My One Year Journey to a Healthier Me!

For those that don't know, Michael and I have been working on losing weight over the passed year.  Between getting married, cooking and eating out often, and having two babies, our bodies were not what they were when we met.  I set quantitative and qualitative goals for myself as we embarked on our journey to change our lifestyle and live healthier.  Well, I'm happy to report that I have met almost all of my goals!  I feel so much better about myself, the size I am, and the types of food I'm eating!  We have truly made lifestyle changes, not just gone on an extended diet.  Anyway, when we set our goals, I decided I wanted to a new wardrobe when I achieved them.  I had set a goal to be down 3 sizes, so my clothes weren't going to fit when I got there.  I've seen "capsule wardrobes" on pinterest before.  The idea is that you have 30-40 items in your closet and you mix and match to create outfits.  You look and feel great in each individual piece, and your closet isn't cluttered with clothes you don't, and won't, wear.  So I took a LOT out of my closet.  Put several things in a garage sale pile, packed a few into boxes to keep for sentimental reasons, put some in the closet in the basement (out of sight, but not convinced a capsule wardrobe would work  so I didn't want to get rid of EVERYTHING), and threw a few worn out items away.  Then, yesterday, Mama, Sis, Rhythm, and I went to Kansas City to go shopping.  (I was also saving money the passed year, because I figured this new wardrobe would cost a pretty penny.  I asked for money and gift cards for Christmas and my birthday, I won a little money in Fantasy Football and March Madness, and I saved a little from our garage sale.  Eventually I had the amount I was looking for and the goals achieved!)  We left Wichita at 8:30am and didn't get back home until midnight!  We spent ALL DAY shopping!  I got many of the items on my capsule wardrobe check list.  I have a few left to get, but I didn't spend all of my money, so I can still get a few more of the pieces left on my list!  It has been a year of hard work emotionally, physically, and financially to make this happen, but I'm soooo excited that it's finally happened!  What a truly exciting time!

For those who are interested, here is just how much has changed...

Before
Weight: 173.6 lbs
Jean size: 13
Top size: Large/XL
Dress size: Large/XL
Bra size: 38B

Goals
Weight: 130 lbs
Jean size: 7/8
Top size: M/L
Dress size: M/L
Bra size: 36B

After
Weight: 135.2 lbs (I'm happy with my look, so this may be where I stay)
Jean size: 4
Top size: S/M/6
Dress size: S/M/6
Bra size: 32C (Apparently I've been way off on my bra size for ages)

Some of the goals I surpassed, some I didn't quite meet.  But what's important is that I'm happy with how I look, I feel great, I'm healthy (well within the normal BMI range for my height of 5'6"), and I did it all in a good, healthy, careful way.  As of right now Michael and I have lost about 70 lbs together.  We are setting a healthy example for our kiddos on the importance of veggies, healthy foods and meals, and portion control.  Eventually, maybe, we'll also stress the importance of exercise.  :P  But I'm kind of lazy, so maybe not. 
I am excited to get into my new clothes and try to mix and match a lot of outfits together.  Right now I have almost 50 items in my closet.  However, I think I'll be winding that down even further soon.  I may or may not try to take and most a daily picture in all my different outfits.  :)

Thanks for all those who have cheered me (us) on!  It is great to have achieved my goals!  I was shocked yesterday when I kept having to go back and get size 4 pants and shorts because the 6's were too big.  Same with needing small shirts instead of mediums or larges that I usually grab.  It is going to take a while to get my mind wrapped around this, but I think it's a great problem to have!  I am excited and proud and wanted to share this exciting news with you!  So there you have it!  :)