Throwback Thursday
I’ve successfully gotten rid of every picture from my “fat days.” I randomly stumble upon one every now and then and I trash it before anyone else might see it. And when anyone else takes a photo of me that looks even in the slightest like I might be carrying some extra weight, I get that picture deleted.
Workout pictures are sometimes the worst. I mean, it’s not like anyone actually looks great at the bottom of a front squat, but when you see yourself sometimes….
Ladies, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
I don’t really have many pics of me when I was at my heaviest. And I think it’s because I almost refuse to believe that “that Steph” even existed. I’m really scared of that Steph and I never want to see her again. I get really paranoid that if I let my guard down too much, she’ll surprise me out of no where. Some days I convince myself that it’s ok to take rest days from the gym…the old Steph won’t appear over night. And when the holidays come my way and I have to fight the constant “we’re having a holiday party…” invites…I get scared of that old Steph again.
Let me tell you a little about the old Steph:
- She ate fettuccine Alfredo every other day.
- She loved rice. Lots of rice. Uncle Ben’s long grain brown rice was a typical dinner.
- If she wasn’t eating half a box of Tuna Helper.
- Or Mac-N-Cheese. Sometimes the whole box.
- It wasn’t out of the ordinary for her to order pizza and breadsticks and cinnamon sticks 2-3 times per week.
- And General Tso’s Chicken with egg rolls and fried rice another 2 times per week.
- She didn’t eat vegetables for four years.
- She didn’t drink more than 16 oz of water a day.
- Sometimes she only drank juice, tea, and diet soda.
- She never exercised.
- And if she did, she ate twice as much to celebrate.
- Olive Garden was her favorite restaurant…she could dip the breadsticks in the Alfredo sauce.
- She would party a lot, drink too much beer, and binge off Sheetz foods at 3am.
- She was so, so, SO unhealthy.
The new Steph has kicked the old Steph’s ass. The new Steph:
- Hasn’t touched fettucine Alfredo in probably seven years.
- She also hasn’t eaten Tuna Helper in at least six.
- In seven years, she’s probably had a total amount of two mac-n-cheese helpings.
- She still eats pizza and breadsticks, but only on special occasions. Maybe 3-4 times a year? And no more cinnamon sticks, though her roommate did convince her to have a cinnamon bun about a month ago.
- New Steph loves cinnamon.
- New Steph drinks at least 64 oz of water a day. Most days at least one protein shake, and 20-32 oz of BCAAs as well.
- She exercises 5-6 days a week. And celebrates with sweet potatoes…or maybe a Paleo treat.
- Ethnic cuisine is her favorite food.
- She loves a glass of wine and has about 1-2 per week. She’s doesn’t enjoy the “nightlife” much anymore and she’s much happier in her sweats watching Netflix.
- She is really freakin’ healthy.
Thanks Steph for such an exceptionally worthy and honest post! I love the contrast between the “old” and the “new” Steph. I agree: You ARE Freakin’ awesome 🙂
Aww…thanks Christina!! That means so much!
I agree with Christina — you are super freakin awesome. Your transformation is so impressive and so inspiring. Most people get fatter as they age (metabolic slowdown) but you defy this and you keep looking better and better. And for all others out there trying to improve your health — look at Steph. Weight resistance exercise is key! Muscle is the most metabolically active tissue in the body. If you are over 30 and battling metabolic slowdown — the best thing you can do is lift some iron and gain some muscle. And follow Steph 😉
Erik, you make me smile 😀 Thanks for your continued support. The old Steph used to eat really horrible foods and that didn’t change until YOU started teaching me about proper nutrition!! THANK YOU!!
I also think you should be super proud of how fit & healthy you’ve become the Stephanie I used to know was somewhere in between “fat” & “fit” the most important thing is that you’re still the same fun loving, caring friend as always
Thanks Kristy!!! Fun loving and caring friend is the BEST complement!!!!
Thinspiration! I have a similar story of transformation this past year. I haven’t gotten rid of all my “fat pics” yet! Christina forwarded me this link as a friend knowing my journey, but what she didn’t know is that I work and am friends with your sister. I will have to forward some before and after pics. Your sister may be surprised to see me as well, because I haven’t seen her since summer. Small world keep inspiring others by telling your story. Thanks Courtney
What a small world Courtney!! YES–send me some pics! We can do a before/after post and feature it on another throwback Thursday! 😉 Oh and tell my sister hello when you see her next! 😉
Omg!! Stephanie you are awesome and a huge inspiration to me as well as others! I was 210 when I stated my weight loss about 13 years ago 🙂 . In the last two year I’ve gained ten pounds from stress and NOT being consistent with my working out, I’m 150 🙁 and trying very hard to get back ON it!! I will have to find a picture if i didnt distroy them ALL! I just love you and the motivation you give us all of us 🙂 thank you!
Lisa
Thank you Lisa! I know how hard it is to get started with a fitness plan and sometimes it’s even harder to get back into it once you’ve been out a while. Just try and do something healthy each day and take it one day at a time!! We’re all in this together! Let me know how I can help!
Congrats on the dilligence and consistency . You look amazing .keep killing it 😉
Thank you John!!!
SOOOO FREAKING HEALTHY! I remember when I first met you, I was and still am in awe of your discipline and extensive knowledge of nutrition and fitness!! It is important to know that the old Steph existed- but even more important to embrace the new bad ass Steph and keep yourself motivated and progressing. You are and will continue to do amazing things in the fitness world- I am so proud of you and grateful to know you!
Aww, Reagan you are so sweet!!!! That means soooooo much!!
Bravo! And amen to never going back.