AA, nicotine patches and weight watchers...

Hunny, I feel ya. I have recently started Zumba and i. love. it. If you like to dance at all, you will LOVE zumba! I have also limited myself to sweets only on weekends (sat & sun). When I was a young teen with a wicked fast metabolism, I used to always say if I ever get fat it will be on ice cream. And these past few months I have been thinking back to those words because, quite frankly, I still love ice cream and it is no longer loving me back as much as it used to. So, here is my advice - start small...a few times a week at Zumba, and limiting sweets. Then start snacking on just fruits and veggies, and slowly curve your diet to more healthier things. Don't go drastic all at once or you just won't stick to it.

Lauren, you are still stunning and don't look prego at all! Do you realize Love Affair is in just a few weeks....all kinds of good food there, I know!! After Love Affair...then start.

I feel exactly the same way. My way of dealing with anything is eating and eating. I handle stress really well it seems, but it really has packed on the pounds lately. I eat when I'm happy, sad, bored, busy - for any and every reason. Just LOOKING at a Mt. Dew or chocolate instantly starts to make me feel better. I guess now is a good time for anyone like us to just look in the mirror and say "What am I actually going to do about this?" A few years ago, I lost 30 lbs. doing Dr. Phil's weight loss program. It's actually really easy...just takes making the decision to do it. Good luck Lauren - you're not alone!

Lauren,
I've been reading your blog faithfully after you did my friend's wedding two years ago and I think my mom even came up to you at another friend's wedding you photographed and told you that you would be doing my wedding in the future ha! I love how blogs let us have a glimpse into people lives even if we're states away, and I have loved being able to have a peek at your life and how you've grown with your photography and your life. And I want you to know how beautiful every single one of us who reads your blogs thinks you are. But I also know that every single one of us can relate to how you're feeling right now. In fact, I just finished my pint of Carmel Macchiato ice cream and it's midnight. I didn't work out today. I basically sat in a chair for the majority of the day even though I had plenty of time to go outside and be active. Why we all do this I don't know. We love instant gratification and I know I get that from food. I love food- the tastes, the experience, the company. But I'm also unhappy with how I feel about myself and want to do something to change that.
Have you heard of Bobbi and Mike photography? They do the healthy train with their fellow blog readers and people have lost a TON of weight. Have you ever thought of doing something like that here? I just know people who are trying to lose weight have more success when they have a community supporting them and it could be really fun. I know I would be game!
Mad props for being so vulnerable to us on your blog!

No-Fail Diet: Exercise once a day and keep a food journal. Food journals work because everything you eat you have to write down. After a while, you won't want to eat certain foods because writing them down provides an in-the-face guilt. Good luck!

1. Don't feel like you've failed, because that will only make the losing part feel more overwhelming.
2. Workout the way you WANT (i.e. I hate to run but I like to walk, pilates and yoga bore me to death but I love to dance)
3. Tell yourself everyday that you are fabulous no matter what your size and that you are working out and eating better to be healthy first and foremost!

I'm 24 and I gained over 50 lbs with my first pregnancy! I slacked a lot on working out and eating right after giving birth and I was up about 25lbs when I found out I was expecting my second. I was freaking out, but then decided to stop putting pressure on myself to be at the "perfect weight" and I started to work out and eat better for the sake of being healthy, not to be a certain number on the scale. I gained 15 lbs with my second pregnancy and I'm slowly getting back to my normal size without feeling depressed about my size. Life gets BUSY and sometimes it takes time to figure out how to make exercise a priority. Just set realistic goals and love yourself no matter what. The working out and eating right starts to fall into place once you do.

Thanks to the upcoming World Basketball Festival, we now get a “USA” Air Jordan 2010 Team. It seems as if more people like the Air Jordan 2010 Team than the original Air Jordan 2010 because of the windowless side panels. I’m not one of those people who likes the team better; I think the original
Nike Shoes 2010 Shoes looks much better.Since this jordan Shoes Team is made for the USA team, the colorway should be clear. White can be seen on the side panels, toe, shoe laces, tongue, part of the midsole and the entire outsole. Navy blue covers the toe, heel, inner lining and above the midsole. Red accents appear on the tongue, toe, heel, lace panels and the midsole. The sneaker is constructed of perforated white leather with larger perforations placed on the side panels.

