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May 25, 2016

My Weight Loss Story…

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So I am not going to lie. This is absolutely a post that I never in one million and one years thought I would share on my blog. What started as an interior design blog quickly became a “follow our journey” blog and now I just chat about anything and everything that I love or am going through or just feel like sharing. I’ll blame it on the fact that I get bored easily or maybe that there are only so many room reveals one can do each month. Whatever the case may be, I still never ever planned on sharing THIS. I mean who searches through bins and bins of old photo albums to hunt down the worst images taken of themselves in their entire life? Well that would be me. And then on my blogger girl’s trip several weeks ago, someone spotted the image on my driver’s license (yes it is forever old but who wants to wait in the DMV line to simply change their photo?!?) and so the weight loss conversation ensued. The story of how I once weighed about 100lbs more than I do today…

Let’s go back to the beginning. I was always thin-ish. From my skinny teenage years to “just a healthy weight” college years, I was always thin-ish. Like I maybe topped 130lbs by the age of 21. Like most of you may know, Mark and I started dating at 14, got married at 20, started a business at 22 and then graduated college by 23. By the time we graduated college, we had somehow managed to build a legit company. By our senior year, our company had grown just enough to afford for us to lease our own fabrication facility and that’s when life started to officially get CRAZY. It was amazing but it was absolutely INSANE. Once Mark graduated in December 2004, he was able to devote his full attention to the company and then I joined him when I graduated in May 2005. Upon my graduation in 2005, we had just moved to a much larger fabrication location, had approximately 11 additional employees and we were opening up a separate showroom location in downtown Monroe, GA. As exciting and wonderful as it all was, it was a stress that I cannot put into words. We had both worked so hard to grow the company yet didn’t quite realize what we were getting ourselves into. As two 23 year olds “self-thrust” into suddenly owning a company, we started to truly bring the phrase “Work Hard, Play Hard” to reality. Well as much fun as it was at times, the stress was intense. From managing employees to handling customers and issues and bills and everything in between, I got to a point where I started taking anxiety medication. Biggest mistake EVER.

Our Engagement May 2001…

Weight Loss Story 5

UGA Graduation May 2005…

Weight Loss Story 6

I am not a “medicine person” AT ALL. Still to this day, I avoid it like the plague. Yet I had been thrust, by our own doing, into this busy, crazy, stressful world so quickly that I didn’t know how to cope. And literally within months, I had gained 60lbs. And that 60 was on top of the weight I had already gained from just “playing” a little too hard. Not partying or drinking or anything, just indulging, traveling and being so busy that fast food was my best friend. By the end of 2006, I topped off around 200lbs. Yes, not the easiest thing to write on a public blog. So here’s the proof…

December 2006…

Weight Loss Story 2

February 2007…

Weight Loss Story 3

November 2007…

Weight Loss Story 1

January 2008…

Weight Loss Story 4

In proofreading this I decided to add a little side note. This is MY personal story and personal experience with anxiety medication. Maybe it just isn’t for me, maybe it just wasn’t the right one or maybe I just had a bad experience. Whatever the case may be, I completely understand that everyone has different situations and different stories. For me, anxiety was induced by our life situation and was something that I have been able to since manage on my own. But I completely understand and acknowledge that this might not be the case for everyone and I completely respect that.

I still remember the day that I visited my OBGYN in December 2006 and asked if it was “safe” to continue my medication while I tried to get pregnant. Without hesitation, she said “absolutely!”. Yet for some reason, I will call it God, I literally just woke up one day. In January 2007, I looked in the mirror and was like “holy crap”. Who is this person and what have I been thinking?!? That day I decided to quit cold turkey. Unfortunately the medication was so strong that I had intense withdrawal for several days. Everything on Earth told me to keep taking it but something inside of me told me to stop. And then March of that same year, I got pregnant! Having only lost maybe 10lbs that I had gained, I started gaining AGAIN with my pregnancy. Addison was born December 2007 and after several months of no sleep, no energy and zero motivation I decided that today was the day. I was literally OVER IT. I honestly cannot even remember how I heard of this book, but I bought it and I read it cover to cover (this is the newest version)…


YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition: The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management

I’ve always been one of those “all or nothing” kind of people. That combined with zero will power led to me taking every single item out of our pantry and refrigerator and giving it ALL away. I remember having boxes and boxes of food in our butler’s pantry. Following his “ingredient guidelines”, I loaded our house with only food in line with his program. I didn’t need to lose like ten pounds. I needed to lose one hundred. It wasn’t going to be one of those “let’s ease into this” kind of diet. I needed a complete overhaul.

