That’s right! I’ve lost 60 pounds! WHOA! I can hardly believe it myself.
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When I walked out of the hospital following Creed’s birth, I was determined. I had already started reading Trim Healthy Mama and I had managed to gain very little the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy. But, when I first stepped on the scales postpartum, I was a little discouraged. Creed weighed nearly 11 pounds and I had only lost 15 pounds total. But, I was still determined.
You see, after the birth of my 7th baby, it took a LONG time to lose my pregnancy weight. I had barely gotten it off when I got pregnant again. I was just happy I wasn’t OVER my pre-pregnancy weight, but I was so sick of starting out pregnancies so huge.
This time I had a goal! Well, actually, I had a whole bunch of small goals.
Before I even had Creed, I had written out a weight loss goal list. They were small baby step goals and I covered them with a piece of paper and taped them to the back of my closet. Every time I met a goal, I pulled the paper down to the next goal. I didn’t want to see what was beyond, just the next step.
My first goal€¦
Pre-pregnancy Weight€¦in 6 weeks.
I’ll be the first one to tell you for most people this is NOT a realistic goal. But I was overweight to begin with and I knew I could do it. And guess what?! I did!
I was thrilled! That’s me at my 6 week postpartum check up in the photo below. I was wearing normal clothes (albeit XL’s and size 18 jeans) and I was feeling ready to tackle anything.
So, if you are keeping track, that was 40 pounds of pregnancy weight off and 25 pounds off from that first weigh-in post-baby.
I clicked along through my baby-step goals pretty well until I hit a plateau at 45 pounds down (or 20 pounds below postpartum) about 5 months into the process.
After hanging out there for nearly 3 months, I needed to do something different. I wasn’t ok with that weight and it was time to move on.
When I really thought about it, what I was lacking was motivation and encouragement from others. I needed some accountability and I chose to get that from Weight Watchers meetings. I managed to get another 10 pounds off before deciding I needed to return to my THM buddies and save the time and money I was spending to attend meetings.
NOTE: It might sound like I was being wishy-washy or fickle, but I am a big advocate for doing what you need to do when you need to do it. My husband taught me this and I am deeply grateful for his support and encouragement!
OK, so where were we…
That’s right, I was now hovering at 30 pounds below pre-pregnancy weight and about 55 pounds down from post-baby weigh in.
This is where I got back on the Trim Healthy Mama bandwagon. I’ve lost another 5 pounds since then to bring my total to 60 pounds! (35 pounds below postpartum) Frankly, these last 5 pounds have made a HUGE difference in how my clothes fit and how I feel. Amazing what a few pounds can do!
So, here are the weight loss progression photos for those of you who like to see them side-by-side:
So, you might be wondering if I’m done. Honestly, when I started this journey I would have told you this was an only-in-my-dreams weight. I haven’t been this weight in 15 years! Surely I would be satisfied here.
But, I’m not.
I know I can do better. I know I am still eating too much and struggling with cravings. I am hard-charging toward another 10-15 pounds before I say I’m done losing weight. And you know what? I actually believe I CAN do it! Never before have I felt so equipped to actually get the weight of and KEEP it off!
Tomorrow, I’ll share with you some of my favorite Trim Healthy Mama Tweaks and Resources, so stay tuned!
Jacie says
Woo Hoo Girlfriend! I know the feeling that comes with this and its cool that we went through this during the same time! After Carbon was born, I dropped 20 pounds but nothing else would come off like it use too. It was scary. After three months of cutting back food items I finally did something about it and Bam! 34 more pounds came off! I have 5 more pounds to lose 🙂
Congratulations and blessings to you, my friend!
Amy says
I am so proud of you, Jacie! You are looking so good too and I bet you feel great! Congrats! And yes, my DR is soooo much better w/o all the weight!
Jacie says
P.s what a huge difference it has done on your Diastasis Recti! You look AMAZING!
