SELF chatted with the inspiring women below to find out what they’ve learned in the process.
Here are the surprising, confusing, and inspiring revelations from their weight-loss journeys.
Pounds may melt quickly at first, but don’t be discouraged by plateaus along the way.
Seana Vogt
It always seemed like such a slow process.
After losing weight so consistently for seven months it is really disheartening.
But at the same time I’m really happy with what I’ve done so far.
Now that it’s getting warmer I’ve been playing tennis, which has been super awesome.
I definitely realize how much easier it is now that I’ve lost so much weight."
You don’t have to do everything at once.
you’re free to focus on healthier eating first, and incorporate exercise when you’re ready.
They say abs are made in the kitchen and I believe that more than anything.
Your body will undergo a lot of changes, but you’ll learn to love it.
I feel incredibly sexy…with loose skin all over my lower stomach!"
You find out who’sreallycheering you on… and who’s not.
The people who truly care for you want you to succeed!
Self-investment is what really matters here.
Weight loss may help kick-start more positive changes in your life.
Losing weight doesn’t automatically mean you gain confidence.
Dropping pounds doesn’t change who you are.
If you don’t love yourself at 200 pounds, you won’t love yourself at 150 pounds."
Heather Crockett, 32, lost 78 pounds
“My weight loss does not define me.
Anyone can do this, but I was committed.
I did it for me.
No one held me accountable.
No one forced me to do it.
And that is the best feeling in the world.”
And you just might find the self-love that you’ve been looking for along the way.
But I was always enough, I just had to learn that for myself.
When I stopped criticizing my flaws and started loving myself, I realized that I deserved more…
Through this journey, I have found my confidence and discovered unwavering self-love.
It’s a process of freeing yourself from everything that holds you back.
Your physical appearance does not define you.
You are strong, you are beautiful, you are intelligent and you are deserving of true happiness."
Quotes have been condensed and edited for clarity.
