WEARING
H&M Tunic (size small)
J Brand Lovestory jeans (from Sydney, thank you!! size 30)
Sergio Rossi platform sandals (old, n/a)
Jas M.B. bag
This was my outfit yesterday, you saw the tunic in my Spring beauty buys video, I didn’t want to cheat you out of the full picture š
To be honest, I’m quite emotional about this picture. As soon as I put these jeans on, I loved them; I forgot how amazing a long, lean pair of jeans looks on me. Not that I’m giving up on slim, ankle length jeans either, because I think they look good too, but I haven’t had a pair of flared jeans that fit in a while, and they’re pretty amazing. Of course, they should be worn with your highest heels, platforms preferably, to complete the 70’s look š Rachel Zoe would approve.
Anyway, when I look at this picture, I see a normal-looking woman. Finally. I don’t see saddlebags, or hips, or bulges anywhere. There’s nothing I want to hide or feel bad about here, I’m perfectly happy with the way I look. This is what I have strived for ALL MY LIFE. Now that it’s here, I’m overwhelmed. My body has truly changed because of Pure Barre and a high(er)-protein diet (and NO GLUTEN – honestly cutting out bread/pasta/etc. has completely changed the way I feel – I don’t even miss it). I finally feel like I AM IN CONTROL – which is truly an amazing feeling, and sadly, one I haven’t felt very often. So often I just let myself dwell too long with my feelings of insecurity or anxiety without taking control and moving on. This is what scares me about losing weight; I’ve done it SOOOO many times before, what’s going to be different about this time? How am I going to keep it off and not fall back into old habits of feeding my emotions?
The truth is, I don’t know, but I just have to keep doing what I’m doing. Anxiety about keeping the weight off won’t help anything, the only thing it will definitely do is keep me from enjoying my moment now. And right now, I am HAPPY. I am so pleased that I’ve been able to turn my body into a machine that performs efficiently for me (it’s strong, able, healthy), and looks good too. I still have a ways to go, but I’m starting to feel thin, and light, and comfortable. And I don’t ever want to feel differently.
**did you guys see the Goldsign sale at Hautelook today? There are so many great styles for around $99 – which is about the best price you’ll get for Goldsign…
You look great! I can totally see the difference. Doesn’t it just feel SO GOOD to be eating healthy and looking it? I’ve been gluten-free myself for about 6 months now and don’t miss it either. I bake with almond meal and actually prefer that to wheat stuff. I also have a ways to go still (I gained 60 lbs when pregnant!) but what matters is eating real, healthy food and feeling good, even if the weight loss process is somewhat slow.
I am just SO happy for you! You look absolutely adorable in this pic;stylish, casual, comfortable, and oh so joyful! I know that it’s tough not to worry about falling back, but think forward and how good you feel. And how great you look is a side benefit, really. (a good one, by the way! š ) I think when we lose weight, and especially a lot of it, we have to know inside that it’s a lifestyle change and a new way of thinking about food, exercise and health. You sound like you fully understand that, and that’s more than half the battle! Proud of you, at no matter what size you are!
You look great! LOVE the tunic.
For me, it’s so important to focus on how the changes are making me feel better–that even if I’m tired, exercising makes me feel better and get more energy, and when I eat the right foods, I feel better, and it’s not just about how I look. Though feeling better does end up making me physically look better.
You look so different in your recent photos–it’s not just that you’re smiling more, but your overall sense of comfort and ease with yourself and a new sense of joyfulness are showing through!
i think this is what’s made most of the difference for me. for a long time, i was having “issues” with feeling bad all the time, and this was when i was a vegan! it was mostly stomach issues, and i thought it had to be hormonal and i’d just have to live with it, but since i started eating chicken and fish again, and NO GLUTEN, or any sort of grains at all, i feel so much better. the feeling good ALL THE TIME is what keeps me going, and away from sugar/carbs. i just don’t want to feel bad anymore!
Hi Grechen,
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. I bet you will do fine long-term if you stay with a high protein, low-glycemic approach. I gave up sugar last winter. It’s helped my skin, while fending off belly bulge. I found it easier to go without, rather than trying to have it in moderation, which just left me with cravings. A real treat for me now is a sliced banana with walnuts and plain yogurt or milk, or a piece of baker’s unsweetened chocolate w/ a hint of vanilla (Scharffenbergers — not for everyone! — but really satisfying). One other thing: my dr. urged me last year to switch to full fat dairy– after a lifetime of nonfat — because the nonfat spikes blood sugar. I was skeptical, but she promised I wouldn’t gain weight and this turned out to be true. I love Silk unsweetened almond milk too: it has lots of calcium but no natural sugars in it. Well, enough about me — but I do wish you well!
Interesting tips, Ally. I’m going to try that! The things I learn from your fellow readers, Grechen!!
Hi, Mamavelveeta — Here’s a link to the New York Times magazine story that got me started on this
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all
Never dreamed I could do this, because my entire family adores sweets, but “baby steps” got me there eventually. Once in a blue moon I will splurge when out with friends or family, but the trick seems to be not keeping binge-inducing items in the house š
best wishes,
a.
Thanks, Ally! I just read that Alec Baldwin says that’s how he lost all of his weight. His wife suggested he eliminate sugar. And he lost 30 lbs. painlessly! (well, maybe not so painless, but worth it!).
Wow! I had no idea about that, but just googled it. He looks amazing and I’m glad he’s getting the word out. One nice side effect is not having to obsess about fat intake, as long as it’s moderate amounts of “good fats” like raw nuts, flax oil and olive oil.
Life is good! Have a good day,
a.
<3
It's great.