365 Days Later

This week marked a very special anniversary.  I've officially been on the Jenny Craig program for ONE YEAR.


I can't really believe it myself.  I've been on weight-loss programs off and on throughout my adult life, but never have I stuck to something this long.  

BEFORE JENNY CRAIG

At Pearl Harbor - January 2009 (A Rare Body Pic)

So much in my life has changed over this past year.  It's hard to believe that that girl above is the same person that I am today.  But she is.  She was just buried in extra layers... and had a MUCH bigger appetite.  She walks much taller now.  She walks prouder and FASTER.  

Stanley Hotel - February 2010

In going back to find pics of the BEFORE period, it's also interesting how many LESS pictures there are of me.  I think that's a little sad.  I'm a HUGE lover of photography and capturing the moment, but I used to spend my time taking pictures of everyone else.  Staying behind the camera kept me out of the pics, and kept me from excessive cringing...  I still take tons of pics of everyone else, but I like to get in front of the camera now, too.

The Mother of ALL Before Pics - February 2010 - That's really my butt, seriously??

I wouldn't say I like to take TONS of pictures of me, but I don't mind them when I see them today.  And, they're usually a reminder of how far I've come.  And, trips down memory lane like this usually make me reflect even more.

After a Dinner with the Girls in TN - October 2010 - Days before Joining JC

The other thing I'd say is that the new KG is much BUSIER!  I'm no longer busy eating, and now I'm much busier living!  2011 has been a year that I've travelled so much!  I've gone to see friends I haven't seen in YEARS.  I spent time on the West Coast, the East Coast, and just about everywhere in between.  I've visited girlfriends I haven't seen since college and ones that I'd seen since but just missed desperately.  I've LIVED.

AFTER JENNY CRAIG ENTERED MY LIFE

Downtown Denver - September 2011

I write this post to share with all of you who've supported me over the past year (and beyond) how far I've come, but I also write it as a reminder to myself.  I cannot and WILL NOT allow myself to slip back into old habits.  I cannot and WILL NOT allow myself to become a "BEFORE" again.  

Atop of Pike's Peak - October 2011

If you're still contemplating your journey or maybe you've lost your motivation to continue, I ask you to think about it.  Do you want to be a BEFORE or an AFTER?  I definitely choose AFTER.  Every time, I choose AFTER.  I choose AFTER for me and choose AFTER because I deserve it.  You deserve it, too.

Manitou Springs with Jaede - October 2011

I've parted with nearly 70 lbs now.  70 lbs of me are gone forever.  That's a big number and I realize it.  I used to walk around with that extra 70 lbs on me.  I used to walk up the stairs with them.  Not any longer; we've said our goodbyes.  I've also said goodbye to many a pants size.  When I say many, I mean FIVE.

Hard at work - September 2011

I don't miss them one bit.  There's not a day that goes by that I think... I wish I had that 5 lbs back or wish I was back in a 22W pant.  Not one day do I think I'd rather have eaten the Orange Chicken instead of the Steamed Veggies.  No regrets whatsoever, but definitely lots of lessens learned.

Dinner with Co-Workers in Austin - October 2011 

Thank you for being a part of this journey.  I don't think even I believed I could do it, but you did.  I was AFRAID, and you gave me more strength than you'll ever know.    


The story's not over, as this is just the beginning.  Stay tuned for Chapter 2.  I've got a lot of plans on how this is story is going to progress.  I promise, you're in for a treat. 


xoxo - Kelly