Hooray! These pictures make me feel so happy. I earned every single one of those inches I’ve shed! I’ve been working with a personal trainer, and sometimes when she has me kneeling on the bench doing rows I see sweat dripping off my forehead and pooling on the floor (literally) and I find myself wanting to work even harder because that sweat means changes are happening. I’m earning the body I want and it feels GREAT!
25 pounds down (151.6 lbs this morning), I went from wearing a size 16 in jeans to between an 8-10 (it varies with every brand I swear!). My goal is to be slipping into size 4 jeans sometime next year!
I love love love to see before and after pictures, and find them incredibly motivating, so you’re going to see several different configurations below. If you’re new to That Wife, you can read about my start on the Healthy Train, my own challenge called That Weight Loss Challenge (and yes, there will be a part II starting up in the next few months), and a detailed explanation of how I’ve lost all this weight (largely through running).
January 14th (183 pounds) versus August 27th
January 25th (178 lbs) versus August 27th
January 29th (177 lbs) versus August 27th
I decided to take some more pictures in a “goal outfit” around the halfway point so I could physically feel the difference. Another 5 lbs and these pants are going to be too small!
March 30th (163.2 lbs) versus August 27th
And now, I present you with my next “goal outfit”. When I got these pants done up That Husband was worried they would split open! I was really testing the limits of that seam in back. I’m hoping to fit into these comfortably by Christmas.
August 27th, 2011 (153 lbs)
If you’ll remember my goal was “Skinny By Europe”.
August 30th, 2011 on 7:09 pm
Awesome!! KEEP IT UP!!!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:11 pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If that gets my reaction across
You look fabulous, and you worked hard for it!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:12 pm
You look AMAZING! I love seeing your before and after pictures! They are so inspiring!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:17 pm
I love that you are smiling in BOTH pictures (before and after)… CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:26 pm
Jenna you look amazing! Your pictures are stunning and they speak for themselves! Congratulations girl!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:26 pm
Very nice! Are the final pants new or something you wore before?
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Jenna Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
I’ve never worn them before. I picked them up for free at a ward swap meet and saved them as “goal pants”
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:28 pm
Jenna!! You have come so far and look incredible! What an inspiration you are to all your readers and to T1. Proud of you, lady!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:35 pm
Wow. You have worked so hard for this-and you look amazing. To compliment you on your butt: NICE BUTT!!! Seriously it’s a big difference all around, but from the back especially.
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:41 pm
How do you stay motivated? I started my own program middle of July and am not really going on it anymore. I’ve lost 12 pounds since then, but I’ve still got 30 pounds that I want to loose. I can’t seem to keep motivated and go running or keep active. How do you stay motivated?
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Jenna Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I think it’s a combination of setting concrete deadlines (Europe, now moving on to weight goals before the next baby), a super supportive husband, and the daily food blog that creates accountability. And we don’t keep any junk in thehouse, ever. Not even chocolate chips for baking. If there is potential that I will snack on it mindlessly, it’s not allowed in the house.
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:48 pm
You look great!!!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:48 pm
you look great!! congrats on the progress!!
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August 30th, 2011 on 7:57 pm
Congrats! The transformation is amazing… You look great!
You totally inspired me to do the couch to 5K. I finished the 9 weeks, but didn’t go much further and ‘dropped out.’ How have you kept your motivation on the workout front?
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Jenna Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I think the key is participating in little races regularly. If you are just running with no plan in mind it can feel easier to quit because it feels like you are putting in all of this time and not getting anywhere. Maybe running isn’t for you though? Have you heard about Bridge to 10k?
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:08 pm
jenna, you were always gorgeous but i just love how you are smiling and fit!
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:08 pm
you go girl!! Amazing results and you deserve to feel freaking fabulous about your work!
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:16 pm
Way to go!!!!!
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:20 pm
I cannot believe how BEAUTIFUL you look. It’s not just the weight either. You are absolutely glowing in the “after” photos. It just seems like your self esteem is out the roof! Even though I signed up for That Weight Loss Challenge, I haven’t done nearly as good as I would have hoped, because of various life and health circumstances. I have recently began exercising again, and I must admit, I have thought of you several times in trying to motivate myself! Go Jenna!
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phruphru Reply:
August 31st, 2011 at 10:02 am
heartily agree about the glow!
great job, jenna!
I’d also like to say that although I don’t check your food blog too much, when I do look at it, it really inspires me to hit the farmers market and try new veggies (we have an amazing one a few blocks from our new place and it’s open year round, three days a week — awesome!). So thank you for that, too!