Jessica says
You look great! And probably feel great too! 🙂
Tracey says
Truly inspiring – congratulations!!!
Lennette Daniels says
You look fabulous. Good for you!!
Lori says
Congras Amy, you look great!
Jillian says
I don’t normally say this but,
YOU GO, GIRL!! 😉
You look great! I love what Ty said about doing what works. My husband tells me that all the time. I’m doing THM with my mom, sis and husband. (just started on Tuesday) I’m looking forward to you next post!! Congrats again, you look beautiful!
Amy says
Any support you need, I’m here! 🙂
Amy says
You were lovely then & you’re lovely now, but congratulations on your success! You’ve come this far & you CAN succeed in those last few pounds.
Amy says
Thank you – just need to stay diligent (especially considering the season we’re going into 😉 )
Elizabeth Ours says
Amy, You look FABULOUS!!!!
I’m also on the THM journey and you have really Inspired me to keep going!
I can hardly wait for the continuation of this post . . . .
Thanks for sharing!
blessings,
Elizabeth
Amy says
You can do it, Elizabeth! Can’t wait to see YOUR updates!
Erynne says
WOW! You seriously LOOK healthy! Your hair, skin, shape…so beautiful…well done! Love the confidence you exude in this picture! Keep it up lady :o)
Amy says
Aww, thank you! I feel healthy and so much more energetic!
Tanya-Lilyofthevalley says
Good for you!!! You look great! 🙂 Looking forward to reading about your THM tweaks. 🙂
CW says
Congratulations! You look wonderful!
Gail Blain Prather says
You look (and I bet feel) wonderful!! Congratulations to you — I know the hard work it takes to lose and maintain — I’ve lost 120lbs and won’t ever go back 🙂
Amy says
Congratulations!
Suanna says
Amy, thank you for keeping us updated. I’m so excited for you. When you can see and feel the difference it is amazing how encouraging it is. Out of desperation for something to wear I tried on a pair of pants that I wore more than three years ago. My husband was happy to see me in them and I was happy to have something to wear. I don’t own a scale, but I know I’ve lost several pounds over the last few months, too. Now I need to see if any of my other old clothes fit.
Amy says
It is fun to go back through your old clothes and find things that fit now!
Jana Brown says
Amy,
I have always thought you were beautiful, but you are glowing! I am so proud of you! I have followed your blog for several years and found so much encouragement here. Thanks for sharing yourself with us, and for taking care of yourself!!
Amy says
Thank you, Jana! 🙂
Laura says
Wow, wow, wow! You look GREAT! Congratulations! I love that you did that with your goal list at your closet. I should do this with my goals — not weight loss goals, but goals, in general are easier accomplished when written down and broken down!
Angie says
I have considered Trim Healthy Mama. I have lost 30 lbs but would really like to lose 10-15 more. I already follow a whole foods eating style. I also workout 3 times a week. I can not tolerate milk nor any dairy products. Could I still benefit from this books diet recommendations? What do you think? I’ve been at this plateau for several months. I
Amy says
THM is all about separating out your fuel sources (fats vs. carbs) and eating them a different times so your body only has to burn one fuel source at a time. In my opinion, changing things up DEFINITELY helps. It gives you a renewed vision. So, yet, I do believe you could benefit, but I would highly recommend you join a group to help you get started and give you ideas.
Pam says
There is a message board on Facebook for people with allergies. I’m sure it can be done 🙂
Melinda J. says
Question, did you put time limits on your goals? Like “I want to lose x amount by x date?” Thanks!
Amy says
A few I did, but that NEVER works real well for me. I have a time goal right now, but it seems when I do that, I spin my wheels. I have no idea why. In the end the amount of time it takes to get the weight off is not nearly as important as getting the weight off!
Pam says
I’m slowly moving back into THM. Lost 16 or so pounds on it but have a ways to go. It’s implementing the plan that’s a bit hard for me but it’s worth it. You look great!