So here’s where I have to say that I AM NOT a dieting or fitness professional. Even having to write that is humorous. I am absolutely NEITHER of those. And that is one huge reason that I was so reluctant to share my story. Yet as my sweet friends told me over our trip last month, my blog is to inspire and to them, my weight loss story could be inspiring. So once again, I am not a professional so please DO NOT take anything I say as advise. This is just my story and if it motivates one single person to change their lifestyle, I would be absolutely thrilled to have shared these glorious images 😉

With our pantry seemingly empty and our refrigerator busting at the seams with all things healthy and natural, I started my weight loss journey. Although I will not completely lay out the guidelines from his book I will share several things I learned that will stick with me forever. One major aspect of weight loss and overall health that I still honestly think about every time I go grocery shopping is to shop the perimeter of the store. If you think about it, the center is filled with boxes and cans and bottles of “food” filled with sugar, unhealthy oils and preservatives. It’s a great concept to remember and keep me in line. I took meal ideas from his book and would eat the same exact thing every single day (especially for breakfast and lunch) for a week or two at a time. It sounds incredibly boring but it made grocery shopping and meal planning so much easier. I can honestly say that for most all of my weight loss, I did not count calories. I ate when I was hungry and did not crash diet what so ever. I think that is HUGE in creating a weight loss journey and to changing your lifestyle. I learned the simplest things from how much sugar is in spaghetti sauce and how to make my own to what to look for in the ingredient list of boxed goods when you do want a quick and easy snack.

Several months in, I finally found the energy to start moving. I call it moving because it was hardly intense exercise. Addison was an extremely difficult baby from 0-15 months and I got very little sleep for as long as I can remember. She literally cried all night and all day. It was all I could do to get out the door and make myself move. But I did. I walked the 1.2 mile super hilly loop around our neighborhood pushing Addie in a stroller at least 4 days a week. I eventually graduated to two and then three continuous loops around the neighborhood but that was about the extent of my workout routine. Although it was super difficult at times, I stuck to this routine of eating good and walking the hood (hehe that rhymes) and in approximately eight months I had lost close to 80lbs.

When Addison was not even one year old, I saw this commercial one day. I still remember it like it was yesterday. She was taking a nap and it came on the television. It was about this anxiety medicine that had begun to be linked to so many birth defects. It was a commercial for a law firm asking you to call this number if you had taken the medicine and gave birth to a child with a defect. I was in shock. It was the medicine that I had literally gotten off of two months before Addison was conceived. I cried and cried at the thought of what could’ve happened to Addie had I not “woken up” that day in January 2007.

Fast forward several years later, I had another baby (Winter) and came out of that pregnancy about 40-50 lbs over my end goal weight. I had always had this dream to finally hit the big “100” in weight loss. By 2013 I had begun to take some classes at the gym and count calories a little more but I in NO WAY did anything extreme. And I honestly believe that is the key to weight loss and to keeping it off. It was NO quick journey to that final number but by July 2013, I hit 120 lbs and had officially lost 100 lbs…

brittanyhayes-6

July 2013…

Weight Loss Story 7

November 2014…

Weight Loss Story 8

July 2014…Weight Loss Story 9

These days I am definitely not a hard core eater like I was back then. I have determined that to stay sane and happy and thin-ish, I have to give myself realistic expectations. The empty pantry and laser focus was not something that I could personally keep up with forever and ever. I have also learned that controlling my stress and anxiety is crucial for me. I am such a stress eater that recognizing my weak point has helped me so much in maintaining my weight loss. I still try and shop the perimeter of the store, I do not keep treats or chips in the house if I can help it because I recognize the fact that I have zero will power and I try and move at least a little every day. I give myself a weight gain-loss range rather than a set weight that I need to maintain forever. That way if I get off track I don’t sink back into feeling like I have failed and just give up on staying thin. To be completely honest, I am not 120 lbs anymore. I have gained about 10lbs since 2013 but am hoping to get back down a little over the Summer. And one last SUPER honest confession, after getting down to my goal weight of 120 lbs, I did have a full abdominoplasty in August 2013. It was literally my only option given the amount of extra skin I had from the weight loss.

Although I am not tiny or super duper in shape, I feel that I am finally at a comfortable and healthy weight that I can maintain while being busy and always on the go. My routine over the last year has been to try and eat fairly healthy during the week and then cheat a little on the weekends. If I splurge at one meal, I try and drink a healthy shake or a plate of veggies at the next to “make up for” the last meal. As I said before this is NOT health advice, just how I maintain my weight without counting every calorie. I am  not one of those people with a crazy metabolism who can eat whatever they want so I have to be conscious about it all the time. Boo to any of you who are that way. I am forever jealous. One thing that has really helped me to start losing some again recently has been an alkaline diet. I honestly FEEL so much better too!

I hope that if you are someone struggling to get motivated this will inspire you in some small way. It is no easy journey but it is SO worth it in the end. And I can promise you that if you focus on losing the weight in a healthy way, maintaining it is much easier than losing. Just stay focused and celebrate in little milestones.

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XOXO, Brittany Hayes

96 Comments - Leave Yours

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Comments

  1. Maria says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:48 am

    This was a great read that I can relate to. I’m in the middle of this journey right now. I’m doing nothing extreme just slowly making progress. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but it’s good to know that it happens to others. Life gets busy and crazy and weigh packs on so easily.

