I haven’t had a chance to search out some deals this week for “Good Deals Friday“, but I bring you something… else…
So I’ve been wanting to do a “Then & Now” picture comparison of me and my weight loss and fitness progress.
Can I be honest?…
It’s a bit scary for me. To show the world pictures of me back in high school when I was overweight and unhappy with my appearance? Ugh, drama. It’s the fear of thinking “Have I really changed?” Do you ever feel that way?
So let’s get to it and get over that feeling, fast!…
These pictures were taken circa 2001, I can’t seem to locate many “full body” shots from any time past then, and in 2001 I was starting to workout, so this by all means was not my heaviest, mind you.
Senior in High School
In Ireland 2001
When I look I these, I feel bad for that girl, she smiled and never let on that she was unhappy with herself. I want to help her!… well, I did. I changed my eating habits and worked out and continue to do so. I LOVE ALL THINGS FITNESS! I’m so not even lying. If you read this blog often, you know that. 
So let’s bring you to present day…
Ran my first 5k, April 2009
Ran my second 5k, May 2009
Amazed myself that I actually wore shorts!
Why am I posting these pictures? It reminds me of how I once was. Just how hard, emotionally & physically it was to change and lose weight. I think it’s healthy to look back and see how far you’ve come and also to look forward to your goals. Setting goals is so key to success, it gives you a picture of what you want to accomplish and drives you to complete that goal. I still have weight loss goals to hit and fitness goals {running a marathon, one day}. I’m focused, and sometimes I lose focus, but it’s so much easier to find my way back now then it ever has been.
I am much happier with me now then I was back then, not just because of the weight I’ve lost, but the confidence I’ve gained in my ability to be active. I was never a sports/fitness girl when I was younger, and now I love the thrill of running a race, going to the gym, wholyfit and knowing I am physically fit. Such a great feeling. I feel strong and that’s something I never felt before.
I hope this post encourages you to fight for your fitness & health goals and continue being wonderfully you!
Happy Weekend Ya’ll!
So tell me, what’s your story? Have you written a blog post of “then & now” photos, send me the link, I want to read it!
And twelve thousand pats on the back for you Lauren CG! I am so proud of you. Lord knows the struggle is hard but it is attainable. You remind me of my sister. She was overweight but turned her life around and now looks excellent! Keep up the good work (as I know you will!)
Way 2 go on the weight loss … been there, done that, and I LOVE looking at my fat pictures. It makes me realize that the hard work has paid off. I was 261 pounds when I started walking less than 5 years ago, about 200 now.
Here’s before: http://tinyurl.com/m9poqv (I’m on the left)
And here’s after: http://tinyurl.com/n4jybf
Have a great weekend!
Girl that is AWESOME! You look great, and more importantly you feel great.
I gained about 25lbs in college due to eating crap and drinking lots of beer. I had to lost that weight too and it was HARD.
GO US!
Thanks Onnie! You’re so encouraging
You look great! congratulations! Such a big accomplishment and it seems you worked so hard to get to where you want to be. I’m glad to that you are happier for it!
Jen
SAM!! That is so amazing, thank you for sharing your story/pictures! It’s so good to look back and see how far you come, it makes you feel stronger huh? love it!!!
YEAH BETH! Go us! It’s hard work, but its so worth it. SO worth
Thanks for sharing
You look younger now more than ever. You’re AWESOME….and great hair. LOL
Thanks Josie! I feel like I look younger, I’m telling you being overweight AGES you, fast! haha thanks, I like my hair too. haha
I KNEW we were kindred spirits! Looks like we have a very similar story! Thanks for sharing, Lauren. You have done an amazing thing for yourself and, man, we all know it wasn’t/isn’t easy, but it’s soooo worth it. You are just absolutely stunningly gorgeous, and, even more than that, your beautiful radiant and positive energy shines through in every post you write.
You know I think you awesome and you Rock. You are my inspiration. Love and miss you bunches
those pics made me tear up. reminds me of myself and where i used to be… the girl “with the pretty face”. you look amazing, and did such a great job in all that you’ve accomplished. kudos to you honey!!
[...] Lauren wrote an interesting post today onThen & Now – Team GilesHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
thumbs up girl! you ARE an inspiration!!
I’m so proud of you for sharing your story. I’ve thought about doing it so many times and for some reason it never makes it up there. Perhaps the tears rolling down my face make it hard to see what I’m writing, haha.
You are amazing girl and I’m right there with you. If you ever need encouragement you know my number and thankfully I have yours too for me. We have to stick together in this.
I might even be inspired to do a similar blog to yours….really is a GREAT idea. Let the past go and look to the future
Annabel, awww I knew we were kindred spirits too! Thank you so much for your compliments, that means a lot to me.
I do put my heart into what I write.
Thank you Lori!
Cher, I know what you mean, it’s emotional to look back on how you once were and see how far you’ve come!! You’re doing great too girl!!
Rachel you should!!
It’s good for the soul. 
I’m so glad we’re friends, we’re so much alike 
You look amazing! bravo!
AMAZING girl!!!
[...] Lauren wrote an interesting post today onThen & NowHere’s a quick excerpt [...]