I was thinking that it is about time that I share some of my success pictures with you all. You won’t find these in our Jay and Danica Adventures site. I have included some before pictures below and then pictures along the way of my journey to a smaller, healthier, fitter me.
I am always a work in progress and in search of losing those final pounds, getting more toned and fit and all that. As I come across other pictures or am feeling successful in my efforts, I will share them with you. For now, you can see how far I’ve come to date.
**Click on any of the images to make them bigger***
Here is my starting point when I was at my heaviest (213 lbs)
This was me down 25 lbs (188 lbs) with The Husband & I swear the huge lookin’ beer wasn’t ours 
And here are a few of me this last year (between 158-165 lbs):
And of course 3 of me with The Husband last year:
I’d have to say that I was the happiest with how I looked in the last 3-4 photos. My new goal is to get back to that happy, content place and of course, to get back to what I weighed. I haven’t slipped to far back, but, enough that I notice and that is really what matters. One reason I started this blog is to show my journey to maintain what I’ve lost so far and continue down the scale. I will share more pictures as I go along.
Danica
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
You are gorgeous (both inside and out). I understand wanting to get back to where you were. I KNOW you can do it!
Awww ~ Thanks, K! You made my day!
Awww ~ Thanks, K! You made my day!
Wow – you look amazing! Great job.. I need to get motovated to lose some, some I’m going to skip the cake at this party!
Wow – you look amazing! Great job.. I need to get motovated to lose some, some I’m going to skip the cake at this party!
Amber ~ Thanks so much, that was such a nice compliment. I agree – let’s skip the cake
Amber ~ Thanks so much, that was such a nice compliment. I agree – let’s skip the cake
Your before and after photos are beautifully inspirational! Good luck getting back there. I have a bikini shot that I need to get back to…
RML ~ Thanks! I have no doubt you will get back into that bikini in no time at all.
RML ~ Thanks! I have no doubt you will get back into that bikini in no time at all.
Ugh! You know I feel your pain. My heaviest was last year at 210. Manless, just moved to a new city = pathetic:-P Sarah and I have been tackling the treadmill since January and I'm finally at a pretty 165! Personal goal of 155 but according to bmi standards thats 25 for my height >:-I " So little goals come to those who eat fruits and veggies" will be my mantra! Best of luck!
Lara ~ That is awesome – congrats on the loss! I know what you mean about the whole BMI thing – I wonder if my body was ever meant to fall in the bmi ranges. I like your mantra – I need to remember that!
Hi Danica,
I just found your blog via your guest post on Janetha’s blog.
You truly are beautiful in all the pictures. You have come so far on your journey. Thanks for sharing all the pictures. They are inspirational. I look forward to exploring your site a bit more…
Andrea
Andrea ~ thanks for the super sweet comment. I am glad I can inspire you. I look forward to reading your comments and hearing your feedback as I am sure you will inspire me as well.
Danica
Danica-Thanks so much for sharing! You remind me sooo much of myself! I just started weight watchers for the second time this november. Ive been married for three years now and I love my hubby but we have both adopted some bad eating habits! So weighing in at 218 this nov. 3rd I have lost 12 lbs to date! Im hoping to loose at least 20 more by my birthday in March. Thanks so much for your blog, Im so inspired by you and its something I will look foward to checking daily! Thanks for the motivation! If you have any tips please let me know, thanks!
Hi Lauryn,
Thanks so much for the super sweet comment and congrats on not only the weight loss, but, for choosing to make a healthier life for you and your husband!
I am glad I can inspire you ~ your success inspires me too
I’d be glad to offer up any tips I can – feel free to ask away on specific things or what not.
Take care and keep in touch….Thanks for reading.
Danica
I started WW for the second time 4 weeks ago. ( I lost 22 lbs. on WW in 1999). I have made the committment to cook and eat clean for the health of me and my family. It has been a challenge to eat clean and count points at the same time. Lots of clean foods are high in points (ie: avocado). Any suggestions? or hints?
Thanks.
Hi Maribeth,
Congrats on your loss and renewed commitment – that is awesome!
You know there are two approaches you can take to eat clean while doing Weight Watchers. The first is by following the Simply Filling (CORE) plan which is entirely based on CLEAN foods. You eat certain foods ( AVOCADO is included!). focusing on the 9 healthy guidelines while you eat only until satisfied. I lost 1/2 of my weight following CORE and I LOVE it/highly recommend it.