    Thank you for sharing your journey!

    Reply
    • Jerry says

      April 25, 2019 at 5:15 pm

      Very motivational read! There are so many of us that have the greatest intentions to lose weight. Your story helps prove that it really can be done.
      Get your weight loss started now at http://bit.ly/2PtKhIU.

      Reply
  2. Christine Fusner says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:48 am

    Absolutely beautiful and incredible story. Not even knowing you, I’m so very happy for you. And you my dear have inspired me TODAY, on this 25th day of May. Thank you

    Reply
  3. Brie says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:49 am

    Great motivation! Just had my second bambino and am so ready to get this extra 20-30# off!! Love your blog! P.S. I think our kiddos go to the same school? BBP, thought I saw you there, anyway thank you for being so honest! It’s refreshing!

    Reply
  4. Brooke Riley~Re-Fabbed says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:52 am

    It takes a lot of guts to share a story like this, but I truly believe you will inspire so many people by doing so. You are beautiful, then and now. It is very hard to share our lives on a blog because so many people see this “picture perfect” life and think they can’t relate. To share our real life experiences, along with the beautiful rooms and decor give people a chance to truly relate that they too can have a beautiful space- and that they too can get off the couch and take their life into their hands and do what it takes to lose that 10 or 100 lbs. Like your friend said, you are an inspiration- and I am happy to follow along on your journey!

    Reply
    • MissHazel says

      June 4, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Completely agree! Thanks for sharing your honest story!!!

      Reply
  5. adrienne talley says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:54 am

    Wow!!! Love this!! Great job!! I really appreciate your honesty!! You look so great, and I always think I need to do better for myself, but she has probably always been that great! You just never know, but really you have inspired me!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  6. Darrielle says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Good for you! proud of you!

    Reply
  7. Darcy Potter says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Thanks for sharing Brittany! I love your honesty and could not have used this post more today. I have been struggling with weight gain the last couple of years and keep falling into this loop hole of not eating clean. I work out 5 days a week, however my diet has not changed and so I have struggled. I will be definitely looking into this book as well to give me a new outlook and starting point. Kudos to you to maintaining a busy life of family, running a business and healthy lifestyle. I am inspired that if someone like you can make the change anyone can! Hugs

    Reply
  8. Megan says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story…I would have never guessed you had dealt with such a thing. I”m in the process of losing over 75 lbs gained due to anxiety medicine. I too just woke up and had an epiphany that the medicine had turned me into someone I was not and I had to get off of it especially before having children. It’s definitely been a struggle, but I’ve seen the commercials on tv too and do not want to chance affecting my future children in any way and I want to be a better version of myself. For me personally, exercise, eating better, and therapy have worked to reduce my anxiety and panic attacks enough to stay off medicine.

    Again, thank you so much for sharing! Love your blog!

    Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:15 am

    This is very inspirational

    Reply
  10. Chrissy says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Great inspiration! I’m considering abdominalpasty- (muscle repair, hernia repair and tummy tuck ) I’ve had four girls, the last being a set of twins . What was the recovery like? I’m scared of it! My girls are almost 7,5,2,2…

    Reply
  11. heidi says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:21 am

    I’m sat in tears.. thank you for sharing!!
    I gained 60lb in 5 months on a birth control pill …and mix thst in with Polycystic ovaries.. I’m at my all time heaviest weight…but this made me think it can be done !!
    Thank you so much..xo

    Reply
  12. Ashley Leese says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:26 am

    I love your story!!! Congrats to you!!! I know you must feel soooo much more full of energy and happiness and self esteem!!!! I am a health coach and coach others just like you who have tried every diet out there unsuccessfully. I truly believe in Isagenix and I myself follow this healthy lifestyle daily!! Yes, I indulge at times, but am so thankful I have this system to rely on when I get off track. If you would like to connect with me please reach out!! I’m
    valentinedayhome
    On Instagram and Ashley Longenecker Leese on Facebook

    Congrats to you!!!

    Reply
  13. Madison says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Many women can relate to this, myself included. We all need a little help or words of inspiration to either push us to to do something about it, keep us motivated or simply smile knowing we are not alone. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Jackie says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Great motivation! Thank you for being real! Congrats!

    Reply
  15. Bridgette says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Brittany,
    You inspire me so very much. I have followed you for a couple of months because I love your style and we have so much in common. Pretty sure we have crossed paths when you were doing your bedding line. Today’s post hit home for me so much. I have been meaning to reach out to you seeing if we could ever work together in the future, but things have just been so crazy. I started RB in 2006 and it has been a very hard 10 years. I’m sure you know. I remember seeing you on Shark Tank. The industry is so small when you really look at it. Anyhow, I am rambling. You are so beautiful and I admire you so very much. I have had so many amazing opportunities with my business but honestly I passed them up due to my weight gain. I lost my first husband to cancer at 28 and have since been taking anti anxiety meds. Boy, did your post really hit home. I would love to hear from you! You inspire me like crazy and I know we could probably benefit one another with some designs! I would love to have my company do some work for you! Xoxo, Bridgette

    Reply
  16. Shauna says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:49 am

    This is amazing. Absolutely amazing! My daughter is 15 months old and I’m struggling with about 25 pounds of extra-ness. How do/did you find the motivation?! I literally need a swift kick in the butt. We don’t sleep much either, as you said. I’m not happy with the way I look, but the exhaustion, as you know, plays a huge role in the lack of motivation. I would love to chat!