I know exactly how you feel! I have tons of super cute clothes that I can't fit into anymore & I, too need to lose 15-20 lbs. I got married last month and thought that I needed to be back to a size __ for the wedding, but gave up when I, too found myself on the road for work. My husband is great and thinks I look wonderful just the way that I am, but MAN, I'd love to fit into my buckle jeans again!

don't diet! just CHANGE your diet to a healthy one... i swear by this guy: www.draxe.com. listen to his podcast, and you'll not only lose weight by following his advice, you'll become healthier, which is way more important than being thin. :-)

Oh LAUREN =) We've all been there (or currently ARE there, lol).
For what it is worth, I finally got fed up and joined WW last week (even though I felt like my mom or some other middle-aged woman doing it). I mean, WW isn't COOL. Or at least, it wasn't cool....until I tried it and saw how freaking easy it is and how much control I have and that I can still eat things like ice cream and brownies and drink diet soda - as long as I count the points. I downloaded a free WW app to my phone that calculates points and I have used it 4 trillion times this week. I've eaten out. I've had McDonald's. I've drank a TON more water. And you know what? I am a pretty solid 6lbs lighter than when I started one week ago!!
If you are super anal (like me) and enjoy making lists and crossing stuff off those lists, and maybe kind of sort of being a control freak (once again, like me), then you might find WW to be the best thing ever (again, like me!).
Regardless, you look beautiful as always =)

Lauren you are beautiful! I know exactly how you feel. Sitting in front of the computer all day doesn't help at all either. I just signed up for anytime fitness. I have lost tons of weight with weight watchers in the past and plan on starting it again. I say lets do it together!

Here's a tip or [some tips] that have worked amazing for me: I love food too and I don't like to be deprived, so what satisfies me is 1/2. (If I order a burger I'll eat 1/2 w/ the bun. With out the bun I eat just the burger) Also I use small sized plates for me at home...and of course I love ice cream but I eat it in a VERY small bowl. I get the taste I want without going overboard. Try this and I'm sure it'll work for ya. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Lauren, thanks for putting this out there. It takes guts to admit you love food and aren't happy with the way you look, I'm right here with ya, as I'm sure others are too. One book you might want to pick up is Tosca Reno's The Eat-Clean Diet ( http://www.eatcleandiet.com/ ) - I think you will really enjoy it. And for being over 40, Tosca looks AMAZING! *No matter what plan you choose to follow, I look forward to watching your dieting success... Good Luck!!

I can empathize with the idea of not being where you want to be; unhappy with where you are now compared to where you have been thing. but honestly, all i think seeing these photos of you is: how can this girl be gorgeous & have all that talent?! not fair! hope you find your way to where you want to be & how you want to feel!

Let's see...tips and tricks... I don't know that I really have any about losing the weight, but I definitely have a few for dealing with the stress that's driving that. I personally attend a recovery program at my church as I struggle with an addiction to food (and a few other things). There are some great resources on their web page that you could read through that I'd recommend, short sermons that read quickly (they were very nice to type them up into pdfs. Here's the link: http://denton.thevillagechurch.net/recovery-teachings

k

I think you still look beautiful! But I know that it's only helpful if YOU think you look beautiful. A lot of women in my church have done the PRISM weight loss program (you can Google it). It's a Christan based program that focuses on the spiritual aspect as well as the weight aspect. It has transformed so many women in my area so that's what I'd recommend! Kudos to you for being so honest!

Girl, you are gorgeous!! I know what it's like to be uncomfortable in your skin though...it's awful! I would suggest Weight Watchers and using a trainer at Fitness Together. I go to a trainer at Fitness Together in Yukon, OK, and I think there's one in Stillwater. It's the best decision I've ever made! I lost 5% body fat in the first four weeks! (and for me....that's amazing. I hate exercise) Hang in there, you can do it!

You are not alone! Thanks for your transparency. I can't even count how many times I have joined WW. I finally joined in 2007, lost 30 lbs in 11 months, and gained "lifetime" status. I maintained that until I got married, gained 10lb on my honeymoon, and refused to go back to weigh in to see a "plus 10!" Instead of loosing the 10lbs and then rejoining, I gained over 30lbs. I rejoined (for the second in two years since getting married) in May and since then my net is plus 0.2lb. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a battle. Fortunately or unfortunately WW seems to be the only thing that works for me. I need the accountability of weighing in once a week, and it's nice to meet with a group of people who struggle with the same issue. I see a beautiful girl in BOTH of these pictures. Good luck with your journey!!

