My Weight Loss: The background story

My reaction when I went on the scale a few days ago: 

Haha, so dramatic right?! Anyway, in the last two months, I've managed to lose 7lbs! Yaaay! I honestly couldn't believe it when I stepped on the scale and saw that my first goal weight had been accomplished! 

I really debated about whether to do this post or not, but decided to go ahead. Maybe because it's such a personal topic!! ><  

I've never been skinny, or very slim. Even when I swam competitively and was at my peak, I still wouldn't say I was the typical 'Asian' build. I really stood out in HK, especially since I'm 175cm! I always ate quite healthy at home and exercised regularly, but when I moved out of home, for uni, uh-oh! Despite still exercising at least three times a week, and eating semi healthily, I gained SO much weight. I think it was a mix of both the increase in social activities like dinner parties, alcohol etc and also because of my sweet tooth! Oh maaan, chocolate and cake will always be my weakness.

Anyway, despite gaining so much weight, I don't know how, I managed to still stay in the 'normal' body mass index category (just!). However, I knew, if I gained a couple more pounds I would definitely be in the overweight category, something which was so frightening!

The worst part of gaining weight wasn't the fact I gained a dress size or what not, it was the snide comments people made that got to me. That was when my confidence fell, maybe not on the surface it didn't, but deep down it burned like hell. Some people were so rude. Sometimes, it was the crude comments from 'friends' or even from some family. They would squeeze my arm, or say something like, 'You've been exercising? Have you even lost any weight?' or things like 'You're pretty, but you would look even better if you lost weight.' Honestly, get a grip, why do you care how I look? 

I cried, and I cried and I cried. I was so upset. That was when I decided to change once and for all.  'Success is the best form of revenge.'

I didn't always lose weight the healthy way though. I did so many wrong things in the past, starved myself to less than 800 calories a day despite exercising for almost 2 hours daily etc. My energy levels fell, I lost colour in my face, was always tired. Sure, I lost weight, but I knew this wasn't healthy. It was a very stupid thing for to do. As soon, as I went back to my old 'normal' the weight gained on so quickly, plus even more weight, as my body had just left starvation mode. 

I wanted to lose weight LONG TERM and most importantly still be HEALTHY. I did my research, and yeah, success so far! ^^  I am not doing this for anyone, I am doing this for myself. I want to be the best version of myself that I can be! To push myself to the limit and show myself I can do anything despite criticisms. In fact, mean comments will fuel me. ;) I am not going for skinny, I am going for healthy! 

So how did I lose the 7lbs? I would love to say it was easy, but HA, boy I would be lying. I pushed my body over and over again, to the point I wasn't sure if it was sweat or tears falling from my face. I would think of the harsh comments made to made, which would immediately fire my adrenaline further. You need motivation, listen to your body! Your mind will always give up much quicker! Push yourself, and feel muscles you've never felt before! You can lose weight but just eating healthy, but for nice muscle definition and for it to come quicker, you should exercise too, a sound mix of cardio and weights. 

Here is a before and during photo. The photo on the right was taken two days ago and the one on the right was maybe late November time. 

I know 7lbs isn't thaaat much compared to some other fitness gals, but any progress is progress right?! I am 1 and a half stone from my ultimate goal weight now. That is another 21 pounds I am hoping to shred. Oh my gaaaad. Quarter of the way there! LET'S DO THIS! I'll write another update post when I lose another 7lbs ;)