    Reply
  17. Melissa says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Kudos to you, not only for your weight loss but also for your transparency and honesty! 🙂 I too am not someone gifted with a metabolism that allows me to eat whatever! 😉 I think that weight loss can be very similar to a testimony of faith and our walk with Jesus — so very personal and very different for everyone; it truly seems ever-changing thru the different seasons of life. Thank you for sharing your story! 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
  18. Kelley Nan says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:08 am

    I love this so much, you don’t even know <3 Beautiful inside and out.

    Reply
  19. yasmara says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:22 am

    Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate how honest you are! I read a lot of stories and the answer is something like “I cut out soda and started walking” and they don’t talk about the really hard work, food choices, portion control, maintenance, etc. I’m also a person who can’t just eat anything & over the course of my marriage have gained a lot of weight – there’s something about weirdly trying to “keep up” with my much taller/larger husband who has a completely different metabolism! We are about to move & I finally feel really motivated to make changes in my lifestyle. I also appreciate that you are honest about your skin removal – so many people aren’t!!

    Reply
  20. Heather says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Thank you for sharing! This truly is motivating and encouraging. It’s always a nice reminder that it can be done and that it won’t happen overnight.

    Reply
  21. Eva says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:31 am

    I think your should start posting some of the meals/snacks you eat to give us some ideas! I loved the honesty in this blog and if you decide to take on one of your followers to help them loose the weight, I’ve got the same 100 pounds to lose after 5 kids. I’d love your personal guidance that I’d let the readers follow!

    Reply
  22. Lacey says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:33 am

    Wow, what an inspiration! I was definitely tearing up when you mentioned the commercial that the anxiety medicine ended up being harmful. God is good! Your blog is a favorite of mine and I know I can count on it to feel inspired and uplifted! Thank you for sharing your journey!

    XO
    Lacey (styledwithlace)

    Reply
  23. Teresa says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Enjoyed reading your weight loss journey. You look great & the best thing is that you have more energy. I could use more energy!

    Reply
  24. Kalina says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:55 am

    You are so fantastic. I appreciate the honesty 🙂 I adore you! I also took anxiety medication for awhile and put on weight, it felt awful. I stopped taking it and am getting back to myself again 🙂 Thanks for sharing !

    Reply
  25. Sabrina says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Thank you for sharing! You honestly, looked great then and are still gorgeous now. But I totally get where you are coming from. I gained A LOT of weight having 3 boys in 3 years. I’m on a long journey, but I’m ready to get back to a weight that I’m happy with. You are definitely an inspiration!
    P.S. where you are from you don’t have to change your driver’s license picture each time you get a new license? In MN, we have to take a new picture each time. I really like my pic from around 2000, wish I could’ve kept that one LOL!

    Reply
  26. Karen Macisaac says

    May 25, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    Love this post of your weight loss journey. Thank you for sharing. You are so real and honest and I love that about you and your blog. I too am struggling with my weight loss/gain since having my daughter in Jan 2009. I lost 80lbs back in 2000 but it has all come back on especially since having my daughter and not focusing on my well being and putting all my enegy into my daughter. This totally inspires me that I can get back on track. Congrats to you for your weight loss accomplishments. You look fabulous!

    Reply
  27. BK says

    May 25, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    I am sitting in a dark nursery rocking my 6 month old in tears.. your honesty is inspiring, humbling, and encouraging. God used you today to speak to my heart.

    Reply
  28. Carrie says

    May 25, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Wow! I truly believe that I read this post today for a reason! I have been taking anxiety medication for the past 5 years and have gained almost 70 lbs in these 5 years. I’ve literally gone to doctor after doctor about my weight gain and no one could determine why I’ve gained so much weight. I’ve literally gone back and forth about quitting cold turkey and was so fearful about the withdrawl side effects. I feel like my weight gain is causing more anxiety than why I’m on the medicine to begin with. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your story and motivating me. Thank you!!

    Reply
  29. Shari says

    May 25, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    Your weight loss story couldn’t have come at a better time. Congrats to you sweetie! It definitely isn’t an easy journey. My husband has started juicing, after watching a documentary over the weekend. I’m not a stress eater; however I do love my red wine. My recent weight gain started after I lost my mom to Pancreatic cancer in February 2015. I can’t get motivated to do much of anything. I have always weighed under 130 lb., but now I weigh 145 lb. Ugh! I have been on anti-depression medication ever since my daughter was born in 2003. I struggled with the baby blues big time. Now, at age 51, I know how important it is to be healthy and keep muscle. Again, good job!

