Progress Photos

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Posting “before” pictures is a very difficult thing for me to do.

While I have not yet reached my goal, I think the photos below are dramatically different enough to make an impact. To show people that clean eating really does work.

I’m not proud of the fact that I let myself get to the point that I did. My pregnancy had been very hard on me, and I was pretty isolated at home during my pregnancy as well as after with my new baby. Food was a friend to me, or so it seemed.

It wasn’t until I ran across an old photo recently that it struck me, just how far I’ve come. Again, I haven’t reached my goal yet. But I’m almost half way there.

I have a total of 114 lbs. to lose. Not an easy achievement by any standard, but I’m doing it! And so can you.

This first photo is me this past October on Halloween (2010), and yes, I dressed up as my blog! You may have seen this picture elsewhere on my site or on Facebook. I’ve lost about 15 lbs since then, but it’s my most recent photo (I haven’t been one for being in front of a camera in a very long time.)

 

And this is where I started (I still can’t believe I’m posting these for all the world to see).

 

Why I ever allowed that photo to be taken is beyond me. But being on a merry-go-round doesn’t exactly give you much control over what other’s are taking pictures of. Notice how far out my belly comes under the white part of the shirt? No wonder I’m pre-diabetic!

This was me the day I went into the hospital to be induced. September 6, 2007. Good thing they induced me. I would have exploded if I’d gone to full term. I just know it.

So there you have it. I’ll post more photos as I progress (now that the hard part is over).

Okay. Now I just have to hit that “publish” button….

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  • Kristin

    I love your blog and your honesty:-) Keep up the great work! xo

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kristin – Thank you!

  • Michelle

    I’m sure you have your reasons for being embarrassed or disgusted with you photos, but really, when I started reading this I was expecting to see someone as big as myself, currently at 316 lbs and only 5’1″. I have lost some weight since I started clean eating, and I feel good. But one thing that I have learned is that self confidence starts with loving yourself, regardless of whether or not you fit societies mold of the perfect woman. Even at my size, I feel beautiful, and I don’t really care what anyone else thinks. I think it is important to emphasize to every woman that you should not choose to loose weight to fit some image of perfection or to please other people. Your only reason should be to become a healthier, more energetic YOU! I waisted so much of my life feeling sad that I wasn’t skinny and hating myself because I thought I was ugly. Finally, I decided that I wasn’t living my life to meet the expectations of others. I choose to be healthy. I am beautiful, and so are you, and every other woman who reads this…no matter what size you are.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Michelle – Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are so right.

  • Elizabeth Commyn Whisenand

    Tiffany, what an amazing transformation already! Thank you for your willingness to help the rest of us as well. Keep up the good work. We’re right behind you, cheering for you the whole way!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Elizabeth – Thank you so much. Your support means a lot to me!

  • Laurie Kramer

    I can see a healthy difference from early baby to October. I bet you look even better now in Feb. Take one with hubby or mini-chef for Valentine’s Day to really get an update. Also, you had a lot of baby weight gain, right?
    Now, watch out—after you lose all the weight you want to, you may think of getting pregnant!!!!! LOL BTW–you are beautiful and I love your recipes. I would like permission to enter one in a 4H healthy snack exhibit? Possibly the choc chip muffins which my son loves. He will make and enter them.
    Also, for red velvet cake cupcakes and red dye–what is your opinion?
    Keep up the great work.
    Laurie

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Laurie – ANOTHER BABY???!!!! Oh no, no, no, no, no, no!!! I love Mini Chef with all my heart, but he’s about all I can handle!
    I’ll email you about the other stuff. Thanks!

  • Janet

    Thanks for posting!!! Your site is a great resource and you’re a great motivator!! Thanks!! So glad I have found tgp!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Janet – Awwwe, thank you! Glad to have you as a reader!

  • Gina

    AWESOME! So excited to see your progress!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Gina – Thank you!

  • Paulissa

    Tiffany, thank you for sharing with us. You are such an inspiration and beautiful no matter what the scale says.

