Sunday, December 18, 2011

CDCC Final Update: Pics and Wrap-Up

Tanita-san: 177.4

Starting weight: 184.2

Very few pounds lost, but body composition has changed. I see it, and I feel it. Hubby sees (and feels) it.

The dress totally did not fit when I started the challenge. The pics of that are here.




Here's the dress today:






I still think it will take about 7-15 pounds for it to be absolutely perfect--if the pounds come off the belly and upper back. I hate that upper back fat...but this is how I am built. Even in the 130s as a teen, I was the spider (bulk in the middle).

I went from wearing 16/18 women's jeans (18 if they were small fit designer ones), to now wearing 14 women's comfortably. Even bought a pair of 13 juniors to celebrate (hey, 12 bucks). These are the 13 Junior jeans, with my granny panties showing, cause, really, I ain't got nothing BUT granny panties. hahaha. What I like is that they aren't baggy in the thighs/butt, like "Misses" Jeans tend to be on me. I have that weird pannus/big belly, but my thighs aren't huge....so I'm the reverse of you pear ladies. If only the junior butt/thigh fit was made with the Misses higher waist, I'd be happy. So happy.

Anyway, here is the too low-rise juniors on me, size 13.

Flying my Granny Flag!


How i love the "thigh hug" on these. I have nice hamstrings. :D

So, with a thickish sweater over it, that's about the only way I'd wear these in public. I am not into granny panty flashing, and I refuse to wear itty-bitty stuff with  my big pooch/pannus.

Okay , with the pics outta the way to show progress has been made, let's see how to wrap this up.

I mostly did really well. I'm at a stage where losing is tough. I will no longer to 1200 cals, and I tried refeeding (caused some regain, then I backed off). I was experimenting with a metabolism stimulation program. I will likely continue this experimentation, just to see if I can help some stuff.

But I know I cannot eat anywhere like I have before. We all know this, right? Challenges are a way for me to stay focused. My goal of 160 pounds...well...I don't care when I get there. My priority now is to stay OUT of obesity (for me, the line is at about 185 pounds), and to get closer to goal, as possible, while staying very well nourished on good, solid, real food.

I take that back. I LIKE to get there by this blog's goal of September 3, 2012. Yes, I still would like to MAKE it. But I won't overstress my body to do it. I want to do it as nourished, rested, full of joy as I can. I will not do a TBL bang-up. But yes, 9-3-2012..how nice to beat that date to 160.

I was slack in exercise at points in the last months due to 1. an ankle injury and 2. the holidays right now messing with my schedule. But I know it's too easy to return to couch potatohood, and for the holiday season, I aim to keep to a 2x strengthening and 3 to 4x walking regimen. It's one that isn't too taxing, is feasible, is livable and makes me FEEL GOOD.

I am pretty stable and good with fluids. The DDDY challenges got me into that habit. And it has stuck pretty well.

I am pretty decent at supporting some bloggers, but hey, some days, you're just busy and you lurk. I hope the ones I supported got some good out of my chiming in.

I think, for me, the important thing learned in this challenge is that good habits must be kept up and an open mind must be nurtured. Just cause we did things ONE way, doesn't mean that's the only way. Just cause something worked in the past, it may not work now. I want to stay open to learning. Experimenting.


I've also learned what mainenance kinda feels like. I spent a couple months pretty much maintaining--as defined by varying only a handful of pounds (2 to 5) from one's regular weight (goal weight, current weight, whatever). It's still work. It really is. It is not easy peasy pleasy pie. It's still having focus on eating and moving and hydrating.

No magic wands or bullets people. It's always work. It's always something to be mindful of.

I'm lighter and leaner than when I started. I made progress. I fit (snugly) into my dress. I helped others. I did not quit.

That's what I wanted to do in this challenge, and I did it.

I thank all who participated and supported me. And if you're in the next one with me, let's continue to make progress together. The journey goes on for my "happy weight after"...though I'm darn happy with my "now"....even if I'm a weirdly shaped spider-lady.
; )

Hah.

