What to Expect During and After Weight Loss

Figuring that there are those out there that are curious and those that can relate, here is my list of what my body went through or is still going through since losing 81 pounds. 

1. Extra Skin and Stretch Marks: Yep, they exist. First of all (and some days I don't believe this) so what! The stretch marks aren't so bad and they are like war wounds they show where you've been and what you have accomplished! The extra skin for me has very slowing been reabsorbing. A regular exercise routine helps loose skin to tighten up or shrink. Also a regular exfoliating and moisturizing routine will help. 
2. Smell Nicer Naturally: If you have changed your regular everyday food intake to a more plant based diet and stick to eating this way then you can expect less body odor and less bad breath! Yay bonus!! 
3. Detox: You can expect your skin and or body to detox several times. This will happen with hives, breakouts, lot's of nasal draining and nose blowing, and additional elimination in the bathroom. 
4. Healthier Skin & Eyes: Also with a mostly plant based diet expect your eyes to shine and your skin to soften and glow! 
5. Body Shape Changes: Your neck and shoulders have a shape to them again.You have a waist again. You can see and feel your ribs and hip bones. Your thighs don't rub together. You can see your belly button and feet. Sometimes when you walk by a mirror you don’t recognize yourself. 
6. Reduce or Eliminate Illness: In my case I had a myriad of aches and pains, allergies and respiratory issues, female issues, digestive issues and the majority of them cleared up by about 95% or better. 
7. Gravity it's a Love Hate Thing: Gravity will make you angry and mock you especially if you've been overweight for awhile and don't have a stringent exercise routine. Once again I say (most of the time) so what! I am the happiest and healthiest that I have ever been. It's not all about looks!! 
8. Pretty Feet Are Fun: At least some of your shoes will be too big, when you lose weight; your feet shrink too. More excuses for shopping, not like a girl ever needed one!! :) My heels really used to hurt but now they hardly hurt at all. You can easily reach your toes to do your own pedicure and paint them pretty colors. 
9. Healthier Hair: Your hair will be healthier, shinier, even the hairline is slightly different and some of my gray went away and was replaced with my regular color hair again! 
10. Stamina and Energy Increase: Stairs and hills get easier. You have more energy, better sleep and better concentration. 
11. FOR LADIES ONLY!!!: You can expect to buy smaller pads. Your underwear don't roll down. Your bra's and undies are much more pretty and comfy. Look forward to an easier menstrual cycle, for me this was less cramps, less mood swings and less tenderness; just generally an easier time of it. 
12. You Will Need Your Jeweler: Your rings will need to be re-sized. I still have not done this so I am wearing my wedding ring one finger up. I am also wearing my original wedding band from back in the day when I was this size the first time!! <3
13. Re-Size Eyewear: Your glasses and sunglasses will need to be re-sized mine were falling off of my face. 
14. Shopping In Your Own Closet: Everyday in your closet is a surprise! Your pants get longer. You get to wear a belt again without it hurting, itching or leaving marks. Actually you almost have to wear a belt or your pants will fall down. You get to put almost all of your clothes in the dryer instead of hanging them up or freaking out because you accidentally dried something. You get to wear things in your closet that you bought on sale or at the thrift store that you just knew you would fit into one day. You are surprised by the items of clothing that still fit you and realize you were majorly squeezing yourself into many things.
15. Second Hand Stores Are The Best: That's still my favorite shirt, skirt, pants, dress...but surely I can make it work for me now that I have lost weight. Well unless you are a seamstress with time then no. Your before weight loss clothes will look terrible. Just take it to the consignment or thrift store there are plenty of beautiful second hand clothes out there for little to nothing that will look just as good if not better. Thrift and consignment stores are my new favorite places to shop. Your new ever evolving wardrobe will be fabulous and so will you! You will look like a million bucks but you will only spend a few! 

Remember never feel guilty for some food you ate or exercise you missed. Life is short; and however much time you have left choose to make every moment the best that you can. Just keep going and with a positive approach you will keep healing and will never be the same.

I can honestly say sometimes with overwhelming happy tears and do say on many days now “I love my life!” 

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