I mentioned a few posts ago, that one of the things that I was proudest of, for 2010, was my weight loss. For those that have not seen me in awhile, here's a peek.
BEFORE:
Here's me at Paper Cowgirl in June. (This was a great pic by the way...taken by the photographer over at Waxahachie NOW magazine, I'm sorry I can't find her name).
AFTER:
And me now. A little thinner.
And while I still have "a weigh" to go (sorry, couldn't help it), I'm pretty happy with the progress I've made. Mainly, because I was able to get off of my Diabetes meds. Seems that they, along with other medications, were just being bumped up, up and up. Painful tingling and numbness were really beginning to be a problem for my hands and my feet in particular. Diabetes runs rampant in our family and one of my Grand's had to have her foot amputated. I was getting a bit scared.
Shortly after Paper Cowgirl, I started a program called Take Shape for Life. The program is based on Dr. Anderson's plan of five small meals a day, and then a sixth "Lean and Green" meal. Take Shape for Life utilizes the Medifast program to help you slim down quickly, all the while teaching you new eating habits. Soy based meals and eating frequently keeps your blood sugar level. Level sugar means no drops and spikes and no hunger. I LOVE IT. So much so that I decided to become a Health Coach.
I'm learning to eat more nutritiously, healthier. As I said, I've still got a bit more to go and I need to really get a exercise/strength program going, but overall, its made a huge difference in my energy level and of course, how I feel. And not just physcially. Mentally. My whole thinking process of food and eating is changing, evoling. Its just made a huge difference in my life.
Between the short, red hair and the weight loss, several people have not recognized me, which is kinda fun. I was downtown and a friend of mine saw me kiss my Dad bye. I waved to her and she just had the funniest look on her face. When she didn't acknowledge me, I walked across the street and said hey. She kinda laughed and said she did not know WHO was kissing my Daddy and it had taken her back for a moment. LOL. I got a big kick outta the whole thing. My Dad really did...I guess his street cred went up like a 1000 points or something.
I guess you can say Red has become my signature color. And now, I kick up these red heels just a little bit higher these days. And hopefully even higher to come. And at this years Paper Cowgirl, you'll see me around alot more, but maybe just a little less of me.
-c
PS if you want to learn more about Take Shape for Life...just ask or email me...most days I can't shut up talking about it. I'm glad to tell you more.
I am so so proud of you and so happy for you, Cindy!! You look BEAUTIFUL!!! Can't wait to see you in person. :)
Love,
jen
Posted by: Jennifer Stewart | January 22, 2011 at 07:22 AM
It will be wonderful for you to feel as beautiful as you have always looked to the rest of us.
Great news about the reduction in meds...that alone would be reward enough, but the increased energy and a wider smile on your sweet face are just "icing on the cake" (not that you'd eat any of it)
We celebrate with you!!!
Posted by: LaVerne | January 22, 2011 at 07:45 AM
Cindy - You look FABULOUS, and I have had a moment of not recognizing you too. Love that you're taking control of your health. Those boots are rockin.'
Posted by: dee dee | January 22, 2011 at 07:48 AM
OMG, you have so much to be proud of! Not just your appearance, but the health benefits of your weight loss. Wonderful!!! Well done!!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | January 22, 2011 at 07:55 AM
You look fantastic Cindy and your hair is just adorable!! Way to go girl!!
Hugs,
Robin
Posted by: Robin | January 22, 2011 at 09:22 AM
You look GORGEOUS girlie!! SO happy for you. Love the hair too!
Posted by: mendy | January 22, 2011 at 12:12 PM
You look amazing Cindy! What a huge accomplishment! It is so great that you were able to get off of your diabetes meds. Congrats Friend!
Posted by: Lisa | January 22, 2011 at 02:57 PM
C~ You are one hot lookin' Gurl!! So proud of you and those boots...now you're talking my language!! Keep up the good work
XOXO,AD
Posted by: Ann-Denise | January 22, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Red is definately your color!
You look fabulous and that great big grin you are sportin shows me that you are so proud of your new booting kicking look...you go girl!!
Posted by: Nerina | January 22, 2011 at 09:05 PM
That is a great post! I love before and afters! You look fabulous! That is a great accomplishment to leave your meds behind! That sounds like an interesting diet, I may tell my brother-in-law about it he has diabetes. All I can say is look out Texas there is a new girl in town!