    I understand what you mean about being scared to put that before picture out there; I recently began a progress photos album on FB and will take and post pics there every 2 months or so. That 1st one though, the before was tough. Hard to admit I was 247 lbs. Most of my friends said “I never would have guessed you were that heavy.” I’m 5’9″ but wearing it well is not a good thing where being healthy is concerned. I have another 60 to lose to reach a healthy BMI according to the charts but like you, I am working at building muscle so we’ll see where I land.

  • Marisa Kleinschmidt

    Tiffany, It is an inspiration to see how far you have come in what is relatively a short time. Being one who aso saw food as a friend, I totally resonate with you story. Thank you for your bravery in posting. Your recipes are amazing, but your story even more so. The impact your new lifestyle choices will have on mini-chef alone, not to mention countless others, is worth all the hard work. I can’t wait to see the picture 15 lbs lighter.

  • Becca

    Good for you Tiffany. By posting those, you just overcame yet another obstacle in your life. You putting those out there probably made you feel a little vulnerable. That’s a scary feeling. This was hard for you and we all appreciate your bravery! You look great, and more importantly, you are doing wonderful things with your life, for yourself and others! :)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Paulissa – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “but you’re tall”. Excess weight is excess weight. Even when you carry it well. So I know exactly what you mean! You’re doing a fabulous job. Keep up the great work!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Maris – Thank you! When it all comes down to it, it’s all about Mini Chef. I just want to be a healthy mama for him.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Becca – Awwwe, thank you! I so appreciate your support!

  • Sharbysyd

    Tiffany, wow, you’ve done great! You look beautiful, although honestly, I think you were also beautiful with the extra weight too. I understand the feelings of self-consciousness though. I’ve always had them too. It was always easier to see others who were overweight (even those bigger than I was) and think they looked ok but I always thought I looked awful.

    One thing that’s funny (not funny but odd) is that for the longest time I weighed around 180 at 5’4″ and I felt so fat at that weight. Now at 223, I think I was skinny at 180 and wish I was back at that weight. Luckily I’m blessed with a fiance that still sees me as beautiful, even at this weight.

    Thanks for sharing your pics with us.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Sharbysyd – Thank you! It’s funny how the grass is always greener. I fell the same way. I was never fat, though I felt fat. Now, I’d give anything to be that smaller size again. Strange the way the mind works!

  • http://mrsbyn.blogspot.com Byn

    You are inspiring! I have my ‘before’ photos that I recently posted on my fitness blog… and boy was it HARD to click ‘publish’!! I totally understand!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Byn – Definitely a hard thing to do! But I’m glad I did it. If forces me to be honest with myself. Good for you for doing the same!

  • http://www.behealthywealthyandgreen.com Barb Haas

    You know the toughest thing is getting your head in the game. I heard a DJ on a radio station say recently, “Women will do anything to lose weight – EXCEPT eat right and exercise!” I recognized myself in that instant. It’s all about what you put into your body – good fuel, good results. Keep up the good work Tiffany. I always visit your site when my head’s in the game.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Barb – What a simple yet introspective statement! I love it! (And it’s soooooo true!) Keep your head in the game girlfriend!

  • Stephanie

    Congratulations on your success!!! You are absolutely too cute in your Halloween picture. I love the fact that you have taken something that you love doing and turned it into something that is helping so many of us get healthy/healthier as you continue your journey. Continued success!!!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Stephanie – Awwwe, thank you! You’re very kind.

  • weightloser

    keep up the great work!!!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    WL – Thank you!

  • Ashley

    You look great!! I’m currently expecting and just recently had a gestational diabetes scare so I’m looking to improve the quality of what I take in. I’m so glad I found your blog!! Keep up the great work for yourself and for those you inspire!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Ashley – Thank you so much! It’s so hard when you’re pregnant. Food just tastes so good!!! It’s hard not to eat everything in reach.