Eat your heaviest protein meal at the beginning of the day. Don't eat a super protein packed meal at dinner ( unless its a special occasion). Snack on some sort of nut when you get hungry. When you get a craving for a sweet... eat a pickle! All of these things have helped me get the baby weight off and keep it off.
By the way... you look great! In all the years of keeping up with your blog I have never thought you were overweight! I do understand the need for health though!

I am starting my "new me" this week too! i went and bought new work out clothes, so that I get excited to wear them and want to work out in my new cute clothes. I also found a work out plan and some healthy food plans from "self" magazine. There are also cool apps for your iphone/ipod that give you workout moves, stretching excercises and etc. I use iworkout lite, this is a free version. Good luck!!!

girl... most of us have been there before. it happens. what i have learned from going through it (before kids as well as after kids) is choosing to be happy with who you are now. make some changes and be patient with yourself. there are all kinds of diet plans out there... weight watchers is a really great way to learn how to control your portions. it all really comes down to math. burn more calories than you consume . PLUS finding a great way to be active on a daily basis (i love to take classes at the gym... it's much more fun than tredging on a treadmill for any amount of time) the main thing is finding something that works for you and that you can make a part of your everyday life. good luck to you :)

I will walk around Boomer Lake with you as often as you want! It's a good walk, beautiful scenery and walking really is one great way to lose weight.

I also second the Zumba class.....I've never taken one but have friends that are in them and they love them! You get to have fun and learn an awesome dance while getting toned!

Quit it. Not to be creepy, but you're hot.

Hey lauren,
You look great but I certainly understand your desire to shed a few. My suggestion is to go ahead and start weight watchers. You're obviously busy and ww is a good, easy to follow plan that lets you eat what you want and is super flexible which is great for on-the-go photographers like ourselves. Ive been doing it for the second time in my life for a month now. The first time was in college at OSU...stillwater has a great program there...or at least used to. You can also do it online and/or with the iPhone, etc... Good luck!! Maybe one week we can save our flex points and meet up for cheese friend at Joes!

Here is something I found recently that has been pretty helpful...
www.myfitnesspal.com
It is free to join and you can log your meals and workouts. Hope it helps!

Lauren, I'm on WW too! haha I've done it on and off for a long time and it really works! Best tip -- start with a healthy and filling breakfast to start your day off right! I always make either oatmeal and sprinkle some ground flaxseed on top with a stevia sugar packet OR make an egg white omelet with veggies & franks hot sauce! Also, I do best when i portion things off after the grocery store. Like 1 cup grapes, 2 c strawberries to grab and go easily for snacks. I have to have healthy choices on hand or I will make bad decisions! Sometimes it can take me awhile to get into a new routine, so if you fall off, just get back on the next morning, learn from your mistakes and adjust. You can do it!

everything in moderation, even moderation.

The best thing anyone ever said to me? This is not the last chance you'll have to eat. You will have this opportunity again.

I used to be the queen of all-or-nothing. If I wanted a cookie, I wanted a BAG of cookies. That little tidbit has helped immensely.

I've lost 26 lbs and counting since April - it's been EASY this time around, versus every struggle I've had in the past. Nothing is off limits to me; if I want it, I eat it. I just always remember that there will be another chance.

Weight Watchers is great for accountability; there's nothing like having someone else weigh you weekly to keep yourself in check.

Good luck.

The best thing anyone ever said to me? This is not the last chance you'll have to eat. You will have this opportunity again.

I used to be the queen of all-or-nothing. If I wanted a cookie, I wanted a BAG of cookies. That little tidbit has helped immensely.

I've lost 26 lbs and counting since April - it's been EASY this time around, versus every struggle I've had in the past. Nothing is off limits to me; if I want it, I eat it. I just always remember that there will be another chance.

Weight Watchers is great for accountability; there's nothing like having someone else weigh you weekly to keep yourself in check.

Good luck.