Have a wonderful day!
denise
Posted by: denise | January 23, 2011 at 06:15 AM
You go girl- you look fabulous- I'm sure your lifestyle changes have given you a great sense of accomplishment!
Posted by: Beth Leintz | January 23, 2011 at 06:29 AM
Wowee, girl!! SO impressive! And what an inspiration you are!!!
Posted by: Shelly Massey | January 23, 2011 at 09:44 AM
You look FAB-U-LOUS! Email when you have time. I want to hear more.
Posted by: psmullican | January 23, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Cindy! YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!!!! I am so happy for you & you are totally doing it the right way! You are such an inspiration, and have really motivated me to stick with my diet. :)
Posted by: amy~ the gypsy chick | January 24, 2011 at 05:56 AM
WOO HOO !! GIrl all I can say is adorabl;e !!! WTG !!! you Just had another new grandson in 6mths time so behind -- catch up soon !! Hugs -- KAthy - ga ♥
Posted by: kathy lowry | January 24, 2011 at 07:32 AM
You look AMAZING - BEAUTIFUL!!! I am SO proud of you for taking your healthcare in your own hands. I am in the medical field and get so frustrated when people just want a "quick fix", a pill to make it all better! You are to be commended! You Rock!!
Posted by: joyce | January 24, 2011 at 08:37 AM
Congrats, you look great!
Posted by: karla | January 24, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Congratulations on your NEW YOU! You look wonderful and I know you can do the rest by being patient and mind set..............
Posted by: jackie | January 24, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Wow. Wow. WOW!!! Simply incredible. What a personal thing to share- thank you for being such a brave girl and letting us in on your journey. I read this post last night and just couldn't stop thinking about it- congratulations! Oh and BTW- red cowboy boots? To die for!!!
Posted by: thegypsymagpie | January 24, 2011 at 06:28 PM
You look AMAZING!!!! I am so proud of you and I love that spunky red hair!
Posted by: Cindy (Junque Art) | January 24, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Oh, lil' miss sassy pants you look amazing! So thrilling that you have progressed so beautifully. So proud of you too! ~ Angela
Posted by: angela | January 24, 2011 at 07:18 PM
You look fantastic Cindy! Congrats on all the hard work!!
Posted by: karin | January 24, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Congratulations! Making such a change in lifestyle is so hard to do and you've done it! What a great example for your family. I try and try but am always drawn back to the darkside (chocolate).
Thanks for being inspiring in both art and life!
Jennie
Posted by: Jennie | January 24, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Just wonderful Cindy, you look great!!!! I'm sure your Daddy's proud too! What a great new outlook on life!!!!
big hugs, glad you're feeling better too.
xo,
Debra
Posted by: Debra | January 24, 2011 at 09:40 PM
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!I sure could use a health coach! You look amazing and I think you look terrific. Any time you need to practice your motivation technique....please send some my way.
Posted by: Carol | January 25, 2011 at 05:17 AM
Cindy, you look wonderful & so healthy! I'm so glad that you were able to get off your meds.
You know, since I've never seen a full length photo of you prior to this, I think that I always thought that you looked closer to the "after" image, in my mind...it looks like your outside now matches your inside (the part that I know)!
Posted by: Kim | January 25, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Wow Girl, you look amazing!!! Sorry I hadn't stopped by in a while but what a pleasant surprise. You are very inspiring, way to go.
Posted by: Theresa-Garden Antqs Vintage | February 02, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Cindy, you look FABULOUS!!! Tell me more about how you new path of being a health coach......I'm in need of some motivation for sure! This year's to-do list includes a visit to Waxahachie and I hope I'll finally get to meet you. Hope you're staying warm. What a snowy day!!
~Allie
Posted by: Allie | February 04, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Ok.........way too excited about your photos that I didn't even edit my response.....nice sentence structure there Assistant Principal!! It should say, "Tell me more about your new path as a health coach". 4 days off from school and look what it gets 'ya! :D
~allie
Posted by: Allie | February 04, 2011 at 09:48 AM
(the pictures do not show the full picture)
Posted by: Sherri | February 07, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Hi. I just found your blog from the "Windows" journal Flickr page. Love your journal pages, in case you couldn't tell from my comments :) But on your weight loss...WAY TO GO! Last year I decided to get healthier, too, and it is such a gift to myself. Learning that good foods actually taste terrific and make you feel better...well, everyone should embrace it. Congrats.
Posted by: Charlotte Smothers | April 06, 2011 at 05:46 PM