Vanessa Staley says
I am dying to get my hands on this book! This entry has finalized my decision. Thank you Amy!
Jennie says
It was wonderful to read your update. I was actually just thinking of you. I guess God was speaking and reminding me that fitness goals are attainable. I know all things are possible through Him, it is just so encouraging to read of your success. Congratulations! Many blessings to you.
Amy says
It is still sinking in that I actually lost weight! lol
Tara says
Looking forward to seeing your tweaks. I am so interested in Trim Healthy Mama but the recipes look like a lot of unusual ingredients!
Congrats! You look like you feel great!
Amy says
I’ve learned so much from the private FB groups and Pinterest boards. I don’t use very many of the strange ingredients.
Amy @ Finer Things says
You look SO fantastic! Not just fit and trim, but happy and healthy. 🙂
Amy says
Thank you, Amy!
Kelly says
I just got my THM book 2 days ago and I’m ready to start. Thanks for the motivation. You look amazing.
claire says
You look AMAZING! What an encouragement to us mom’s who still need to lose wright! I must get that book! Not sure if I can wait til Christmas.
Jessica says
Wanted to congratulate you on a job well done!!! That’s awesome!! I do have a question! How did you do it? My son is almost nine months old and I’ve got 15 lbs I’d like to lose. My only concern is I’m still breastfeeding and I don’t want to risk disturbing my production. I’ve read that dieting and some types exercise aren’t recommended. I’ve started walking 30-45 minutes everyday. Hoping that will help but would love and greatly appreciate some advice!! Thank you and congrats to you on your success!!!!!!
Amy says
Exercise has never helped me lose weight. It is more of a “maintenance” tool. Using the THM method has really worked for me and kept my blood sugars in check. I don’t have milk supply issues, so I wasn’t real worried about it.
Celina says
You look absolutely beautiful!!! THM has also changed my life! I LOVE the way I can eat.
Megan says
This is awesome! So inspiring! I’m pregnant with #3 right now, but I’ll be remembering this for motivation when it comes time to lose the baby weight. I started this pregnancy almost 20 pounds heavier than my first two, so I’ll have the pregnancy weight plus all that to lose, and I’m already dreading it. Thank you for the inspiration! You look amazing!
Amy says
You can actually start NOW! Doing THM the last bit of my pregnant helped me so much. I am hypoglycemic and I could immediately tell my blood sugars were getting back under control. Not to mention the weight came off so easily once he was here.
Megan says
Awesome, I’ll check it out! Thank you!
Erin says
I have been following your journey from before Creed’s birth. (Actually, I was a part of CMOMB and ‘met’ you there years ago…) Anyway, when I saw you doing THM in the beginning I kept thinking ‘Well, I could never do that. I don’t even know what Coconut oil even is!’ LOL! But I decided I would give it a go after my baby was born (2 mos. after Creed). It took me many months to save up for the book and I just got it last month. It is really not as hard as I thought it would be. I’m at an acceptable weight, but have a small frame and would like to lose 5-10 lbs. Seeing your progression brought tears to my eyes! What an encouragement! I love the advice your hubby has given you. Thank you for your transparency and letting us all follow along with you on your journey. Oh, and have I mentioned you look fabulous?! 🙂 Good job, mama!!!
Amy says
Erin! Hello! I remember you from CMOMB all those years ago. I highly recommend looking on the THM Pinterest boards or in the FB groups for inspiration too. The recipes posted there are fabulous!
Trish says
I wanted you to know you have inspired me! I saw your post about what to do with your big clothes and have not turned back since!!! I’m so glad you introduced me to THM! I have lost about 10 pounds in 1 month and my husband is now on board too. We each have some weight to lose from my last few pregnancies 😉 I have been able to share this with others too! It’s such a positive change not only for weight loss, but for health too! Thanks!!!
