Once again, I’ve gone a couple of months since checking in with you on my weight loss journey. I sincerely apologize for the long periods of silence on my end…but I *do* love the large chunks of weight that disappear in between! Previously, I alluded to a curve ball that had been thrown my way – and I can finally talk about that, too. But first…let’s revel in the fact that I’ve lost a total of 20 pounds!
How I Lost Twenty Pounds
If you’ve been following along on my entire weight loss journey (which you can find here; scroll all the way down to start at the beginning), then you know how I’ve been losing weight. No secrets, no short cuts – simply going to the gym and making smarter (but imperfect) eating choices.
At this point, I typically go to my gym five days a week (occasionally four, if there’s a lot on my calendar). I spend 45 minutes doing cardio first (almost always on an elliptical machine), and then another 20-30 on the weight machines (or pin machines). I do plan to graduate to free weights eventually; there are simply limitations to weight machines and how much you can do with them.
And yes, 45 minutes doing cardio is not always easy or fun. I try to refresh my music play list every couple of weeks to keep me entertained. And I spend a LOT of those cardio sessions deep in thought about my curve ball…so let me tell you about that!
I’m Writing a Book!
Back in late July, I was approached by a small publishing house in New York about writing a book. After some negotiations, I signed a contract to develop a themed craft book that will be on store shelves in Fall of 2020!
Since then, I have been full steam ahead on creating new content for the book. I’ve also been in the throes of learning how to use a DSLR camera (I’ve used my phone all these years!), which has been challenging but good for me to do.
Here’s perhaps the most profound thing I’ve found, though, during this process: You never, ever know when opportunity will knock. And I say that because THANK GOODNESS I had started my weight loss journey back in late February / early March. Because I can tell you right now that had I waited until AFTER the book opportunity came my way, I never would have been able to start this gym habit.
I also know that I would have struggled to have the energy to create this book if I hadn’t already started my weight loss journey.
Moral of the story? I had put off losing weight for a long time – but I will be eternally grateful that I stopped putting it off when I did. Because opportunity came knocking and I was in a much better place to take it on.
Twenty Pounds Lost and “New” Clothing Needed
Perhaps the most exciting part of getting to this twenty pound weight loss milestone is that I really, really needed to go shopping for clothes. I had several smaller t-shirts and a couple of pairs of jeans in my closet already. Does anyone else have a “Maybe someday I’ll fit in these” section in their closet?
Either way, it felt AMAZING to wear those never-been-worn smaller clothes, but it wasn’t really enough to keep me going. So I finally, FINALLY started thrift shopping for secondhand clothing!
And let me tell you – it didn’t go so well at first. My typical thrifting haunts lacked the selection I needed (i.e., I’m straddling the divide between plus size clothing and misses’ clothing). It was quite discouraging – here I was, 20 pounds lighter, and I STILL struggled to find clothing that fit me.
SO…I needed to expand my thrift shop options. First, I found a consignment boutique in town that specializes in double-digit clothing (basically, Size 10 and up and Size Large and up). And I had success there (but failed to take a photo).
I also went to a thrift store that benefits our local domestic violence advocacy group and shelter. It’s not one I have spent much time at in the past because their housewares selection is limited, so I don’t find many project pieces for the main part of my blog. But they have a HUGE clothing selection and I had quite a bit of luck there!
I have a feeling that a thrift store that benefits a women’s shelter is a lot more aware of the range of sizes that women need.
And I can’t wait to do more thrift store shopping for used clothing – this is just the beginning!
Next Steps on My Weight Loss Journey
The next “big thing” on my horizon is actually the photos of myself that I will need for my book! And while I certainly wish I was 50 pounds lighter instead of 20, I’m so glad that I’ve lost what I’ve lost so far. I’ve scheduled a photo shoot for head shots and other photos that will be used in the book and as I market the book next year.
And you know what? I’ll probably schedule ANOTHER shoot when I have the finished book in my hands, too. Because, why not – right?
Beyond that, I simply plan to continue my weight loss journey as I have been doing with consistent trips to the gym and avoiding processed sugar as much as possible. I’ll try and check in one last time in 2019 with an update before the holidays!