    Reply
  30. Sandy alonzo says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    Such an inspiration…thank you for sharing your journey with your readers.

    Reply
  31. Louise says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    I’m newer to your blog, and all of your pictures screamed to me “effortlessly thin chick”, so imagine my open-mouthed surprise with your post today. At risk of sounding weird, i love your blog and you even more for having been so transparent! Weight is something i’ve struggled with my whole life, and in the last 8 years, i’ve also been dealing with an underactive thyroid. Some of the blogs i read have such beautifully thin bloggers pitching things like s’mores, and i think to myself, yeah right. So thanks. Thanks for being so real and relatable! Honesty is the best policy, and you will have helped so many for just laying it all out there truthfully. For many, if not most, it’s a struggle. God bless you!

    Reply
  32. Debbie says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    Thank you for sharing this story Brittany! I don’t know if I could be brave enough to share this myself if I were in your situation. Do know that you just that you reminded me again that it’s possible to lose weight without crash diets, expensive fees to trainers, surgeries. You became more human to me through this story.

    Reply
  33. Haley B. says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    Sending you an inter webs Five-High!!! You go girl, for being honest and transparent about your weight struggle and overcoming! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Kim says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    You have inspired me. I’m at the point where you were in December 2006. I need to list at least 100 lbs as well. I am a stay at home mom to SIX previous kiddos. I need to do this for myself and my family. Thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully in 8 months I can come back and share my weight loss journey with you 😉

    Reply
  35. Debi says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I can’t tell you how much I needed this today, Brittany. I know each of us has a story, and a unique scenario of why changes have happened to our bodies…but I’m sure yours could strike a cord with many others who can relate to the stress, pain, and struggle of unwanted weight gain. I greatly appreciate your raw honesty (and bravery!) on sharing your story and how your account of weight loss can inspire us all. I, too, was the skinny kid, even underweight most of my life, and even after childbirth, would quickly lose the weight (plus more!) after giving birth. I’ve never taken anxiety medications, but have experienced that stress alone, and the cortisol changes that the stress brings on in our bodies, is enough of a catalyst to cause weight gain. I never really had to worry about weight gain (lucky genes I guess)…but then my Mom died, four years ago this month, and my life was turned upside down. I’m an only child, and my Mom was everything to me…my number one supporter, my confidante, my cheerleader, my best friend, my gift of unconditional love. We talked every day, we shared everything, we knew without a doubt, that we could count on each other for everything. My Mom taught me everything I know about life, except how to live without her. Needless to say, the stress of losing my best friend, has taken a toll on me, and I have gained a significant amount of weight over these rough four years. So, thank you for sharing…and thank you for the inspiration!! I adore you, friend, and I thank you for putting your story out there to motivate me, and others, to take the steps that I need to do to get back to my healthy weight. You look fabulous, Brittany, and I’m so proud of you!! Keeping shining, my friend!!

    Reply
  36. Kelly says

    May 25, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    This is why I love following your blog…you are real! This post was so inspiring & exactly what I needed to hear today. You are beautiful inside & out

    Reply
  37. Tammy Lucier says

    May 25, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Thank you. It’s easy to click through your blog looking at your gorgeous home, your perfect children and your beautiful skinny self. This is a wonderful reminder that we are all human! I have also lost 100 pounds and still have a way to go…. it was refreshing to be reminded not to take for granted that you know what struggles someone else has faced.

    Reply
  38. Sarah says

    May 25, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Brittany, you always inspire me with your design & DIY! However, today you’ve inspired me with your personal health journey! Thank you for sharing the good & bad. This is something I struggle with everyday.

    Reply
  39. Katherine B says

    May 25, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing and being so real and genuine with your readers. This will definitely be a blog that I come back to and reread again and again for inspiration! You give me hope that it can be done! Thank you!

    Reply
  40. Margie says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Wow.Brittany you are so very modest. You really have accomplished so much for such a young girl. Your weight loss journey reminds me of my daughters. I’d like to share this with her in hopes that she finds some motivation from your story. Reading about your sweet little family is always a bright spot in my day.

    Reply
  41. Libby says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing!! I too use food to keep a very stressful life ‘at bay’. I need and want to change but it is so hard to ‘get ahead’. Any tips on controlling the stress eating? Did you have any go to foods or diversion methods when you felt the stress hit and the need to ‘comfort’ the situation with food?

    Reply
  42. Rebecca says

    May 25, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story. Whether you realize it or not you have inspired us all to try harder to be healthy. You and your family are beautiful!

