I began the year blogging about my quest for a better body. At the time, that’s all it was. I was tired of feeling bloated, of looking through my clothes for something to wear and realizing that 56% of my clothes didn’t fit (or didn’t flatter me).
I had gained about 10 pounds (and remember, I’m 4’11” so that’s about 25 pounds for a normal sized person) this past year and it all resided in my belly. See “before” picture below.
Even though I’m smiling as I took the picture, when I looked at it later on the screen I sunk into a mini depression for a second. Like, whose stomach is that? Why does it look like a “W” on the bottom? And why it is bulging over my jeans? I guess that’s how it looks when I’m not sucking it in.
I realized that I’m not 16 anymore and if I want to inhale some cookies or cake, some cardio needs to follow, that’s for damn sure. Second, I can’t keep using food as a reward or as a release or do the whole “I’m hungry so I’m going to eat whatever I want” routine.
I was mindless about food and even more so about how much I was moving my body. I was out of shape. Period.
So what to do? Well, I started the year with a bang. I did Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred in January but got frustrated because the pounds did not slide off like I heard they did for so many other people. Instead, I got stronger. I didn’t ask my husband to open jars of pickles anymore, I could do push-ups with (somewhat) ease, and I could feel strong abs (hiding under the fat).
That felt good, so I planned to bump up the cardio in February and keep it moving. But I pushed myself too hard and busted up my right knee. I could barely stand, let alone run or jog. So I was forced to rest. Since I couldn’t exercise like I wanted to, I began to focus on my diet. Smaller portions, more veggies, lots more fiber and water. Fewer sweets. That’s it. No “7-Day cleanse” or “HCG diet” or even SlimFast shakes. It was the first time I created a “diet” that I knew I could live with.
So I quit weighing myself and antagonizing about the number on the scale and just focused on what I put in my mouth. Here I am in March:
This is actually my first time looking at my before and after pictures together and I’ve made more progress than I thought. And I promise it’s me in the second photo…was having a bad hair day. LOL.
Now that the sun is shining more days than it’s not, I plan to get outside more. My kids and I are planting a garden and we take daily afternoon walks around the neighborhood. In the evenings, I plan on hitting the gym or going for a run with some friends.
I’m loving this “new body,” and figuring out ways to be even healthier, all the time. When I go out to eat now, I don’t order what is likely to be the most fattening thing on the menu. I order side salads instead of the mashed potatoes, and get the “seasonal veggies” more often than not. I’m a big fan of salmon and shrimp (not fried) and it’s paying off. I can’t believe that I am actually saying that.
But most of all, I’m glad I have you guys here. I told myself I was going to post before and after pictures and I couldn’t disappoint you. So you deserve a big ol’ thank you, as well.
Got any exercise or weight loss tips for me? Leave ’em in the comments! 
If I posted a picture of my stomach online, everyone who sees it would go blind…seriously. I have been carrying around ‘baby weight’ for over 6 years now and come to think of it, it might not be baby weight after all, but foods like this delicious, fattening strawberry cake I’m munching now that my daughter and I whipped up two days ago for Daddy. Or maybe its the many things I pop into the deep fryer nowadays. I’d fry water if I could…Smh. I do realize it’s time to get it together, but I’d much rather blame my droopy stomach on the two c-sections I’ve undergone. It’s actually hard to get those muscles toned again. But not impossible. Instead of looking at my figure and not liking what I see, I’m going to take concrete steps to ride my 20’s out on top with well-fitting clothes, a flat (okay…close to flat) stomach, and a pair of stilletos…Louboutin red bottoms. Hell, after all the work this will take, I’ll deserve them. But it’s not just about looking fab. I have two little girls who look up to me, and I sincerely want them to maintain a healthy weight and eating habits. Thanks for sharing, Tara. You give me hope. =o)
Looking good, baby girl! I’m proud of you for sticking with it, making healthy choices and doing what’s right for you. I’m about to be all on that P90X today. *in my baby whisper* Pray for me.
Go Tara!!!! I’m so PROUD of you. I know it couldn’t have been/ can’t be easy… but here you are doing it. The after shot looks awesome! It takes guts to post pictures of yourself like that, but look at you, Mama. #TeamSlim all the way.
WOW Girl! You did GREAT!!!! You should be VERY proud of yourself. Trust me I know its not easy task. Keep up the good work for all us mommies….this is motivating!
You look great Tara! I am going to have to step up my exercise game asap! I wish you all the best to reach your desired goals
WHOOP WHOOP! Look at you girlie! Im so proud of you!!! Your looking great! I see you have been doing those reverse crunches too.. I see where your gonna have that cut Jillian tells us is so hard to get! NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Super Proud and motivated!
xoxox and thanks for sharing!
Ro
Thank us?! No thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! Your results in such a short time are awesome! Keep it up!
I’ve definitely jumped started my healthy eating at home (more veggies, more fiber, leaner meats) now to just tackle the eating out part & sweets!
Thank you for the inspiration!
You’ll notice that in the first picture, the door is closed. I didn’t want anyone to walk by and see my belly and how big it was. In the second photo, the door is open. I think that’s a difference right there.
I love before & after photos, they are ALWAYS inspiring. Your story and body type are a lot like mine, so I can totally relate! Keep kicking booty, girl. You deserve the best!
I can DEFINITELY see a huge change from before to after. You worked damn hard, Tara, and it shows! I am *so* proud of you!
GO Tara!! YOu look GREAT! Just stay focused! Your doing a great job! WHOOOOOOO!!!!
You are amazing I don’t even look in the mirror unless it’s from the neck up or full length with my spanx on lol… Bows head in shame I’m doing the hcg diet and the positive thing is I’m more aware of my caloric intake .
Looking good, lady. I love seeing moms getting back in shape. Inspires me. My son is 2 weeks old now. I’m getting ready to start my exercising (once all this soreness goes away.) This isn’t much of a tip for you now, but if you have any more children, you should wear a postpartum support belt IMMEDIATELY after you deliver. It helps your stomach go down. It has worked wonders with both my pregnancies.
@Nadirah – I heard about those too late.
I would SO try one now!
You inspired me with these pics! I have been trying to get rid of “baby fat” for close to 8.5 yrs now! I started working out with a trainer last year and I’m determined to keep going. People have told me they see a difference. Eating better certainly helps. I pretend that fruits are candy or some other delicacy, LOL!
Waiting to get my stomach to go down dramatically like yours…..
Awesome, Tara!! Our bodies are like identical. And it is frustrating as short people to not see the numbers on the scale. Exercise wise, what did you do to get rid of the “w” lol? I always feel like crunches are useless!
You look great, Tara! I’m with you on the short thing — I’m 5’1, and I look like a totally different person when I gain just 10 pounds…
Keep up the good work. Maybe some of your motivation will rub off on me!
Congrats on your progress!!
Congrats!!! You look great!
I too am 4’11 and I am 9 weeks postpartum so I have some skin and muscles doing some things they ve never done before LOL. I recently posted about my weight loss challenge. I
hope you’ll take a peak – http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2011/04/15-by-june.html
Good luck!! I know you ll continue to excel