Susan says
WOW!!! THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Congratulations, Amy! What an inspiration! I’ve just begun my journey of healthy eating and daily exercise, so this blog post is a great motivator for me! Thank you, and God bless you on the rest of your journey!
Jessica says
Wow! Amy, you look great! Congratulations!
Linda Niles says
Looking forward to learning how you accomplished this big change in your life!!
Jennifer says
Wow! You have done amazing! I am currently 5 weeks postpartum with 20 pounds to lose to be pre-preg. weight and another 10 to be where I want. So, a total of 30. I have Diastasis Recti and am about to start Julie Tupler’s program again. (I started it a month before getting pregnant and quit while pregnant. However, I saw amazing results in that month.) I was wondering if you used the Tupler Technique while losing your weight and if so, how has it affected you?
Angela @ Homegrown Mom says
I’ve been hearing so much about THM but didn’t want to try yet another program. I’m looking forward to hearing you share more about it! It’s kind of pricey, but it’s worth it if it works.
Crystal says
It also took me a while to decide to buy Trim Healthy Mama. When I finally realized it cost less than I’ve paid for any other program. (Think: sign up fees of $40 or so, monthly fees of about $30 and the cost for healthier food.)
The book is great. It has the content of at least 3 books (general nutrition, hormones for both genders, weight loss) and it’s all sooo good. The biggest point I’ve really enjoyed is it promotes healthy marriages.
It’s totally worth the time and money.
Yvonne says
Wow! Amy, you look fantastic!!! I am on my 10th pregnancy, in which I started way over weight. My husband, oldest son, and I joined a gym. I do own the THM book, and am a Farm Fresh Tess all the way. My biggest problem with THM are the sugar substitutes they recommend. I HATE the taste! Do you have any advice? I do have a sweet tooth, and usually bake with organic sugar, honey or maple syrup. I really want to get this weight off. Everything hurts so bad, and it makes it difficult to care for my family. Like right now I had to stop working to put my cankles up!!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Congratulations again!!!
Amy says
I use pure stevia in things like the muffin in a mug (yes, I do eat those 😉 ) and in my yogurt. I really like it! For baked goods, I cooks as normal…sucanat, unbleached or whole wheat. But, I have to realize I can’t gorge myself on those treats.
nancy says
Congrats!
Ellen says
Wow…You are such an inspiration to me! So happy for you ^__^.
CordeliaAnne Shirley says
Thanks for the inspiration! I think your husband’s advice is right on! I had stalled for 2 mos on THM and I kept reading about other husbands on fb who were losing weight even though they weren’t strictly following the plan while at work. So I added a little sugar back into my diet and now I’m losing weight again, yay!
Amy says
I had a friend who said she believes those of us who “cheat” a little actually lose better on this plan. 😉
Sherri Y. says
Wow, that is incredible! You look amazing! I am 4.5 weeks postpartum & it’s about time for me to be actively losing the baby weight 🙂 Thanks so much for being open in your weight loss journey…it’s such an encouragement!
Amy says
Thank you! I was hesitant to start this journey so publicly b/c I’ve done that before and it didn’t turn out so well. So thankful for this blessing!
Karla says
You look GREAT! The victory is especially sweet when you’ve put all that hard work into it – go you!
Tracy @ Hall of Fame Moms says
You look great and this is a beautiful picture! Congrats 😉 I’ve heard good things about this book from others. I might look for it at my library before I buy it.
L says
You look amazing! I follow you on facebook, and I’m also reading the THM book!
elma says
Wow you look amazing!!!! I just joined Weight Watchers so I hope to lose but I have so much to loose. I am always hungry:( Thanks for this update!!!
Karyn says
Congratulations!
Sorry if this is already in the comments but I have two questions. What would you have done if you had gotten pregnant during this time? I was losing weight and then got pregnant (which is great!). Do you think your resources, like THM, would have been helpful in during pregnancy? Would you have set weight gaining “caps” as a goal or just let things be? Even my diet has returned to not so great as I deal with the first trimester.
