Here we are, at the end of 2019 and the first year of my weight loss journey. I thought it would be most appropriate for me to blog about where my weight loss journey stands, how far I’ve come, and what comes next. But most importantly, let’s get right to my latest milestone: 25 lbs!
It may have taken me the better part of this past year to do it, but from March 2019 to December 2019, I lost 25 pounds.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from that comparison photo (besides the obvious physical differences) is that I’m now officially two clothing sizes smaller. WHICH MEANS that I’m shopping in the “regular part” of the clothing store now…not the plus size department.
And for me, personally, that is a HUGE accomplishment. I may not do much clothing shopping in general, but to be able to go into ANY store and peruse the main racks instead of seeking out a tiny section of larger clothes?
That’s a BIG, BIG DEAL.
Losing 25 Lbs Puts Me in “One-derland”
Because, you see, for a woman who needs to lose quite a bit of weight (like myself), there are two types of “One-derland”:
- When your size begins with a “1” and not a “2”; and
- When your weight begins with a “1” and not a “2”.
With my 25-pound loss so far, I’ve achieved #1 above. And if all goes as planned, I’ll easily achieve #2 in 2020.
New decade, new body – here I come!
Current Weight Loss Program
My current weight loss strategy hasn’t changed very much in the past several months. I still go to a no-nonsense, inexpensive gym 5 days a week. I do approximately 40 minutes of high intensity cardio (usually on an elliptical machine) and then work on strength training.
The biggest change is that I’m finally brave enough (and self-confident enough) to do some arm work in the free weights area, away from the safe confines of the weight machines.
The free weights is usually occupied by 98% men, which makes it intimidating. The first few times I worked out in the free weights, my husband, Jon, was right beside me.
But now I’m comfortable working out there alone – and you know what? The guys working out in the free weight area are actually quite helpful and accommodating, so I worried about nothing!
Also, if you’ve been following along with this weight loss journey of mine (or my blog and/or social media in general), then you know I’ve been writing my first book! And as part of that, I needed to have new professional head shots taken.
Check out the difference in my face and neck!
Anyway, I’m on track to submit my full manuscript on February 1! And it will be a craft/upcycling book, not a weight loss book – just in case I hadn’t been clear about that.
My Wellness Journey and Next Steps After the First 25 Lbs
When I sat down at the salon recently, my hair stylist commented on how different I looked. So, of course, we began chatting about being women in our 40s and finding time to prioritize our health. She just kept saying that “she doesn’t have time to work out”.
Which sounded AWFULLY familiar because I’d used that same excuse for years and years.
And it does seem that way at the beginning. We’re all just so busy that carving out time to start a fitness routine feels like we’re adding something massive to our to-do lists. And for women especially, it feels indulgent and selfish to prioritize ourselves over our families and obligations.
At least it did for me. And I don’t even have kids or an overly needy husband. Which really meant it was JUST an excuse and I was kidding myself that entire time.
Because the truth of it is, losing weight has actually had the opposite effect. I feel like I have MORE time now. In fact, I *KNOW* I have more time now because I have so much more energy and get so much more done than I used to.
So…what comes next after these first 25 lbs that I lost? How do I continue to lose weight in 2020 without losing momentum? Here are some of my ideas:
- More strength training (squats, etc.).
- Changing up my cardio with hikes outside, running stairs, etc.
- Maybe even try jogging and ultimately signing up for a 5k run.
- Continue to eat SMART, not just LESS.
- Thrift for an even larger wardrobe in smaller sizes!
Will any of that come to fruition? I promise to continue blogging about my weight loss journey into 2020, and I hope you’ll continue to follow along with me!
*****
Thanks again for reading this new blog series of mine. By doing this, I hope to not only stay accountable and on track, but to bring comfort to anyone else out there who is ashamed of their body or weight-related health. I am not a doctor or medical professional in any capacity, so everything I blog about during my weight loss journey is simply my own opinion and experience. Please consult a medical or health professional before beginning a weight loss program or for medical related questions.
If you want to read all of my weight loss journey blog posts, you can find the full series here. And because I’m not sending my weight loss blog posts to my current subscribers, please let me know if you would like to be added to my separate weight loss subscription list.
Keep on keepin’ on,
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Wow Wow just the way you are holding yourself taller and that smile is so much bigger – well done !! Yep count me in the two kids and needy husband category – but I have started playing Pokemon Go – made so new friends so am getting so much more exercise than I usually had previously so noticing small changes happening as diet wasn’t always a problem – brought up with ‘an everything in moderation’ which works for me. Step by step – moment by moment we will get finish whatever we started. 🙂
That’s such a cool way to get more exercise, Leanne!! Congratulations to you on that – having fun, meeting new friends, AND getting healthy, all in one!
