I’ve been working really hard these past several months. If you’re a long time reader, you’ll know that I’ve been through different phases of getting healthy. It started with Weight Watchers which ended with me being so hungry every day that I would “cheat” and nothing would come out of it. Then, I stopped and ate what I wanted without the goal of being my best (aka, I ate crap). Then, I found healthy living blogs (specifically, this one), and realized I needed to eat for health rather than calorie content. Oh, and eat my dessert and enjoy it instead of beat myself up.
So far, it has worked. My clothes fit nicer and I’ve been under the 150 pound mark for awhile. I couldn’t ever get under that 150 mark on Weight Watchers to save my life! But, now, I’m under it. I don’t weigh myself often because I don’t believe in it, but, for health reasons, I thought I should follow up with myself this morning. Also, I was curious.
The other day, as I was trying on swimsuits in the Target dressing room, I was feeling really good about myself. So good that I decided to take a picture, send it to Dan and ask what he thought of the swimsuit. Granted, I’ve taken pictures of myself in dressing rooms before, but never in a swimsuit. I usually reserve swimsuit photos for the beach and the beach only. (Hello, unflattering fluorescent lighting! 
)
But, that all changed. I can’t believe how good I felt in my swimsuit. It was a proud feeling because I’m not “dieting” right now and nor will I ever again. Instead, I am looking at a body that I have achieved in day to day life. Heck, I even had pizza and wine this past weekend. I am eating for happiness and for my health and it’s still working.
It’s amazing how my perspective has changed since I started on this healthy living path. When I say healthy I mean eating good ingredients at least 80% of the time. In the past, the word healthy meant fewer calories, no fat, and tons of fiber. Now, the calories are pushed aside. If I see two boxes of cereal and one has 140 calories with not a lot of good ingredients and the other has 180 with tons of healthy stuff, I pick that one.
It’s just amazing how I’ve evolved. I love where I am now.
Me, last summer at Myrtle Beach, SC
Hi! My name is Julie. I am passionate about being happy and healthy, all while doing Bikram yoga and wearing mascara. Email me: wearingmascara {at} gmail {dot} com
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Amazing!! I love your attitude!! I adopted that attitude about a year ago and I have never felt better! Even to this day I am still looking at some of the things that I used to eat when I was in that “must eat food with the least calories” phase, and I have realized that there are healthier foods out there that nourish my body!
I love your blog and I love your attitude!
.-= Kate B.´s last blog ..Wake Up and Say Goodbye =-.
Yay! Awesome!!!
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Random Photo – My Boyfriend Has Problems =-.
Chills! Eat to give your body the nutrients it needs, and yes occassionally it can run on dessert.I don’t know if I’d have the stuff to take pics in some of these dim lit wonky dressing rooms, applause!
That pic is absolutely gorgeous!! What a great post.
.-= Nichole´s last blog ..Zane Lamprey’s Drinking Made Easy Stops in Atlanta Y’all =-.
I swear they are pumping good vibes into the dressing rooms at Target because I had a similar experience today when I found not one, but TWO swimsuits there!
I’m so happy to hear you have found what works for you. That’s the most important thing. Just b/c everyone and their brother seems to lose weight on WW doesn’t mean you will. The way you feel today is the ultimate goal – as long as you get there, who cares how you do it!
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..Over 30 Signs You’ll Live to 100 from Prevention =-.
I love this, Julie. Seriously, it’s great & inspiring & pride-inducing & the way that life should be – the way women should be. And well, men too, but I think women have a tougher time getting it, getting to a place where they’re comfortable in their own skin & at a healthy, happy place. I hope I can get to this point. I’m trying to think of food as a friend & not a foe, & I’m having trouble – I’m always having trouble – but I know I can do it. Thanks for the inspiration, as usual. <3
.-= Suburban Sweetheart´s last blog ..P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Things) =-.
That’s a great mindset- good for you! And you should feel good about the fact that your blog provides the same motivation to others!
.-= Lisa C.´s last blog ..Absent =-.
Very inspiring.
Being healthy and confident is they key to happiness – not how much you weigh. You rock girl.
.-= Meghann´s last blog ..A Mini Q&A =-.
This post made me smile! I love your confidence.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Work-Life Balance =-.
congratulations!!! How wonderful, good for you! Keep it up girl!
Such a beautiful place to be in! Congrats!
So happy for you. Great post and very inspiring! I’m trying to live more like this as well – stop dieting and start living a healthier life – glad to hear it works!
.-= Wendy @ A Southern Accent´s last blog ..I Love a Hotel =-.
You go girl!! I swear that the word diet makes me gain 5 lbs! And you’re so right that eating for health is SO much more important than calories or fat content!
.-= ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..So Much to Say =-.
This post made me so happy for you
I’m really glad that you’re not only eating healthy, but feeling healthy on the inside and out!
.-= Jenny @ Practically Perfect…´s last blog ..Being Me in NZ =-.