  • http://www.natashakay.wordpress.com Natasha Kay

    Just found your blog and love the recipes! I’m all about clean eating and it’s great to get new recipes to expand my routine. :) And I can definitely relate to this post as it took a lot of guts to hit “publish” when I recently blogged my before/after photos!

    Keep up the great work!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Natasha – You look great! Congratulations! I hope to be able to take that “bathing suite photo” some day soon!

  • Yvette

    You are really working very hard and I applaude your fight and your determination! I fell off the clean eating wagon and started again 03/20/2011…..Day 4 and counting. It works, but the real lesson is that it is a life style change. I signed up for your site for the honesty; KEEP IT UP!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Yvette – Awwwe, thank you! And yes, it’s a lifestyle. You don’t have to be 100% perfect 100% of the time either. That’s pretty unrealistic actually. It’s what you do the majority of the time. Keep up the great work!

  • Lisa Perez

    Hi Tiffany!

    I just started reading your blog, but I already know (after searching the net) that you have the most comprehensive “clean recipe database” there is. I love that I can search this by ingredient or catagory.

    I must tell you my mom started us on something very similar when my brother and I were younger (I was a gymnast, who at 15 was taken to weight watchers on the advice of my coaches – needless to say i’ve had some food/body image issues). My mother now laughs when I tell her that I am going back to this eating model at age 24.

    My husband supports it, which helps. We lived in Costa Rica for a year (that’s where my husband is from) and now that we’ve been here two years he’s told me he can’t believe how many people have cancer. It’s becoming more prevalent in CR (with more americanized – processed – food choices) but it got me to thinking about all the chemicals we eat and I want to have healthy habits for little ones later on too.

    Thank you for your blog! It is inspiring and my encouragment to you, what you are doing is really wonderful. Besides, you’re mini chef is too cute :D

    - Lisa Perez

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lisa – Yes, cancer is very prevalent. Diabetes, even more so! Our beloved American diet is doing so much damage, and most people don’t even realize it simply because they don’t feel sick right away. They forget that health problems can often take years to develop to the point where you actually feel sick.

    Good for you for getting your health on track. It’s not easy when you fight those emotional demons. I fight them every day. Sometimes they win. But the longer I fight them, the more often I win. And for me, that’s what counts.

    I wish you all the best, and welcome to my blog! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it!

  • Kerry Frazier

    I just wanted to say Thank you for your website. I have just today made the decision to eat clean foods and I have been sitting here with a big smile on my face reading your recipes! I can’t wait to go to the store and get started!! I have 130 pounds to lose and I am gonna do it!!!!! You have great courage to allow us to follow on this journey with you! Keep up the hard work and thanks again for all your information!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kerry – That’s wonderful!! Welcome to clean eating! I have a total of 114 to lose, and I’ve lost 52 of it so far. So I’m here to tell you that it DOES work!

  • Lynnette Hall

    Hi Tiffany!
    I finally got around to getting off my iPhone and onto my laptop to check out your entire sight. IT’S AWESOME! And I’m super proud of you for how far you’ve come. I’ll have to send you my before pics (they’re horrible) from before I started P90X. My husband took them, and when I saw them I realized how much he must love me to still think I’m beautiful when I looked like that. I’m down 26 lbs and have 36 more to go. I can’t wait to accomplish that! I’m also about to take some after pics b/c this is my final week of my first round of P90X. I’ve been doing the Lean version, and next week I start Classic. Scary! But anyway, keep up the awesome work you’re doing with the clean eating and your fitness goals. I LOVE reading through your recipes, and I am going to try to switch out some of mine and work yours into the rotation. I’m definitely looking forward to your green smoothie tomorrow morning. Hubby even said he’ll try anything once, so we’ll see!
    Take Care!!
    Lynnette

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lynnette – Thanks, and congrats on the weight loss! That’s fabulous!

    I’m sure you’ll enjoy the smoothie. If it’s your first green smoothie, you’ll be surprised by how good it really is. Enjoy!