    Reply
  43. Haley says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    Your story is amazing and you are brave for sharing it! My husband also lost 100 pounds about 10 years ago. He used the Weight Watchers points system and exercise. I hope your story inspires someone to get healthy and get moving. It is a wonderful gift to yourself and your family. 🙂

    Reply
  44. Elizabeth says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    I’ve read through most of these comments, and Wow! You have touched so many lives, including mine, by sharing your story! So many of us are going through the same thing and trying to figure out this journey. God used you as inspiration to so many of us today! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  45. Kelsie says

    May 26, 2016 at 12:44 am

    Thanks so much for this! Such great motivation! When I first saw your blog I thought “gosh, she’s so skinny, bet she has a high metabolism…” So it’s really great to hear, nope you’re normal and struggle too! Very brave!!! Much love!

    Reply
  46. Sarai says

    May 26, 2016 at 7:57 am

    This may be a little too personal, but I’m assuming you got boobs too right? We have very similar stories, and I too have skin issues. But my boobs are almost worse than my tummy. Thank you so much for sharing and giving hope.

    Reply
  47. Kim says

    May 26, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    I’d love to know what shakes you use. I’m a pretty picky eater who struggles to find the healthy options I can have that fit my tastes. I need a shake (protein/veggie/fruit/healthy) that I can suffer through to help me get some nutrients and fill me up when I’m wanting to grab those crackers or chocolate chips instead 🙂 I also need to give up diet soda because I know that enhances my salt/sugar cravings.

    Reply
  48. Krystal says

    May 26, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Thank you so very much for sharing. I have been struggling with some weight gain and this has motivated me to get with the program and get moving! 😉 Much Love!

    Reply
  49. Jill says

    May 26, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    Love this post and your dedication and willingness to share your journey! You look amazing! What a great role model for your girls!

    Reply
  50. Samantha Haringa says

    May 26, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    I would love to hear more about how the recovery from the abdominoplasty was and how you a manged to do it with the girls being so little. My son is 5 and daughter 2 and I need to have a hernia repair, muscle repair with the abdominoplasty. And I just have no clue when to do it. My daughter still likes to be held often so I’m debating on waiting until she’s 3/4 but I’m so ready to have my body back. Thank you again for sharing your story and being open to answer questions!

    Reply
  51. Leah says

    May 26, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    Thank you sharing!

    Reply
  52. Erin says

    May 26, 2016 at 11:24 pm

    Brittany! Just catching up on your blog. What a beautiful post! Loved every word sweet friend. I couldn’t be more proud of you for sharing all of that. You are absolutely stunning, but what really shines is your honesty and kind heart. This was so inspiring and motivating for me because I need to loose a few pounds this summer and I get frustrated so easily! I’m a stress eater too. Can’t wait to hear some of your healthy meal/snack ideas! I hate to say I told you so about sharing this post.. but I told you so. 😉

    Love you!! xo

    Reply
  53. Abby says

    May 26, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    Great post, thank you for sharing with all your readers! You’re so genuine!

    This is a slightly unrelated question, but can you do a blog-post on how you grew your hair out and what you do to maintain it now?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  54. E Jones says

    May 26, 2016 at 11:35 pm

    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  55. April says

    May 27, 2016 at 12:27 am

    Thank you for sharing. I thought every picture was beautiful. I work as a dietitian and so many people want results fast but it just doesn’t happen that way and it’s heartbreaking to see them give up. Congrats on your healthy lifestyle, it’s so good for your daughters to see it!

    Reply
  56. Rebekah says

    May 27, 2016 at 12:50 am

    Thanks so much for sharing your story! I saw your Instagram post opening up this post for questions. My question is about your arms. How was the skin under your arm after losing the weight? Did you do any exercises to target that area? Your arms look great & it is giving me hope that if I can get some more weight off mine will continue to improve. Would love to know any secrets there!

    Reply
  57. Carrie says

    May 27, 2016 at 10:54 am

    What a great story – thank you for sharing and being real. I am just going to be starting a weight loss program. Menopause has taken a toll. I am going to save your post and read it for inspiration!!! I wish you all the best with your home renovation

    Reply
  58. Jeanie Womack says

    May 27, 2016 at 11:16 am

    Thank you for sharing your story Brittany! Weight loss is so difficult for most people. Would you tell us what you eat in a typical day/week? Do you splurge on the weekends? Do you exercise? (I am not a fan of the gym 🙂

    Reply
  59. Delia Gibbs says

    June 1, 2016 at 7:08 am

    Thanks for this post Brittany. I gained more than 70lbs in 12 years during the course of my marriage. With two kids came 40lbs. You have inspired me to try. Great job!

    Reply
  60. Jessica says

    June 10, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    You have no idea what reading this meant to me! I have almost 100 lbs to lose and I looked at you as someone who has never been overweight a day in her life!! You have inspired me!!!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!!!!

    Reply
  61. Chloe says

    June 17, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Beautiful then, beautiful still! I needed a little extra motivation and inspiration today. Thank you for sharing your story. A true light in this world!

