Here are some photos from the process, and a few beyond that.
My “official” before photo. Flattering, no, but I like the big smile. A friend once said that I smile with my whole face. Boy, have I got the wrinkles to show it, too!
The odd/sad thing about this photo is that, although I knew I was severely overweight (hello? size 22 pants?), this size is not what I saw when I looked in the mirror. I guess I was suffering from optical delusions.
This photo comparison is one I used for motivation during my first holiday season on this strange new living plan. I was hovering near the halfway point, and I could really see and feel the difference.
Shortly after the photo was taken, I had surgery on my feet and was unable to exercise for six weeks. Surgery was just before Thanksgiving, which meant I had to endure all the holiday hoopla without the benefit of calorie-offsetting exercise. Whenever I felt the urge to cross over into hold patterns, I’d look at this photo to remind myself of how far I’d come.
My favorite “during” photo, taken in 2008 when I attended a continuing ed class on nutrition. When I walked into the classroom and saw the desk chairs, I wanted to leave. It was only when I sat down that I realized I fit! Years of sitting through classes in total discomfort and embarrassment were over! I, of course, cried a little. And then I asked a classmate (who probably thought I was an idiot even though I explained my purpose) to snap this picture.
My official after photo, taken in December 2008, which was used in an advertisement for the training studio I worked out in. Opening the local indie newspaper and seeing a quarter-page ad featuring ME was quite the experience! 
This photo makes me smile sometimes and get a little teary at others. I explained why in Reward Day by the Sea.
I’m including this one because, well, it’s just me being silly.
And because THIS is the woman I saw in the mirror way back when.
Freelance writer, blogger, business service provider, cupcake lover.