Oh Lauren you are so beautiful! Always have been and always will be. I was a trainer for several years before I had Addy and I can tell you that you just have to get active again. Walks, gardening, runs, biking...anything to get your body to burn more than you are taking in. I love food...love it. But exercise is an even better emotional fix...so I would just say balance your diet, still enjoy those yummy foods here and there - but most importantly burn those calories. Boomer Lake was a favorite spot of mine to do that in Stilly - 3 miles around. You'll be fine =)

yoga, yoga, YOGA! I never thought I would say this but....it really works!

A couple of things of advice: First, do it one step at a time! First, start adding more veggies to your diet. When you are hungry for a snack, eat some almonds or some carrots, an apple, or something like that. It really is all about portion! If you LOVE a food, even if it is "bad" for you, eat half of what you would normally eat. (And if you are at a restaurant, split it with someone or put it in a box ahead of time) For breakfast, stick with a really good cereal! I know it is hard when food tastes so good. I try to prove to myself that I don't have to eat something even though it tastes so good! It became like a challenge. and one more thing- exercise is really hard sometimes... so it became fun when I quit trying to jog and do harsh exercises that were stressful. Instead, I got me and my sister to go on a normal paced walk each night. Sometimes I do pilates (which I found free videos on youtube) these helped so much (they are usually only 10 minutes and sometimes 20 which is very doable)

Hopefully some of these things helped. Just remember its all about portions! :)

-Kari

Lauren! You are not fat at all - and you look far from pregnant. I know how you feel all to well though, last year around this time I had a meltdown and decided I needed to lose weight or I was going to constantly be miserable. I too have almost an obsession with eating. My friends and I started a blog a while back to keep each other accountable so if you want to hear more of our story on there you can sure do that - it's youatewhat.blogspot.com. Also - I blogged about my weight loss on my personal blog last year and even posted pics of myself in a bathing suit and my weight and measurements to keep myself accountable. Seems like the only thing that keeps me accountable is embarassing myself publicly. My personal blog is sarahcaseyriley.blogspot.com if you want to see! Good luck with everythin g- you can do it!

Have you ever came across any healthy food/living blogs? When I first did, they completely opened my eyes to delicious food that was good for you. I would start with www.katheats.com for recipes and meal ideas and if you want motivation for exercise, head over to www.healthytippingpoint.com.

The Book : Intuitive Eating by Tribole & Resch
CHANGED MY LIFE. INSIDE YOUR MIND, NOT WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH.

you go girl! with your work ethic, it will be gone in no time! i'm down 2 pounds so i have 18 to go to get to pre baby weight. just taking it slow so i don't get burned out of working out. you're starting at the right time, too! the weather is about to start cooling off so if you happen to miss a workout, you can easily get out on your land with your dogs and roam around.

Lauren-I LOVE this because I know we have ALL been there! First of all you are beautiful but I know that when I have been told that in the past it dosen't really help because I don't feel that way. One thing that I found was very successful was Weight Watchers...they now have an online system to track everything and it is SUPER easy. I also found that having a workout buddy is almost required for me! It holds me accountable and makes it fun and social. I LOVE having a goal so I am most successful when I am training for something, like when I run my half marathons! No, I am NOT the fastest out there (not even close) but I feel so strong and accomlished when I finish! I also LOVE the blog www.operationbeautiful.com for extra inspiriation! You are BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT just the way God made you! GOOD LUCK!!!

My husband and I lost weight with a Bible study called, "The Lord's Table". Their website is: settingcaptivesfree.com. It is a GREAT Bible study. You can do your lessons online. You get a mentor and it's free.

A) I love the half-eaten chip in your hand. HAHA.

B) You're gorgeous. Quit beating yourself up. For real.

C) I break up my exercise into two shorter workouts on days I don't shoot. One in the morning, one in the afternoon/evening. Keeps the calories burning through the day and night both.

D) I religiously take the parking spot furthest from the door. It drives my husband crazy.

E) Pick your toes up when you walk. Exaggerate the heel to toe walking motion a little. It firms up your legs and can burn up to 100 additional calories per day. So, just pick up your toes when you walk to the fridge! It'll soften the blow a little. :)

F) Seemingly small changes go a long way. Don't forget it.