  • http://www.heartbreakerdanceandfitness.com/ba.htm Sarah

    I have some awful before photos as well, but I allowed them to be posted to show what diet and exercise really does for a person!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Sarah – You look great!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/how-to-expand-your-entrepreneurial-mindset/ Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    Go Tiffany!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    dM – Thank you so much!! :)

  • Cfrancis330

    So excited that I just found your site! Thank you for sharing these great recipes. I can’t wait to start trying them.

  • Anonymous

    Cfrancis – Wonderful! Hope you enjoy them!

  • Lisab150

    Happy 4th to your little one. My almost 4 year old’s birthday is tomorrow 09/09 2007!!!

  • Anonymous

    Lisa – Thank you! They are so fun at this age!

  • Anonymous

    Lisa – Thank you! Happy birthday to your little one as well! They are so much fun at this age!

  • Lydia Campos

    I know it takes a lot of courage to post pictures of yourself specially when you do not like what you see, with that in mind thanks a million for showing us what clean eating can do for our health. You look amazing ;)

  • Anonymous

    Lydia – Thank you so much! It’s tough, but at the same time, it forces me to deal with what I willingly did to my body. It’s a wake up call for sure!

  • Jen

    Tiffany, I just found your blog because a friend of mine had shared some of your receipes with me. Thank you for being so open and honest!! I, too, have struggled with weight for a long time and am on my way to being a healthier wife, mom and woman. I have lost 55 pounds and am trying to lose about 25 to 30 more. I have found that clean eating and exercise have made a world of difference. Thank you for sharing your wonderful receipes!

  • Anonymous

    Jen – Wow! You’re doing a great job! Having lost 59 myself so far, I know it’s not an easy thing to do. Good for you! Keep up the great work, you WILL get there!

  • Anonymous

    Nicole – Thank you so much! I’m flattered!

  • Nicole

    Hi Tiffany, Just found your blog and what a great inspiration you are. Congratulations on your weight loss. I know it takes hard work and dedication. I have been trying to lose 40lbs for the past 3 years. I look forward to reading your blog!!

  • Anonymous

    Nicole – Thank you so much! It does take a lot of hard work. But it’s so worth it!

  • Kathryn Sinclair Lanier

    I’m very impressed with your website! Great work! It’s beautiful and really user friendly! Like you, I’m also working to get the baby weight off…although my youngest is 15! (Once postpartum, always postpartum!) No matter. The kids are terrific and I’m now (finally) taking my health seriously. I just lost my first 10 lbs and am so excited! I am inspired by your efforts and look forward to visiting your site for food inspirations! Keep up the good work!

  • Anonymous

    Kathryn – Thank you so much! And congrats on your first 10!

  • Anonymous

    Kate – Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy my recipes!

  • Josephine

    I think it is really great that you are trying to share and teach people. Keep up the good work!

  • Anonymous

    Josephine – thanks so much!

  • Anonymous

    Artistic – Thank you so much! It’s definitely a process. But all you can do is take one step at a time. It’s the only way to get there!

  • Keri

    Loving this blog. Already feeling better eating clean! Thanks so much.

  • Anonymous

    Keri – Thanks so much!

  • graciouspantry

    Keri – Welcome! I’m happy you’re finding my recipes to be helpful!

  • graciouspantry

    Angie – Not at the moment, no. But I will soon.

  • SmoothGrl

    I have recently discovered that I have a sugar addiction and am working to eat clean. (as well as deal with issues that caused overeating) It has been difficult to find delicious clean recipies…..anywhere. Found your blog today by accident, can’t wait to try some recipies. Also, thank you for posting your progress photos…. you are an inspiration to me!

  • graciouspantry

    SmoothGrl – Thanks so much! Clean eating is a wonderful way to beat a sugar addiction and get healthy. I’ll be doing a No Sugar Challenge after Easter. You may want to join in!

  • graciouspantry

    Joey – Thanks!