Happy holidays to us all. (Let's not go on a mad eating spree, right?)

Be well...

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of checking out Juniors jeans, I may have to look into that in about 80 more pounds. I have the same, big tummy thing... but not huge thighs. Spider shaped, I like that. :) You are a vixen, even in granny panties! You did great with the challenge and as always, you inspire, you teach, you support and when necessary - you chew butts... in a very diplomatic fashion, I might add. Good Job, Mir!

Jane Cartelli said...

Such a positive, accepting, honest post. I love it. As you said - "There are no magic wands and no bullets. It is always work. It's always something to be mindful of. . . . " - I am sure you will agree it is also always worth it.

Have a great week!

Jane at Keepingthepoundsoff.com

Jo said...

Do you think it would be a good idea for us to have a challenge to "find the magic bullet" ?? We're all smart people here, so surely we could figure it out.

Seriously, you did great, in spite of your setbacks, and you did continue to inspire us through it all. And you look like a million bucks in that black lace dress! Jeans are nice, too, but I like the dress thing.

Again, thank you for offering us this challenge. Happy Holidays!

Debsdailylife said...

Love that dress!!! and those jeans!! I agree, its so much more than the number on the scale!! Thankyou so much for organizing and including me in this challenge!

Karen Butler Ogle said...

Looking great, Mir. I'm glad the challenge went so well for all of you. I can't wait to start on the next one with you. I really like the way you handled this challenge. It gives each member a lot of support.

Julie said...

You did wonderful, amazing and you were such an inspiration and so much more. Mir I so apprecaite all that you did for us.
You will get to where you want to be Mir. It's hard but you are rocking along. Keep teaching, keep inspirating and keep going Mir.
Thank you so much for everything. Can't wait for the next challenge.
Blessings my friend!!

Anne H said...

Love the way the pants fit you too.
It takes a very long time... and lots of hard work and change!
Which you face so eagerly - with such a good attitude... I just love it!

Betty W said...

You look awesome! I love the pants too. You and me we have the same shape and I can totally feel for you.
Loved being apart of this challenge and I want to thank you again for including me. It was my first challenge ever and I never thought it would motivate me so much. Can´t wait for next years C. to start.
I am totally aware that this will be a life long struggle and I don´t ever want to quit. Even if I reach my goal I need to focus on maintaining this time. We can do it!!

Sarah said...

You looking amazing princess!

Denise said...

Yeah for getting in to your dress. It's proof that the number on the scale is not always the best indicator of weight loss. Your body is changing and thats what matters. I'm grateful for this challenge and for it keeping me accountable. Merry Christmas.

lv2 said...

You look great...I like the fit of the 13 jeans on you and the dress is definitely getting there. Good job overall on the challenge....spider shape? Not to me!

Kim said...

I absolutely love the dress and you look amazing in it. You have done a great job and I know you will continue to do so. Thank you so much for this challenge, i know Ive said it about 4 times tonight lol but I seriously enjoyed it.

Unknown said...

I love that you are repairing as you try to make your goals & that you try to understand & find what works best for you! You look awesome & your hard work is paying off. Thanks so much for taking the time to host this challenge & whether I'm in a future one with ya or not I look forward to seeing you make that final goal! Happy holidays to you & yours!

Beth said...

I have that upper back fat too - why on earth would our bodies put fat there? LOL.

You look great, those jeans are a perfect fit! I just bought my first granny panties - so comfy, what I have been missing out on all these years, lol.

Congrats on the challenge - the redistribution from fat to lean tissue is a great feat, well done!

Jillian said...

Dang! You look amazing! I am totally jealous of how bangin' your legs look in those jeans! You've done a great job rearranging your body during this challenge. Thank you for kicking my butt--sorry I needed it so often.

Angela Pea said...

Yeah!!

I have to laugh about Granny Panties...exactly what I wear. These young girls trying to avoid panty lines with a thong? Silly, aren't they? Good old fashioned GP's are so much better!

I'm so looking forward to the next challenge, Mir!