    Reply
  62. Tabitha says

    June 19, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    I know you’ve heard this all before, I’m sure, but seriously my friend THANK YOU for this post it was amazing and made me feel Like 1. I’m not alone in this world of stress and eating and anxiety and 2. It’s a journey and I can do it !! Thank you! Ps I would love to know some of your tips and tricks in how you manage stress and anxiety, maybe another post

    Reply
  63. Sonia says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    This story was beyond relatable, it brought me to tears. I’m lying in bed as I write this. I had a miscarriage and had my D and C surgery this morning. I was on anxiety pills for a little over a year and when i found out I was pregnant with my third baby I decided to quit taking them. My OBGYN said the same thing yours did, but something inside of me urged me to quit taking them. I am at 180 pounds today. This is the heaviest i have ever been in my life. I’m turning a new page in my life. Although I have lost my baby, I’m so grateful to finally be off the antidepressants. This miscarriage was a wake up call for me. I look in the mirror and don’t even know who I am anymore. Your story has inspired me. I want to go back to being thinnish (I’m so stealing your so stealing your word “thinnish”!!). Thank you so much for sharing this.

    Reply
  64. Suzanne says

    August 24, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you for sharing ! I’m on my weight loss journey. Taking it slow and steady. If you can do it so can I. Great inspiration.

    Reply
  65. Marie, Paint It White Interiors says

    September 9, 2016 at 6:44 am

    Well done to you I am totally amazed at your will power (that you feel you don’t have) but believe me you definitely have something in there that you don’t give yourself enough credit for. I’d call it stamina. You did great to loose all the weight and make the decision to do it. You won a battle gazillions of people have given up on years ago. Well done. You should be very proud of yourself. This is a great inspirational and truthful piece.

    Reply
    • Brittany Hayes says

      September 9, 2016 at 11:28 am

      Goodness thank you Marie! Wow you made my day! That seriously means the world! XOXO

      Reply
  66. Tiffany says

    September 12, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    Nice story! I’m confused though. You lost 100 pounds total, but why are counting pregnancy weight? There’s no way you were 220lb in the picture at the end of 2006. Maybe in the Nov 2007, but you were about to have a baby. So why are you counting baby weight gain when you naturally lose most of that weight after the baby is born?

    Reply
    • Brittany Hayes says

      September 13, 2016 at 8:03 am

      My max weight of 220lbs was in January 2007 before I became pregnant. I then lost about 10-15lbs right before I got pregnant in March and then gained 37lbs during my pregnancy. I’m also tall so weight may seem different on me in photos. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  67. Jessica @ Pen + Paper Flowers says

    November 27, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    I’m totally motivated!! Thank you for sharing your story! I’m in the exact same situation and desperately need to make a change. I found you when my friend Adriel posted about you on Instagram. (about your fab home reno). Then I scrolled through your posts and I’m so glad I did!

    Reply
  68. Neha Shah says

    April 24, 2018 at 2:32 am

    Hello everyone. I’ve been using Linto plus for past 4 months now, and it has helped me a lot to be in shape as I have successfully lost my extra fats. I would like to advise all of you to trust Linto plus if you are facing weight-related issues.Thanks to Amruta Pharma.

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  69. Janine says

    September 1, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    That’s incredible! I know first hand how difficult it is to lose weight, but then I had a major breakthrough and found a simple morning habit that completely changed my life (thank goodness) I had doubts that it would work, but I was pleasantly surprised when it actually did 😀 https://bit.ly/2PpAulO

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  70. Manu Arora says

    October 12, 2018 at 3:53 am

    This weight loss story is very inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this..

    Reply
  71. Trim Contour says

    October 24, 2018 at 6:05 am

    This is a nice blog on weight loss. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us and I’ll be thankful to you for give me this opportunity to give my views on this .Keep writing.

    Reply
  72. vivek says

    February 2, 2019 at 9:47 am

    wow such an inspiring story, I should love to get a body like yours. Do you think detox diet will be the best thing for me ?

    https://meetonlythebest.wordpress.com/2019/01/31/the-drink-that-turned-my-life-around/

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  73. Gustavo Benitez says

    February 12, 2019 at 1:44 pm

    wow amazing story congratulations me a lot motivated!!

    Reply
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    March 25, 2019 at 3:33 am

    Thanks for haring such a great experience with us, It is really helpful and keep sharing such great blog with us, this would be really helpful.

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    April 4, 2019 at 12:22 am

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    April 26, 2019 at 3:54 pm

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  78. Annie says

    July 13, 2019 at 4:56 am

    Congratulations on your weight loss success! This is an inspiring post for all of us who are struggling to lose weight. I’ve tried a lot of diets and calorie restriction techniques but I guess it is best to stick to what we can do and what we can enjoy as well. If anyone wants to read about calories and weight loss, I’ve found this helpful article here: https://nucific.com/counting-calories/. Hope this can help too!

