpee” Yes, they’re exactly what you think.  Add on some extra weight, and these become a royal pain.  When exercising – my “mommy bladder” even though I “JUST” emptied it, says “hurry you gotta go pee! ”  so I take a break in my workout – visit the loo and a trickle. It’s really annoying! However, I know from past experience, that once the weight starts to come off and I get under 180 pounds that annoying “mommy bladder” loses its hold over me. Don’t get me wrong, because of having 4 kids 3 of them on the bigger side (over 8 lbs one was 9 lbs) that will probably mean that “mommy bladder” will always strike at inconvenient times. Not that there’s EVER a convenient time to have “Mommy Bladder”.

So, with all that said.. this is me, where I’m currently at in my own personal journey. Can you relate? Do you think I’m off my rocker?

I’ve started a Secondary challenge with a fantastic group on facebook, that runs until October 1st. I’ll post the full body comparison shots then.

Have a fantastic weekend!

~Gypsie