May 23, 2011
This girl right here…well, that’s me. Well, that *used* to be me. I was at my uncle’s house with my chicklets having a good time in the pool. Notice that I am not wet…yeah, that’s because I did not want to take my shirt and shorts off. Why? Well, because I knew I was fat, and I was extremely uncomfortable in my own body. Even though I was with family, I was still so self-conscious about my body. I hated it. Funny thing – I still ate probably twice (or even three times) as much food that day as I should have. Go figure.
Next comes me in July. I was already losing weight, but I had not started blogging just yet. That came just a few days after this picture was taken, though. Here I am guessing I had lost a pound…maybe two.
July 5, 2011
The only thing I am loving about that picture is my really awesome lime green hair with purple and hot pink streaks. Honestly. Notice the slight double chin and the really “puffy” cheeks. I even appear to be developing neck fat rolls. Ick.
So, where am I now? Here:
November 20, 2011
Okay, so can you see any differences because I am struggling. So many people tell me my face looks *much* thinner, but I fail to recognize what in the world they see (or are they just being really nice?). I can see a *slight* change in maybe the size of those neck fat rolls…and maybe a little less of a double chin. What do you think? Can you tell the difference?
-Erica
A Food Addict - by Rooks Fitness 
WOW! What a difference! Your cheeks are way less puffy and around your mouth and nose it is way more defined and thin! And your neck and chin are way way smaller! I made a split screen of myself in July and November as well. I tried to make one on Friday and got too busy at work but after I saw yours I decided to make one tonight.
I wish I would have taken full body shots (front, side, and back) when I first started. I would probably be “seeing” more changes had I done that for comparison. Of course, you know what they say about hind sight. 🙂
I guess I will have to stare at myself (in those pictures) to try and notice what everyone else can apparently see right away – LOL Hopefully this crazy mind of mine will catch up.
Thanks, Joanie!
-Erica
Major difference – look how much more of the tattoo on your neck you can see!
Andie – you’re right. That is something I didn’t notice until you “said” it. 🙂 You can barely even tell what my tattoo is (if at all) in the first two pictures. In the last picture; however, Love-A-Lot Bear is easily visible (little cutie pie). I am an 80’s child at heart…I love everything 80’s (the colors, the music, the cartoons…and so much more).
Thanks so much for helping me see the differences! You’re a sweetie!
-Erica
I agree with above. Maybe you need your prescription checked 🙂
LOL – I think I was due for new glasses back in July. Maybe I should go have them checked. 🙂
-Erica
Erica!! Are you serious right now? You look amazing! Maybe it’s hard for YOU to see it since it’s been a gradual change, but from someone who doesn’t see you on a daily basis, we as readers see a dramatic change. Keep up the great work, girl!! Very inspiring!
Thanks! I do have a *very* difficult time seeing changes in my body/face. I have stood in front of the mirror and wondered, “When will I see what everyone else sees?” My mother can see it (she says so anyway), and my ex- can see it (he tells me *often* how “great and fabulous” I look)…but I always just dismiss them and think they’re “being nice.” This is something I have been talking about with my therapist (because it really does bother me *that* much). Logically speaking, I *know* the changes are happening. I have confirmation on the scale, my clothes, physical abilities, the measuring tape, and many other ways…but (for some bizarre reason) my eyes refuse to *see* those changes. I really wish I would have taken full body shots when I first began. If I could actually see what my body looked like then compared to now, I think that would help me digest it…but I just could not bring myself to take those pictures. 😦
-Erica
Not only does your face look slimmer – but your skin seems to be smoother and healthier looking. Yes, there is a difference, and be proud of it.
Thanks! Now that you mention it, my skin is less “irritated” on a day to day basis. I used to almost constantly have a “break out” somewhere on my chin, but they are few and far between now. Thank goodness! 😉
-Erica