If you would like to stick to the points, I have found the best way to round out higher point clean foods is to add fruits and/or vegetables with every meal/snack. You can make a HUGE salad with tons of veggies (0 pts), add 3 oz grilled chicken (3), maybe some fruit and a little nuttiness (1) and AVOCADO. You get 1/4 of an avocado for 2 pts so if you cut it into little bites it does a long way. Plus, I find that I can add plenty of other things that I really enjoy to the salad too.
I have found I am alot more satified by pairing healthy carbs (veggies/fruit) with a serving of protein (3-4 oz) and then a small serving of a grain.
I think once you start adding in fruits and vegetables, you will see that you are alot fuller and eating clean while staying within your points is easy to do.
I still eat nuts, nut butters, AVOCADO, etc, just in moderation.
Does that help a bit?
Thanks for asking and let me know if I can answer anything else.
Danica
You are a BEAUTIFUL girl at any weight!
I understand wanting to get back to certain “place” for yourself. I’ve been debating my choices for months. I look at pictures from last summer and want to look like that but then I remember just how much discipline it took and I’m not sure I want it that bad. For me, vanity pounds are the hardest especially when there is pizza around.
BTW Thanks for commenting on my post about Janetha and Momma B today. I’m glad you did it’s always fun to find new blogs.
Hi Jenn,
Thanks so much for the sweet comment!! I totally agree with what you said – I think for me it’s about how I feel when I see myself ~ I want to LOVE what I see. I didn’t realize until AFTER I was no longer at my happy weight/size that I really did like the way I looked. So, now, I am on a quest to get back to that but with a good balance. I think I will know when I get there because I will be fit, heatlhy and able to enjoy life’s treats without having them show up on my rear
I am glad I found a new blog to check out too – yours is definitely inspirational – LOVE it!
Danica
stumbled upon your blog looking for “how to make you own greek yogurt.” its so inspiring to see your pics. thanks for the info!
Thanks Tricia for the compliment!!! Glad I could help you out with a how to for greek yogurt as well – yeah!
Danica
Way to go on your weightloss Danica!! You are beautiful (you were before and you are now), but congratulations on improving your health. I found your blog through Janetha’s and I’m so glad i did!!! I loved your guest post on the turkey meatballs, too.
Hi Hayley,
Thanks for the compliments – you are so sweet! I am glad you found me and I look forward to chatting/sharing recipes with you
Happy Friday!
Danica
Wow, you look great! This is such an inspiration, keep up the good work
Hi Angie,
Thanks so much for the nice comment!!
Happy Friday!
Danica
Dani, you look great! Miss you a lot! Guess what? Im pregnant again. Happy Holidays for you and your husband
Thanks Tai!!! Happy holidays to you and your family. I miss you a ton too – yeah for Baby #2!
Great job Dani. Found this site when I was looking for info on PointsPlus program. Recipes look great as well. Just curious, how many points are you on?
Hi Carol
The daily points+ target changes often for me depending on where I am at weight wise. I know that the minimum points+ now is 29 daily points and if you are on maintenance, you get to ad up to 6+ points a day – awesome huh?! Right now, I try to average around 29-32 points+ a day, depending and limit my use of WPA for special occasions.
Danica
Hi Danica -I found this site when I was looking for info on PointsPlus program too. I tried WW a few years ago & had pretty good success while all of the ladies at my office were participating. I went from 139 to 126…sadly, now I am up to 150. One of the problems that I have is that I am allergic to all types of onions & veggie style peppers. Any suggestions on finding “diet-friendly” entrees, sides, & soups that don’t have those? Thanks -Debi
Hi Debi,
Thanks for the comment. I am not sure there are many dinners that do not have some type of onions or peppers in them, sad to say. If I was in your shoes, I’d make my own “diet friendly” entrees and freeze them. Maybe use a weekend day to plan out and cook 5 meals. Put half in the fridge for the week and the other half freeze in individual portions so you can grab and go. After a few weekends, you will have a good stash to grab from.
Hope that helps a bit….other than that, I’d say just check out the ingredient lists. I think the beauty of the Weight Watchers program is that it can work no matter what you are a allergic to since you eat the foods you normally would.
Good luck and be sure to share if you have any great finds!
Danica
I just found your website and I love it! Thank you. I’ve been a lifetime WW member since 1989 and it’s so difficult to stay on track after two kids and getting closer to 50!
