72-pound weight loss photostream

(Note, this post has been edited since it's first publication earlier this morning to address a  few emails.)

I have photos that fit between 318 pounds and 268 pounds but they are not full body shots.

I regret that.

It was only in July when I realized I should pick a location and begin to document the loss using the same backdrop.

For those who have been following along, my journey to find the old me has resulted in me taking up long-distance walking several times a week. I never imagined walking 10 kilometres in less than two hours, five times a week, in addition to the daily 5 kilometres I cover over my lunch hour, would become my life. But it has ... and it's amazing.

I've changed my diet. I've changed my outlook on life. I've fixed my relationship with food.

I set no goals. I have no expectations. I only look at how far I've come.

72 pounds.

Right click and open the image in a new tab for the full screen view where you can click on the image again to magnify it.

For those who have asked, I record the distance I walk (and calories burned) using a GPS-based mobile app called Map My Walk. I use MyNetDiary to record food.

These two apps, along with establishing a routine, have been instrumental in contributing to my success. Coupled with the routine, this has been what is working for me.

I've been asked several times how many calories I eat daily and to discuss what I eat. I'm not a nutritionist. However, I cut out sugar, saturated fats, full-fat dairy and reduced my sodium intake. I added more protein and fibre. I omitted all fast food. I added more vegetables and don't eat anything, other than whole grain crackers, out of a box. I adapted my diet to match what my husband has to eat in order to manage his Type-2 diabetes. What I eat and don't eat may not work for you. Please discuss with your doctor.

As for calories, I am at a point where I burn what I eat plus 600-900 calories more. I consume a 30% carb / 50% protein / 20% fat ratio of food. I eat anywhere from 1500 to 1800 calories a day. It's not that I'm reluctant to share, as this isn't a secret, but there is a method to the madness and again, a qualified nutritionist can help you get there.

The most challenging sacrifice was sugar. THAT STUFF IS IN EVERYTHING. Because I am not a diabetic, I can occasionally treat myself and I managed to get to a point where I can do this without guilt. This is a HUGE accomplishment. I combat any potential guilt with exercise. For example, on the weekend, I wanted to enjoy some Menchie's frozen yogurt with one nanaimo bar as a topping. So, I walked five kilometres for frozen yogurt. Yes, I train to eat.

I enjoyed every single bite of that roughly 1-cup serving of red velvet cake-flavored yogurt. That night, I slept like a bear.

Impulse-eating and binge-eating were my worst demons. It's taken two years to correct several years of these two bad habits coupled with poor food choices.

You have to ask yourself what your downfall is. Mine wasn't just bad food and too much of it, I was also lazy. Getting rid of my own vehicle was the first step I made in this journey.

Everybody has their own reasons for how they became overwight. Once you address what caused you to put on the additional weight, you can work on correcting those bad habits by making small changes.

You can do it!