How I Dropped 25 Pounds

That was me in 2009... and then in 2010. I thought I'd write a detailed blog post about it, because it's actually something I'm pretty proud of :)

Before I start, I also just want to add a little disclaimer because I truthfully believe that not everyone is supposed to be just one size. For anyone who really wants to shed a few lbs, maybe this will be of some motivation. This is also a motivation post for myself because after my pregnancy last year, I gained it all back... and would like to go back to that when that time comes. Don't set out to be thinner just because someone else told you to. You need to want it in order to achieve it.

I didn't lose a ton of weight at all, because I didn't need to. I went from 145 lbs to 120 lbs, and a size 13 to a size 9. (I'm 5'0'' by the way.) I was a lot more comfortable with how I looked after I lost the weight.  So, again... pictures...

Me at 21 years old (weight around 145 lbs) Sorry for not having a full body pic, I couldn't find a good one!

Me a year later at 22 years old (weight around 120 lbs)

Here's how I successfully lost 25 lbs:

1. Cut out sweets: I ate absolutely no sweets whatsoever. Not a chocolate bar or ice cream scoop, etc, passed my lips. It actually wasn't that difficult at all. I was eating healthier stuff, so I never felt deprived in anyway.

2. Eat at least 3 times a day: I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day. If I was still hungry, I would have a snack in between meals... but no matter what I always made sure to eat 3 meals. They were something like this:

• Breakfast - Oatmeal with peanut butter and a glass of soy milk
• Lunch - Healthy sandwich with chicken, tuna, or turkey, mayo, mustard, swiss cheese, lettuce, pickles and water
• Dinner - Whatever my parents had cooked that evening and a glass of water (I drank mostly water! Except in the mornings, I had milk.) My husband was deployed that year, so fortunately I was able to stay with my family and my parents cooked everyday. We had a variety of things... pasta, fish, meat, etc. I would eat a normal proportioned sized meal every time. I definitely did not get any seconds!

3. Drink lots of water: I drank a lot of water! It's really good for your skin and your health in general! I did drink tea or coffee, but never soda. Never ever ever!

4. Have cheat days: This part is fun! These days were generally on holidays, because we had family parties :) Obviously I'm not going to refuse any good food at parties! Of course, I also didn't go overboard though. 

5. Exercise 3 times a week: This is a touchy subject because some people need to work out more or less. Diet is more important than exercise, but both are definitely needed to lose weight. Keeping fit is important. I didn't make those excuses, "I have no time to work out." I made time to work out. I was going to school full time and had a part time job and still made it to the gym. I suppose there are people who are way busier than that, but that doesn't give an excuse to not work out. 

I really hope this post will motivate someone who is trying to lose weight, because I know how difficult it can be. Keep in mind though, I am NOT a nutritionist or a doctor so take everything with a grain of salt... this is just what worked for me! 

XOXO,

Tiare