Congratulations! I would love to hear about how you’ve changed your eating as well. You should be so proud of yourself!
Thank you, Kristen!! I actually talk about that a little more in the earliest posts in the series: https://www.sadieseasongoods.com/category/secondhand-slim-down/
Short answer, though – Everything in moderation, especially sugar and simple carbs (I’m not full Keto or carb-free, though).
Seriously now……YOU look AMAZING!!!! WOW!!!!! And I am so happy that you are doing it the smart, sensible, sustainable, HEALTHY way. Wishing you all the best in 2020. I really enjoy all your great ideas and you are such an inspiration!! GO YOU!!!
Thank you so very much, Jenni!!! I sincerely appreciate it and you – more than you’ll ever know! Cheers to 2020!
I’ve recently hit one-derland, too. (But, remember, mine was after bariatric surgery.) You go girl! You’re doing great! All the best to you in the new year.
Congratulations on hitting Onederland, Fonda!!! And thank you so much.
You look amazing! Congrats on the first 25 lbs. gone! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Thank you so much, Jon-Maria! It’s terrifying to put it all out there, but the encouragement (and accountability when people ask for updates!) is truly priceless.
You are doing AWESOME and thank you for sharing your journey!
Thank you so very much, Betty!
Congratulations! I too struggle with weight so know you should be very proud of yourself. Such an encouragement too! Keep up the good work and the great attitude.
Thank you so much, Susan! I’ve battled this my entire life…and it feels pretty amazing to finally be in control of it.
Soooooooo proud of you. Wow!!!!! Stunning achievement and you look abSoooLutely gorgeous <3
Thank you so much! It’s been a lifelong struggle for me and this attempt to undo all that damage is long overdue. Cheers to a very sweaty 2020! 😉
Sadie~
It’s amazing what 25 lbs. loss can do,…and how much you have transformed! My Sister, 10 years ago started the weight loss journey,….220 lbs. down to 145 lbs. It took 2 years. She feels so much better and looks younger. I am excited to see the next post report on the journey and hear more about your book!
Thank you, Rosann!! I sincerely appreciate it- I’ve talked about the book in a few other posts (my upcycling tutorials). If this is your first time visiting, I’d be happy to direct you to specific links!
You go girl….you go thrifting for smaller sizes, you go work out with the men next to you, and you go getting on with looking fantastic! It’s hard work, you’re succeeding with realistic expectations and nothing fly by night, congratulations for sure on a year of getting it done.
Thank you so, so much!!!
Wow, your hard work is paying off big time, you look great!
Thank you so very much, Carole!
Wow! You’ve made amazing progress! You hit the nail on the head about how hard it is to prioritize our health, especially as women who have many obligations to others at work and home. After many years of putting myself last, I’m committing to a diet and workout plan. I’m turning 40 soon and haven’t lost weight for over 10 years. Since you’ve now lost 25 lbs… do you truly believe the adage that “it’s harder to lose weight when you get older”? I suspect the primary reason people say that is because we have so many other demands on our time. What do you think?
That’s a great question, S. I will say that I went through a big weight loss right after college…and I probably lost 75 pounds in a year and a half. Now, I was a field/lab tech at the time so I had a more active job…but it seemed to melt off more easily at age 23 than it does at 44. Could be coincidence, but I think the hormonal changes we go through in our 40s may play a role, to a certain extent. Either way, it took me a LONG time to realize that I could and should prioritize my health/wellness over other things, and that it wasn’t selfish to do that at all.
I’ve just found your blog, and I’ve been pinning a lot of your ideas, since I have a lot of home time lately. I was inspired to comment because your weight loss is so inspiring! Losing 25 pounds in nine months is a healthy amount of weight loss — good for you! I have heard that a 10% loss is enough to get a significant improvement in health (blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc).
I hope you are finding successful strategies to keep up your healthy living during Covid!
Thank you so very much, Roberta! Covid has really put a damper on the sustained, continued loss. I’ve been able to maintain, though, which I’m happy about. We also moved in the middle of the pandemic, so I am LONG OVERDUE for an update weight loss post!!
Hi Sadie, I would love to follow your weight loss journey posts and hope you can add me to your list. It is so inspirational seeing you achieve your goals and I, too have now seriously started on my journey, inspired by you. Forever grateful, Flowergirl
Thank you so much, Flowergirl! I am stupendously overdue for posting an update. The pandemic situation and my gym closing really put a dent in my ongoing weight loss, so I’ve been focusing on maintaining as much as I can. Thank you again, will add you to the list!