The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear.
-William Jennings Bryan
My goal when I started this journey was to lose 52 lbs. I’m going into my 12th week on the Medifast program, and just passed the halfway mark! That’s why I decided that it’s time to show you my progress through photos.
I don’t have very many photos of myself from the past 10-12 years. I prefer being behind the camera. I always have. This photo, from the summer of 2009, was a wake up call.
I was at my highest weight there. 235 lbs, size 20, 1X. Apparently all the fat was in my cheeks LOL! The same month that photo was taken, one of my aunts passed away, my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer, and my mother-in-law was hospitalized, suffering from liver failure. Wake up call. Diet and weight management have been shown to play a major role in cancer prevention, so I knew I had to get my act together.
By the end of September, I had lost 20 lbs.
The next 2 years were tough, though. My grandpa and MIL died that next summer, our financial situation was pretty dire, and then my grandma’s cancer came back, and we lost her last June. Needless to say, there was absolutely some emotional eating happening, but somehow, through it all, I kept the weight off.
In December, when Medifast got in touch with me about trying their program and sharing my journey with you, my readers, via this blog, I wasn’t sure whether I could do it. I knew it wasn’t going to be as simple as posting my weight every week. I would have to be open and honest if I expected myself, or anyone else, to learn anything from this process. But I went for it. And I’m so happy I did.
These are a few before / during photos. Be kind. I still have 25 more lbs to go, maybe more.
My daughter took these photos, by the way. She hadn’t really noticed – or commented – on my weight loss until she saw these side-by-sides. My hard work is paying off. It’s hard to believe that I’ve lost 50 lbs since that chubby-cheeked photo above!
MY WEIGHT: 26.9 lbs lost, 24.7 still to go!
Starting: 211.6 lbs / Current: 184.7 lbs / Goal: 160 lbs
- MONTH ONE: – 12.6 lbs
- MONTH TWO: – 8 lbs
- week 9: – 2.8 lbs
- week 10: – 2 lbs
- week 11: – 1.5 lbs
THE FOOD
I really enjoy making “new” snacks with my Medifast foods! I used to bake every day, so this kind of makes up for that. Take these peanut butter cups, for example. I can’t remember where I found the recipe (Twitter, maybe?) but I used one packet of Medifast Hot Cocoa, mixed it with 2 oz of water, and spread it into a small bowl, leaving a whole in the middle. Re-using old Jello cups works great for this. Then I mix a little PB2 with water, drop it into the middle of cup, and cover it up with the hot cocoa mixture. It looks like a lot, but it’s only a tablespoon of the dry PB2. Since I freeze the whole thing for a few hours, I make the peanut butter watery so it goes a little farther. 😉 This is such a yummy treat, with less than 150 calories, about 15-16 g carbs, and 4 g of fiber. You can’t really tell from the photo, but this thing is HUGE! So satisfying.
Does my success on the Medifast plan inspire you?
Use my coupon code, BUZZ56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage, and when you order $250+ of food, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! Check out Medifast’s website for complete details on the program and discounts.
Disclosure: I receive free product in order to evaluate and comment on my experiences on the Medifast Program. Medifast products and the Medifast Program are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any medical improvements noted while on the program are related to weight loss in general, and not to Medifast products or programs.
Beth @ TheAngelForever says
Way to go – you look fantastic! Those side by side photos really do tell a story about how well you are doing with your goals in mind. I have to admit, I SO want to try Medifast after reading your experience. In addition to this, my parents have used it and lost a lot of weight. Need to figure out a way to try to make it happen.
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Jessica says
Wow, congratulations! You are more than half way to your goal and should be so proud. You are looking amazing girl, what a HUGE difference in your week 1 and week 12 shots! You are totally shrinking everywhere! I bet you feel fantastic, too?!?! Keep up the awesome work.
For the record, those Medifast peanut butter cups are THE BOMB!
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Cathy says
I am so very, very happy and for you. I know how hard and challenging it is to put yourself and your health and fitness as a priority in your life. You look fantastic and the example you are setting for your girls is so awesome! I can’t wait to hug (less) of you. SOON!!! OMG, SOON!
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Maria Jose @verybusymama says
Mariana you are amazing and you look fantastic! It feels great doesn’t it??? And I love the recipe idea, I haven’t thought of playing with the meals, but I am now! I’ve lost 10 lbs and I can’t wait to lose another 10 lbs. I am soooooo happy for you and you are encouraging ME!
Maria Jose @verybusymama says
Does Medifast have peanut butter? What is PB2? Sorry! but I want to try your recipe 🙂
Rosey says
You look fab!
Niri says
nothing short of inspiring my friend. Can’t wait to see the new, even more, gorgeous you!
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Carolyn G says
Looking godd mama!! I might have to check out the Medifast plan!
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Denisse says
You look great, amiga!!! Congratulations on staying on track! It’s definitely paying off!
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Justice Jonesie says
Congrats to you! Your hard work is paying off- you look great!
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