May 3, 2007 7:20 AM
Diets work: my Before and After
Yesterday, my daughter Maddy took this picture of me outside our front door under the cherry tree - which blooms gloriously like this for a couple weeks each spring:
This was taken same time last year. I'd been dieting three months and had lost 35 pounds:
I never used to like to have my picture taken - and never liked the results. Back when I was a size 8, I would probably have been horrified with even the first picture - me today at size 12. (The one below is probably 16/18 - I started my diet at 20/22, and there are pictures in my archives of me at my top weight: 252)
But I think I have a better perspective now. I feel terrific. In eight months February-September 2006, I dropped 75 pounds and I've maintained that weight for eight months. My blood pressure went from 180/130 to 130/75 with no meds. I feel terrific.
I can also see the difference in how I am treated by people. Unfortunately, we do live in a culture where people judge by appearances. Still, I think being overweight says something about character - and I'm speaking from my own experience. It's just plain self-indulgent to eat more than my body needs and to continue to buy bigger clothes to hide it.
Even if I thought my metabolism was slow, it was still my responsibility to modify my diet accordingly, just as an alcoholic must avoid alcohol. And no feeling sorry for myself - look at what people with much more difficult disabilities have to go through to accomplish what they need to accomplish (I live with four examples of overcomers myself - Jonny, Jesse, Daniel, Justin). So don't get me wrong: I know God loves us just as much when we're fat, but we are limited in what we can do. Being fat is a disability and it is our personal responsibility to overcome it.
Anyway, it's been by the grace of God and making a decision and seeing it through that I could do this.
"Like a city whose walls are broken down is the [wo]man without self-control."
Proverbs 25:28
My purpose in publishing these before and after pictures is to give you hope. I have found so much more joy and freedom in downsizing that I just want to see others liberated from the prison of fat.
I know that's harsh and we tiptoe around this subject, not wanting to hurt people's feelings, but obesity (I always hated that word too!) is a health problem, an emotional problem, and a spiritual problem. Overcoming it is another way we have of being witnesses to God at work in our lives. When I say something that makes people uncomfortable, they have one less thing to discredit me with. This means I can be more effective at what I do.
If you are interested in the whole diet saga - how I did it and what I went through - click on Categories at the top, click Diet, scroll down and start reading from the beginning.
Believe me, I am rejoicing today in God's tender mercies! That he has given me countless second chances. That he made me willing to repent for not taking proper care of the body he'd created for me and willing to make the most of every year I have left.
(Still have 25 pounds to go.)
Comments
That is a beautiful picture. And thanks for your candor about being fat. Weird how I almost cringed at even typing the word. Obesity is just not something one is allowed to talk about these days. Unless, of course, one is planning on suing fast food restaurants.
I am happy that you are looking and feeling so well. I like pink!
Posted by: Marsha | May 3, 2007 8:08 AM
You look fabulous! I am currently 7 months pregnant with our second child but I'm already gearing up for the battle of the bulge :) I kept about 10lbs on after our first, now 2 1/2, and I know I can't keep up that track record. While trying to get pregnant this go round, I was diagnosed as slightly insulin resistant, a pre-diabetic condition. It's linked to being overweight. I'm only 26 so I'm making plans now so that I can avoid medication later. Thanks so much for the encouragement and straight talk on weight. It's one thing when someone who has never dealt with a weight issue talks about self-control and it's completely different coming from someone in the battle with you. :) Best of luck on the last 25 pounds!
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 3, 2007 8:49 AM
You look great (I love those black sandals BTW)
I lost 12 pounds last month and haven't weighed yet this month, but I feel like I have lost. I have a long way to go, and it is definitely a spiritual battle for me. Thanks for your encouragement.
~Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | May 3, 2007 8:57 AM
I know you didn't post the picture for praise for yourself, but rather encouragement for others, but Barbara, you really do look absolutely lovely! You look like you must feel GREAT! The pink top is a pretty color for you.
Thank you for your words about self-control. It can be related to so much more than food. Your post was a good reminder for me to make the choice to get working!
Posted by: Carol | May 3, 2007 9:30 AM
OMgoodness! What a change! You must be so proud of yourself! I lost 30, gained 10 back over the winter, and I'm about to start back onthe wagon to lose about 30 more by fall! This post was an inspiration and motivation! Thanks!
Posted by: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings | May 3, 2007 9:53 AM
whooo-weee lady! you look fabulous under that gorgeous cherry tree.
what gift for your family and you this is.
laura
ps: i named you one of my favorite thinking blogs.
http://adventuresinjuggling.blogspot.com/2007/04/im-thinker-youre-thinker.html
Posted by: laura | May 3, 2007 10:45 AM
Thank you barbara for your harsh yet truthful words. I have been dealing with this for 15 years and I know it's a more spiritual issue with my self-control than physical. I want what I want and I don't want the consequences AND I expect immediate results when I do have self-control (no consequences to my lack of self-control).
I'm going to paste your words on my sparkpeople page (been on there for 3 weeks and the regularity of self-control has helped immensely).
My only concern with your post is for people who truly cannot lose weight because of medical conditions. There is much guilt involved in being overweight - most of it self-applied which leads to that horrible cycle of feeling sorry for oneself, and makes it difficult to get out and be proactive in weight-loss.
You look great and should feel proud!
Posted by: Barb | May 3, 2007 11:05 AM
I'm still pretty young, and with my first little boy the baby weight fell off in about two weeks. (or perhaps it was feeding and carrying around a 12-lb child that helped!)