*****
Thanks again for reading this new blog series of mine. By doing this, I hope to not only stay accountable and on track, but to bring comfort to anyone else out there who is ashamed of their body or weight-related health. I am not a doctor or medical professional in any capacity, so everything I blog about during my weight loss journey is simply my own opinion and experience. Please consult a medical or health professional before beginning a weight loss program or for medical related questions.
If you want to read all of my weight loss journey blog posts, you can find the full series here. And because I’m not sending my weight loss blog posts to my current subscribers, please let me know if you would like to be added to my separate weight loss subscription list.
Keep on keepin’ on,
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Go Girl Go!!!
Thank you so much!
I can tell the difference! You Go Girl! You’re rockin’ it!
Thanks, Fonda!
Double WOW-WOW!!
Awesome on your craft book,…it’s going to be a winner for crafters.
Plus, awesome with your weight loss journey! Little by little and you are doing it the right way.
About 4 years ago I started slowly losing 20 lbs. I needed to drop, and have not gained any back.
It amazing how just a bit of working out and eating health gives you more energy.
Oh,…I still eat ice cream, twice a week, but only 1/4 serving,…can’t cut all the goodies out,..LOL!
Thank you so much, Rosann!! It really is amazing…and while it’s a lot of work, it is SO WORTH IT!
Congrats Sarah! Good things come to people who push forward. Good luck on that book which I know will be chock full of upcycled goodies and continue on your journey. The more you lose the more energy you will have.
Thank you so very much, Mary! I sincerely appreciate your support!
I’m so impressed, good for you! I particularly see it in your slimmer face. You’re encouraging me to stick to my weight loss goals as well. Way to go, and congratulations on the book deal! What a fabulous way to usher in 2020!
Thank you so much, Amanda!! And I’m cheering on your weight loss journey, too!
An engine, not an anchor…that is brilliant!
Thank you!!! Just thinking about that is a real mindset-changer, right??
An engine, not an anchor…this is brilliant. Congrats to you on all of your new opportunities and I adore your blog.
Thank you, Sue! It really puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? 🙂
Congratulations on the weight loss and the book deal!! I have been in that never never land between size departments too, where missy is too little and plus is too big. Keep at it, you’ll be solidly in the missy dept soon at the rate you are going!
Thank you so much, Carole!! Mentally, it makes such a difference to leave behind the plus department – can’t wait for the day that it’s finally in my rear-view mirror for good. 🙂
Yeah! Good work!!
Thank you, Christy!
So very happy for you! I love your quote, “I need my body to be an engine, not an anchor!” That is how I felt for YEARS! I, too, have struggled with my weight for such a long time. Finally, started the journey taking it one day at a time. I’ve lost 40 pounds and feel so much better! It is the best feeling to pull out those “hopeful” clothes and find they finally fit! Keep going!!!
That is SO AWESOME, Missy- congratulations!!!! And thank you, thank you…so much more to go, but yes…I feel so much better already.
Great Job on both the book and weight loss! What worked for me along with giving up sugar was giving up grains, breads, rice, pasta, you get the idea. I lost 47 pounds 2 years ago and have kept it off since then! The giving up grains made the struggle to lose not much of a struggle!
Thank you, Denise!
Congrats Sarah…keep up the good work. Also, looking forward to your book in 2020.
Thank you so much Nancy!
You are AWESOME!! So excited for you, not only for your weight loss but for your book news too!! You are a young lady who knows what she wants and is going for it…AMAZING!
Thank you so, so very much!!
Congrats!! on your getting healthier & your book opportunity! So excited for you! looking forward to hearing more on both! Please add me to your health blog emails – I trying to get my pounds off too!
Thank you so much, CC! And you’ve been added to the list – I appreciate it!
TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!! CONGRATS,,,,
Thank you so, so much!!! It’s a truly wonderful feeling – inside and out!
Wow, you may have only lost 20 lbs, but your transformation pictures are awesome! Look at the muscle you have gained! I have been a lot of sizes myself, and clothing has always been hard for me no matter what size I was.
Thank you so much, Heather – and I agree about the clothing! I’m really short (about 5′) and the roundness made it even harder.
Can I just add this: Isn’t it like the BEST to find a.) Jeans that fit and b.) have them be THRIFTED. It’s like winning the lottery!! 🙂
YES!!! 100% yes!!