I look forward to trying your recipes!
I look forward to following your journey as well
Thanks Karin!
You and your husband are adorable! I look forward to following your site!
Awwww thanks Danica!!! Love the name!
Danica
I love your daily blog. I used to be on WW’s years ago but I did not stick with the program. I am going to start back this week. I am unemployed and I am going to use the materials that I have at home. I was always bad about keeping the daily journal, but i know it is very helpful. You look great. Congratulations on your success. Your blog will be very helpful to me.
Thanks Danica!
ttyl,
Angie
Hi Danica,
I just found your blog today and really enjoyed reading all of your takes on food and what you eat daily. I just started the new WW plan and I am still trying to get to know everything! I lost about 20 pound last year on the old WW plan and was so happy, but I just kind of lost my groove and gained a lot of it back and I am sooo ready to get back to it!
Your blog has inspired me so much today and seeing your before and after pictures helps me to see that I can do it too, and no one loses weight without a lot of hard work.
I hate all the quick fix diets out there that make you think it can be easy and effortless. Cause wouldn’t we all love that!?
But the truth is the happiest I have been in a long time was last year, when I was working out daily, eating healthy organic foods, shopping at farmers markets with my son, and spending a lot of time outside with my family, just having fun and living life. I feel like I hide inside when I put on a few extra pounds, i don’t want to be like this anymore.
Sorry..i kinda had a lot to say I guess.
Thanks for doing your blog and I am definitely going to be a regular follower now.
OH and I really wanted to ask you what your job is?
It looks like such a great place to work, how did you get started there?
HI Angie,
Thanks so much for the comment and for reading. I definitely think the key to success is journaling ~ I know I go through phases of being really great and not so great at it. I know you can do it ~ keep me posted on how it goes.
Danica
HI Lacey,
Thanks for the comment, compliments and reading! I think you are going to love the new Weight Watchers plan – it is honestly one of my favorite version they have done to date.
I work for Annie’s, Inc ~ the organic food company that makes mac and cheese, cheddar bunnies, Annie’s Naturals dressings. I work doing accounting, finance and sustainability work and I LOVE it.
Good luck with the new program and definitely keep me posted on how it goes.
Danica
hi danica….i am joining this week and just browsed around and saw your page. you are a real person with a real story and have done really well on this program. i have nothing, but FAT to loose…keep me posted on your success and I will keep you posted on mine. I have to loose 50 pounds to be at my suggested weight and i plan to do it with ww and support from people like you….plus you are a wealth of information.
Hi Toya,
Congrats on joining Weight Watchers!!! You are going to LOVE the program and I know that 50 LBS is going to be gone and lost forever soon. I am definitely up for keeping in touch and cheering each other on.
Thanks for reading and keep me posted on how it goes. If I can answer any questions, I will if I know the answer.
Danica
Hi Danica,
I came across your blog as I was googling the new WW plan for 2012. Since then I’ve become a subscriber since I enjoy your recipes and as well as your blog. As someone who lost 40 lbs on WW and then to regain 30 of it back, your blog is motivating. Thanks again for sharing and love the “healthy” recipes!
You look GREAT!! Thank you for this site. A good friend told me about it and I love it….keep up the information and the good work. WOW!! This 2012 is going to be the year for me to get it OFF and KEEP it OFF… promise!!
Danica — Love the site.
Thanks! Learned about it at the WW meeting and it has so much great information. I am a WW Lifetime member (started in 2008), having lost 69 lbs when I was at my lowest. Am having the hardest time with the Points Plus program. I lost all my weight on the Momentum plan, and when they switched to PP, I actually started gaining weight. I got very frustrated, then went on vacation, was only goint to monthly meetings, then the holidays, etc, etc, etc. Next thing I knew, my clothes were not fitting the same, and I was up 20 lbs. Now I’m obviously above my goal weight, and trying very hard to get back on track. The first week of being back on points, lost only .2 lbs and was very disappointed. So made a few tweeks (counting ALL fruits as 1 pt) and this week was down 2 lbs. Yeah! Only 17 to go.
Hoping to find some new receipes and low point snack options on your site. (And maybe even some inspiration….) It will take time, but I know I can do it….
By the way, love the pictures (I have several of the very same shots at Pearl Harbour and the top of Diamond Head).
Patti