Lauren,
I haven't commented before- but I just had to on this one :). First of all, you are beautiful, but since it is important to feel confidant and live a healthy & balanced lifestyle- I recommend finding some sort of exercise that you can enjoy, and just like you are doing limit yourself to a calorie amount per day and writing down everything you eat. I am still working on getting to my goal of loosing 35 pounds, I am down 25 and working towards losing the rest. You can do it!!!

Oh how I can relate! I'm pretty sure if you're a female between the ages of 18 and 80 you can. I tried the WW route a couple years ago before I went to Cancun and lost 11 lbs in 7 weeks...without exercise, because I loathe working out. Earlier this year a friend told me about the Slim in 6 workout DVD's and swore by them! We started doing them 4-5 days a week. I was certain that when we weighed and measured after the first week I would see little to no results because the exercise seemed way too easy and for the first time ever I wasn't the diet Nazi, counting every calorie that I consumed. I just tried to eat healthier and not overindulge, like I usually do with sweets. I was shocked that at the end of the first week I'd lost 3 lbs and 4 inches! Within a month I lost 10 lbs and about 12 inches! For me that's big success, because even though I'm 33 I feel like I have the metabolism of a 75 year old wheelchair bound woman! I hope this helps :) BTW, Zumba is an amazing fat burning workout and so much fun!

Oh how I can relate! I'm pretty sure if you're a female between the ages of 18 and 80 you can. I tried the WW route a couple years ago before I went to Cancun and lost 11 lbs in 7 weeks...without exercise, because I loathe working out. Earlier this year a friend told me about the Slim in 6 workout DVD's and swore by them! We started doing them 4-5 days a week. I was certain that when we weighed and measured after the first week I would see little to no results because the exercise seemed way too easy and for the first time ever I wasn't the diet Nazi, counting every calorie that I consumed. I just tried to eat healthier and not overindulge, like I usually do with sweets. I was shocked that at the end of the first week I'd lost 3 lbs and 4 inches! Within a month I lost 10 lbs and about 12 inches! For me that's big success, because even though I'm 33 I feel like I have the metabolism of a 75 year old wheelchair bound woman! I hope this helps :) BTW, Zumba is an amazing fat burning workout and so much fun!

Hey Lauren! You still look amazing and you dont look pregnant! and I do zumba too! i just do it once a week now and i just try a little bit to watch what i eat and in two months i lost two sizes! :) Just watch what you eat a little bit. and find an exercise program you like! and dont over do it at first or you wont stay with it! Dont be to hard on yourself! you still look stunning! :)

This was too funny! I know exactly what you mean. I started training with a few friends a few years ago for a half marathon. It went great. I was eating better and exercising almost daily. Plus, my friends made it fun! Then college got hectic and I dropped it. I need to start that back up...

ooh girl!!!!! tell me about it!! i just ate white castle for lunch today!! when i get home i need to start a good workout!!! accountability please??

Thai food! It's full of veggies, it's delicious, barely has any fat, fills you up fast & boosts your metabolism! When I got married, I went on this Italian cooking kick, and my husband & I both gained so much weight we couldn't stand it. So I started cooking more Thai & Asian foods, and we've been dropping the pounds & still eating like royalty!

lauren, this summer i decided it was FINALLY time to buckle down and lose about 15-20 pounds. I think I am almost at 15...and my stomach is grumbling as i write this...but it really was less work than expected...it just took some discipline, and is going to take a little more. I've just tried to reduce my calorie intake to about 500 calories less than i could have per day to maintain my weight, and if i consistently do that, i should lose about 1lb a week. It seems to be working. I agree with you, its a lot about self control and unselfishness and dedication.

Well. I'm glad you shared. My reader wasn't updating your blog so I thought you hadn't been posting and just realized otherwise. If that doesn't genuinely make me a loser blog stalker then I don't know what does.

I'm commenting because when you got all healthy (last year?) I had been on WW and lost.. well... 20 pounds. People don't believe me. But as Jack would say in the Shining.. "I'm baaaa-aaack".

I hate it. Hate it.

But your post has inspired me... When your panties cut off circulation but you don't want to quit wearing them out of pride you know you have a problem.

I have a problem. A panty cutting off circulation type of problem.

Willing to lose a leg for pride,
Georgia