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Anyone else over feeling the need to change everyt Anyone else over feeling the need to change everything… all the time? A couple of weeks ago on stories, I announced a new “series”! Let’s set aside the huge expensive renovations and the constant need for room redos and embrace what we have… “nurture the home” we are in! Sharing fun, easy, affordable and simple projects each week that inspire, motivate and encourage you to maintain, reuse, refresh and adore the home we are in. I don’t know about y’all but I’m about ready to put a fork in ours and for once, consider it DONE ♥️♥️♥️  Follow my shop @addisonswonderland on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!  #liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKfamily #LTKhome
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Can’t even remember the last time I posted a ran Can’t even remember the last time I posted a random house view 💗 Gosh I miss the old IG days! Earlier this week I was drying my hair and saw the sunlight shining through the mirror and had to snap a picture. I’d say our 1908 home “library” functions much better as a bathroom these days 🥰 Just might be my favorite room renovation!
THIS @varaluz CHANDY 😍 I found this audio and i THIS @varaluz CHANDY 😍 I found this audio and it I reminded me of the daily… hourly… sounds that come from my ten year old 🤣 And possibly what I sounded like when I told Ab that she HAD to come see this beautiful new chandelier! It just went up in our historic renovation project and I’m in LOVE ♥️ Sharing more new renovation/design updates on stories today! P.S. We are lowering it for the actual room design but the “box installation” 😉 had it up a bit higher. 
#varaluz #lighting #chandelier #livingroominspo #interior
#naturaldesign #lightingideas #interiordesign
Renovating cabins together is where it all began f Renovating cabins together is where it all began for us ♥️ Looking back I can’t believe how much John just leapt right into it all with the first cabin I purchased just six months into dating but those moments are ultimately what led us to eventually take a chance and merge careers. I’ll never forget our 7am chat on the beach over Spring Break 2021 when we decided to go for it. We chose his resignation date and prayed we could make it all work! Needless to say, one of the best decisions we’ve made. It’s not for everyone but working alongside my spouse is something I genuinely love. It’s the joint passion, path, visions, sacrifices and small victories that you get to experience together that makes what we do seem less like work and more like an adventure. Of course this project is complete but y’all know me… always adding and fluffing and zushing and dreaming! Here’s a peek at what we were up to last weekend. P.S. I shared a much bigger and better peek at the newly installed and newly styled pot rail in our kitchen on the blog this morning along with a tutorial on how to drill into tile. P.S.S. @serenaandlily is having their Spring Design Event where EVERYTHING (including sale items and this gorgeous new rug) are 20% OFF with CODE: SPRING 🌺 Happy halfway to the weekend again! 
Follow my shop @addisonswonderland on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
#liketkit #LTKtravel #LTKhome #LTKSeasonal
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Let’s GOOOOOO! Tap the ♥️ if you’ll be fol Let’s GOOOOOO! Tap the ♥️ if you’ll be following along on stories for this one! It may be a “flip home” but we are AW-ing it from top to bottom. From wallpapering to fully furnishing and accessorizing it… this one is going to be SO FUN! Ab and I have been awaiting this week for a long long time. Sharing more plans over on stories tonight! Hope you’ll follow along! P.S. You can also set notifications for new AW posts and stories ♥️♥️♥️ #itsanAWbrickHOUSE 🎵
Wall Color… Studio Green by Farrow and Ball
Flooring… @bruceflooring 
Chandelier… @varaluz
Our Portugal inspired fireplace is complete 💙 I Our Portugal inspired fireplace is complete 💙 I once heard that a home should speak about and speak to the people who live in them… or something like that 😉 and it’s stuck with me ever since. Although we completed the full renovation of our home years ago, my favorite part has been infusing us into making it feel like home. From travel trinkets to family memories and inspirations from abroad, that last 15% is always my favorite design part of all. Sharing all of the details on the blog and here… 
Follow my shop @addisonswonderland on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
#liketkit #LTKhome #LTKtravel #LTKfamily
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When you can’t get a pricey fixture off your min When you can’t get a pricey fixture off your mind, you attempt to MAKE IT! ♥️ Our fingers might be sore for weeks after all the tying but they turned out SO FUN! And we saved a ton of money! Think… $50 versus $1,000+!!! Sharing all of the details and links on the blog today!  Follow my shop @addisonswonderland on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!  #liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #LTKhome
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Our family was blessed with the absolute sweetest Our family was blessed with the absolute sweetest and most adorable student from France this month and it just so happened to be her 15th birthday yesterday! Although I thought it might be a bit creepy for me to stick to our standard tradition of sneaking into the girlies bedrooms at night for their birthday balloon wake-up “surprise”… I did sneak in Caroline’s room while she was in school yesterday. I know it can’t be easy to be away for so long so I wanted to treat her like my own and do a little simple something. It’s been such a blessing to have another kiddo join our big, crazy family this month. Joyeux Anniversaire Caroline! 🇫🇷
P.S. All of the room details are linked here and BOTH of these beautiful wallpapers are from @miltonandking ♥️  Follow my shop @addisonswonderland on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!  #liketkit #LTKfamily #LTKeurope #LTKhome
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