One Year at Goal Weight

Yesterday was my 1-year anniversary of reaching my Weight Watchers goal (travel back in time to 12/6/08 here), a milestone I chased for the better part of 26 years. You’d think I would have been prepared to celebrate yesterday, but just between us friends, I forgot about my anniversary until I looked at the date this morning.

I think that’s pretty cool, actually.

I spent yesterday cooking dino-chow (roasted turnips, grilled chicken thighs, tahini dressing), planning my training for the week, and playing with Smudge… just basically living my fit and healthy life, which was always the true goal. That number on the scale was important mostly for what it represents: I’ve done enough of a re-set on my habits to live strong, fit, healthy, and happy.

Yes, I’m still working toward Mission 17, and I feel pretty good about the progress I’m making there. But if I’m really honest with myself (and put my vanity and desire for a greater degree of leanness aside), I have to acknowledge that the way I’ve overhauled my daily diet and made the right kind of training an automatic part of my life is my own little miracle.

I used to be her (yeah, that’s a beer and a cookie):
And now I’m her:
CrossFit works.
Dino-chow works.
Sleep works.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded people works.

Never cheat. Never quit.

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Comments

  • jencereghino says:

    You are a savage and a total inspiration! I just wish I lived closer so that I could feed off of your WOD energy on a daily basis! You look strong, lean, and vibrant…keep up the kickass work!

  • erikajeanne says:

    hawt.

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Erika Jeanne, you are a sweet talker.

  • Barbara says:

    A lean mean fighing machine!

  • Jessica says:

    Mel, you're awesome. Congrats on your healthy lifestyle and for being such an inspiration.

  • Catherine Hart Rebholz says:

    Mel, not only have you transformed your life but your transformation has helped others do the same. You should add that to your "Mel is awesome!" list…because that's really real. You are so loved.

  • Stephanie Vincent says:

    YOU ROCK!

  • Aaron says:

    Way to transform your life Mel – and now you are an inspiration to many. You rock.

  • cabin77 says:

    You just freakin' rock! Congrats on one year!!! Here's to infinitely many more!!!

  • Red Headed Racer says:

    you rock!!

  • MelissaG says:

    You are AWESOME! Super proud of you.

  • steffy says:

    what a great post. I keep reminding myself that the number on the scale isn't the story – its the fit and healthy life that is. You should feel so proud of the work and comittment you have put into developing you.

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    jencereghino –> I would love to do a WOD with you. Come to the ATX!

    To the rest of you with your sweet compliments: Thank you for 1) reading my blog and 2) posting your words of support. Y'all are a big part of my experience and you keep me honest.

    steffy –> I've spent more time in my 41 years worrying about the scale than I care to admit. I promised myself and Melissa Urban that I would stay off the scale until April, and I'm doing it. It's tough some days, but clothing and energy level are a better barometer anyway. But man! Some days… I just want to KNOW if I've lost a pound.

  • Emily says:

    This was a wonderful post. Congratulations on your weight loss and commitment to a healthier lifestyle. It's a daily struggle for me. I refuse to own a scale but measure my weight by how my jeans fit. This morning they brought a smile to my face when I buttoned them without getting a muffin-top. It's the little things. Seeing pictures of my former chubby self help keep that muffin top away and the skinny jeans at the top of the pile in my drawer.

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