With the abundance of diet blogs, and even the lose-weight challenges on many blogs I've read in the past, I always felt out of place. Like I had a dirty little secret--I've never been overweight.
I just wanted to let you know, Barbara, that I love when you post about your diet because it reminds me that health is important. Even more, it gives me the strength to see my own weaknesses in the clear light of day, and to tackle them and work harder to change and to glorify God.
Thank you. As always, I love your blog.
Posted by: Emily | May 3, 2007 11:57 AM
You look great!! Good job. Sometimes, I forget that self-control is a fruit of the spirit!!
Posted by: Mindy | May 3, 2007 12:03 PM
You look fantastic . . . you should wear that shade of pink as often as possible!
Posted by: Mel | May 3, 2007 12:54 PM
oh my goodness, that tree is GLORIOUS!
Okay, now that the gardener in me has had her say, I have to add: you look lovely too. :D
peace of Christ to you,
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica Snell | May 3, 2007 1:22 PM
You look great, Barbara!
I agree that obesity is a problem that must be addressed. I'm working on my own problem right now. I disagree that selfishness and self indulgence is at obesity's core. I don't think that's always the case. In my own experience people eat because they are trying to fix something that is broken with food, which was never meant to be a bandaid. They are looking for something to fill the emptiness they feel, or they are looking for an escape from fear and anxiety.
Food is a marvelous thing, and it can make us feel better temporarily, but as you know when we eat more than our bodies need we become obese. All of my attempts at weight loss failed until I started looking at the reasons I was eating more than my body needed.
Some of those reasons were purely physical. Certain ingredients and certain foods cause more cravings and don't satisfy hunger well. Some of those reasons were spiritual (maybe most of them). I needed to learn how to place my hope in the Lord. Although I believe IN him, I had to acknowledge that in some things I didn't believe him or trust him. I'm still working on that. Thank God for grace!
Some of those reasons were emotional. I was depressed. I've spent many years being depressed on and off. I had to address that and find a way out of that pit. In my own case, this time around, I found a way to force myself to exercise. The exercise along with other things (seeing a sleep specialist, using a light therapy device, better nutrition, etc.)helped to lift the depression, and that has given me some success in my weight loss journey, finally!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 3, 2007 3:04 PM
You look GREAT Barbara! Seriously, and that pink looks good on you too. (Especially under that tree). You have done a great job, and although I don't know you in person I am PROUD of you!
Posted by: Kilikina | May 3, 2007 3:25 PM
Look at you, coordinating with the tree. Both are absolutely lovely.
:)
Posted by: Valerie | May 3, 2007 4:17 PM
That is a nice picture. You look great in that color pink, and so does the tree. ;-)
Posted by: Jana | May 3, 2007 5:40 PM
You look gorgeous! My WW coach used to say "this is the house that God gave me. It's the ONLY house He saw fit to give me, and it's my responsiblity to keep it as HE wants it to be!"
Posted by: Linda | May 3, 2007 7:54 PM
The joy you must feel!! I love the bright top that brings out the glow in your cheeks and flowers too. ;)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: Honey | May 3, 2007 11:02 PM
You look positively radiant Barbara. Congratulations!
Posted by: Kim | May 4, 2007 1:02 AM
You are very beautiful-I love your smile!!
I have 60 pounds to lose. I'm planning to lose it by exercise and cutting back on things like Starbucks and chocolate-I have a very healthy sweettooth. :)
Almost 6 years ago I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. I got better with natural supplements but spending several years on the couch has taken its toll on my body. I'm only 46 but I feel much older. Thankfully I am mostly well now and began walking this week. I also borrowed a rebounder from my neighbor today. My goal is to work up to 10 minutes a day-I didn't even make it to one minute this afternoon!
I have alot of work ahead of me but I'm motivated.
Thanks for posting the pictures. Hopefully some of your inspiration will rub off on me. :)
Posted by: Joanna in Ca. | May 4, 2007 1:23 AM
Barbara, you look great!
And I agree that health is so important. Personally I can identify with Emily's dirty little secret. I have never been overweight either. But instead people used to come up all the time asking if I ate enough etc. I know it was out of concern because they cared about me - but I've always been eating lots...! I guess that was (is ) a luxury problem though. But it made me just as frustrated as my friends who considered themselves or were overweight.
Posted by: Jeannine | May 4, 2007 2:36 AM
You look fabulous m'dear. My goodness you have so much to be proud of. Maddy did a great job capturing your glowing beauty. :)
Posted by: Rebecca P | May 4, 2007 7:18 AM
Beautiful! What a glow!
Posted by: ohapizgud | May 4, 2007 7:50 AM
I am very proud of you honey! It is indeed a privelege and a blessing to be married to you! Our cherry tree blooms once a year and sweetens the house with its fragrance. You bloom all year long and sweeten our lives continuously....
"Here's lookin at you Kid...." Bogie to Bacall
Posted by: Papa Tripp | May 4, 2007 8:44 AM
You are absolutely beautiful!!!
Posted by: shawnda | May 4, 2007 4:34 PM
You look wonderful!
You are so right about people treating others differently based on weight and appearance. I experienced this in a unique journey I took as a teenage anorectic, going from 135 pounds to 98 pounds and back up to almost 150 pounds, *all within the space of about 10 months.* The reactions I got were an amazing roller coaster ride...
Posted by: marian | May 5, 2007 1:20 AM
WOW! You look Beautiful Barbara! Good for you for giving other's the inspiration and hope through your own honesty and candor. It is never too late to get your health back, and you are living proof! I congratulate you on your success! Everything else in life is easier when you feel great!
Posted by: Noelle | May 17, 2007 8:22 AM
