More "Before" and "After"

As painful as it is to show myself at my worst, I feel it is the best way to inspire some of you who might feel you are too old or too heavy to make changes. And as painful as it is to look at these before pictures of myself, it's not nearly as painful as it was to BE that heavy. It took an emotional toll as well and I replay those feelings as I look back and wonder how it got to that point, but it's also a lesson in "letting go" of a hurtful past.


This did not happen overnight, as those of you who have followed my progress well know, but I found ways to stay motivated on a day to day basis. The first step was to decide that I HAD to do something and then I told other people what I was going to do (basically I committed to walking to my Facebook friends!). I felt like I couldn't back down again and it was very encouraging to get the positive feedback each day when I finished my walk. So one day led to another and I started to feel that this time I was going to do it....and I did. You can too!! First figure out what is holding you back and then take YOUR first step forward!

Once you start losing, it's such a feeling of accomplishment! You know you're doing the right thing, that you're getting healthier and liking yourself better! I was never into exercising or walking, but when I had done it for 30 days, there was no turning back. Even when winter set in, I kept on walking every day all wrapped up like an eskimo! :) Just last week, after a month of freezing weather, deep snow and icy ground, I decided to do my walking at a gym on a treadmill. Not my favorite thing, but I was feeling guilty about not being able to do my mile (sometimes 2 miles) walk. It's something else I've had to force myself to do....warming up the car, driving into town, exercising (walking) in front of other people (lol), plus...I have motion sickness and it took me a couple of days to not feel nauseous from my "fake" walking! But I pushed through and do feel better that I'm keeping myself moving. I got some earplugs so I can watch tv while on the treadmill....how's that for motivation? hahahah....whatever works, that's what I always say!




So here I am back in June of 2010....like I said, this is painful to show this (or even for me to look at it) and the worst part is this is 4 months AFTER I started walking and eating right! Whew! It's hard to imagine that I was even heavier. The next picture is of me today (January 2011) only 7 mo. later. 


So, again, my point is that it's never too late to make changes and if you reach out for help and inspiration, you will find many who are willing to offer a hand! Good luck and let me know if you need an extra little push! :)




I'm looking forward to Spring and being able to get back out on the Pollyann Trail and take more pictures of the beautiful sunrises like this one! I'd love to hear what gets YOU moving! What works best for you when you just can't get motivated?

I forgot to add that you can read more info about my low carb adventure here: http://www.minniepauz.com/lowcarbeating.html

The Downside of Losing Weight

Well, this is it....I promised everyone more "before & after" pictures, so here goes. This blog will be evolving all day since I just got my newsletter out and I wasn't ready with all the stuff I wanted to write here. :) Blame it on menopause? hahahah...not sure I can still use that excuse.
It's taking a LOT of guts (parden the pun) for me to show ya'll some of these photos!! I guess I'm more vain than I thought I was. But for you to really appreciate the transformation I guess you have to see the good, the bad AND the UGLY! 


On top of everything, I can't make this blog look the way I want it to. hahahah...I'm just losing my touch, I guess. Oh well, I'm sure you'll get the point! 


In the photo below, I'm actually wearing the same blouse and although not exactly the same pants, it still shows the same "look". Sure look better in the 2010 version! :)

So, as the title of this post says....there IS a downside to losing 57 lbs., especially at my age when you haven't been keeping your muscles in shape, etc.  Actually there are several "downs". 

One of the first ones I experienced was spending money on a whole new wardrobe because nothing fit...and I mean from underwear to shoes! At first I was kind of happy and it was fun to finally buy new things and actually feel good about trying them on, but two weeks later my joy turned to disappointment when I could no longer wear the new clothes because they were too big! 

I finally started buying things that were a little tight because I was trusting that I was continuing to lose so that gave me a few more weeks of wearing clothes that looked good. Thank goodness Kohl's take stuff back with no questions asked, no matter how long it's been! Now I would never abuse that privilege, but it has really helped a couple of times (like when I was trying to find the right walking shoes!). I have walking shoes, boots and sandals that are all too big! I'm trying to wear heavy socks for now until I stop shrinking.

The second biggie is how much older I look without the fat to plump out my face! No WONDER I didn't have many wrinkles!! They were all stretched to the point of no return!!

Unfortunately, I have inherited some extra skin under my chin (thanks Grandma Carr) and even though it's not as fat as it was, it's still there!! 

I have found the solution though.......the Neck Perfect Machine!!! My neck muscles may be too far gone for this, but I would certainly give it a try before considering "gasp" surgery!!

So....that's two of the "downs" of losing weight. There are more, but I don't want to keep going on and on since I'm proud of myself for getting healthier and not thinking "it's too late". That's my message for all of you who have been following Minnie Pauz for many years, and yes, I'm finally ready to admit that she's more a part of me than I have let on. :)

I'm looking forward to your comments and for you to share your experiences. I really get uncomfortable when everything seems to be about me! LOL I know most of you know that my goal is to help and inspire other women to get through the tough things we deal with as we get older and I hope you've found something that starts a flicker of motivation to face whatever issues you are having trouble with.

All my best.... Dee