Also, it looks like you no longer have the diastasis recti – did this resolve with the weight loss or did you continue certain exercises?
Karyn says
Sorry – just got the answers to that first question when I followed your link to “healthy changes in pregnancy”!
Amy says
Hi Karyn! I still very much have a DR, but it is much more manageable with the weight loss. I totally plan to stay with THM during pregnancy. My blood sugars are so much better on this and I don’t want to lose that!
JenT says
Awesome! I’ve been doing THM for about 3 weeks now (and not even 100%) and have lost 10 lbs. Probably most of it was water weight, but it’s encouraging anyway. I’m about 16 week pregnant and have been over weight since my first baby 16 years ago! I’m determined to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight of way back then. lol I’ve been overweight for 16 years and am so sick of it. I know I can keep my weight gain to a minimum with this one (#12 btw), and hopefully lose the rest in the next year or so. It’s so encouraging to see this post. I joined a group on Facebook called Trim Healthy Mama Pregnant and Nursing. It’s been very encouraging to see others working on weight loss or maintenance and succeeding. If you do Facebook you might check that group out.
Amy says
Great job! I love that you can do THM while pregnant and nursing. 🙂
Willie says
I totally agree! For the first time in my obese life, I feel that I can lose the weight and I CAN keep the weight off because I feel that I can do this plan for life! God is so good!!!!
Sara says
You look amazing! You have inspired me to do what I’ve needed to do for a very long time! God bless you and your family
val says
Great job! I am 8 wks into THM, and cannot get over how easy and frugal it has been. 20 lbs and counting here!
Nikki says
Congratulations on all of your hard work! Losing weight is simple, but it’s awfully hard. You’re doing great!
Something that I’ve discovered is that when I exercise, even if I’m not losing weight, my clothes fit better. I guess I’m changing fat into muscle or something like that, and it’s nice, too!
Mom of 8 (almost) says
I am so inspired and motivated! Thank you! Our 8th child is 5 days past due and I am needing to lose about 70 pounds to get to my goal weight. I bought THM about the time I found out I was expecting again. Thank you for sharing your story! I know I can do this now!
JudyZ says
Wow! Great job!! I know it is hard to lose weight. It takes a lot of determination to lose that much weight. Congratulations, you’re an inspiration!
Stacy @ A Delightful Home says
Wow! Congrats! You’ve worked hard. Excellent job 🙂
Ginger says
You look amazing! I don’t plan on using THM but I do plan on working out and what not. Eating more clean. Working around the house more. Kudos on your victory!
Katheryn @ The Healthy and Fit Homeschool Mom says
Amy you look fantastic!! That is incredible and what determination you have. Your children are so blessed to see a mama so motivated. I love it! I love how you say to tweak things to fit your lifestyle because a lot of time people hop on to a bandwagon and then fail and feel frustrated. Thank you for sharing, it was truly inspiring! God bless.
Amy says
Thank you, Katheryn!
AnneMarie says
I actually read this entire article and another one before it – except for the ads on the side – and truly enjoyed it. So much great information. It was very interesting. Congratulations on the weight loss and on being an encourager to the rest of us. Thanks!
Julia Irvin says
Hi Amy. I was wondering if you are still following the Trim Healthy Mama plan?
Amy says
I am eating mostly Keto right now, but using a lot of the THM recipes because they fit well. 🙂
Wendy gunn says
Amy, Having lost weight myself (50 lbs) I know how amazing it feels–now. When I originally read this post, I wasn’t there yet! God has helped me achieve this goal, but, just like you, but I am not done losing yet. I know I can lose the rest, and am so thankful for the things He’s taught me about eating healthy and keeping it off, and for giving me control of my appetite. I praise Him for what He is doing in you, and know He is the dream-fulfiller and so amazing as He works in and through us, isn’t He? Praise God! You’re an inspiration! Keep pressing on! 🙂
Amy says
Great job, Wendy!!