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:20 pm
Congrats you look amazing! great job
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:46 pm
You look AMAZING! Your progress is inspirational!
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:49 pm
You look fantastic! You can see the change on all your body parts. Very inspiring.
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August 30th, 2011 on 8:55 pm
GREAT job, Jenna! You’ve been very inspiring and I’m continually impressed by your motivation and will power. You look fabulous, and I completely agree with a previous commenter — you look so much happier/glowing in the After photos! Congrats.
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:12 pm
Jenna, you really look amazing! I like to run because it’s something I do with my husband in the evening and long runs on the weekend are a great workout and time for just he and I. Have you ever tried having TH run with you?
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:15 pm
You look amazing! It’s remarkable how much difference I see in your face alone, and that’s definitely NOT the only difference. Congratulations on seeing all your hard work pay off. Have a wonderful time in Europe!
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:17 pm
Jenna, you look AMAZING.
Not only the weight loss - which is awesome!
But your face! It glows!
How’d you get so glowy?
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:17 pm
That’s amazing! I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have a goal outfit but after seeing how it turned out here, I think I’m going to go looking around for a few to help keep me motivated.
Do you keep your goal outfits out? Maybe hanging on a hanger so you can always see them or are reminded of them? Or do you just put them aside and try them on every once and a while?
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:20 pm
You look STUNNING (as I told you when I saw you in person). You can really see the change in your face — holy cheekbones, Jenna!
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:31 pm
You have done a great job! You’ve been really dedicated to this whole thing and it has been very addictive to watch and has even made me think, “Well if she ended up enjoying running maybe I could too?” because I know you never really considered yourself a runner.
Keep up the hard work (and that’s what it is - hard work) but it’s paying off.
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:34 pm
Not only do you look fantastic but you are seriously so brave for posting bathing suit pictures!! Omg, I can’t imagine the guts it took to hit “publish” on this post. You should definitely journal about how great you feel right now, so in case you’re feeling unmotivated a few months from now, you can look back and remember what you feel like today - you must feel so proud!
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:36 pm
Standing ovation and a high five to you, Jenna.
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:43 pm
You look amazing! You have inspired me to take “before” pictures and work harder and harder towards earning the body I deserve.
Congratulations!
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:51 pm
YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
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August 30th, 2011 on 9:54 pm
You look fantastic! Your dedication and perseverance are so inspiring!
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August 30th, 2011 on 10:16 pm
You area all kinds of amazing Jenna!! Congratulations on all of your hard work and determination xxoo
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August 30th, 2011 on 10:52 pm
Miss Jenna, you look amazing. I know part of it is the tan talking, but you’re just glowing!
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August 30th, 2011 on 11:06 pm
You look beautiful, and very happy!
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August 30th, 2011 on 11:14 pm
Great job, Jenna! You’re doing amazing!! The clothes looks great on you!:)
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August 30th, 2011 on 11:19 pm
You look absolutely fantastic, Jenna! Great job!
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August 30th, 2011 on 11:32 pm
OH MY GOSH! Congratulations! You look amazing but I’m sure you’ll fit into your new goal outfit, you’ve got that drive! Good job!
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August 30th, 2011 on 11:36 pm
you look great! But that swimsuit is doing nothing for you. Please buy a new one as a reward to yourself for doing so well in the challenge.
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August 31st, 2011 on 12:24 am
You look fantastic! Great job!
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August 31st, 2011 on 1:21 am
You look so amazing! Great job! Have fun on your trip
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August 31st, 2011 on 5:34 am
Jenna, you looks FABULOUS! You’ve always been beautiful, but I’m so happy for you that you’ve worked so hard to make such a change. I’m blown away, and I’m SO jealous of your amazing jawline!
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August 31st, 2011 on 6:06 am
Great job, Jenna! You are such an inspiration!
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August 31st, 2011 on 7:31 am
So impressed with all your hard work, Jenna - you look amazing! Also, you’ve inspired me to do C25K - I mean, REALLY do it (like, actually start running). I’m still just getting started, and it’s hard, but I’m trying to be patient. Keep it up!!
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August 31st, 2011 on 8:20 am
You look amazing!!!! I am trying to lose about 15 lbs and you are such an inspiration!
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August 31st, 2011 on 8:26 am
Congratulations! You’re hard work is paying off. I love the idea of a goal outfit!
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August 31st, 2011 on 8:33 am
Girl, you are ROCKING it!!!! You look so beyond fab, and I know a ton of work went into it, so kudos to you!! Very proud over here!
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:04 am
You look FANTASTIC and more importantly, the power of this statment shines through “I’m earning the body I want and it feels GREAT!” GO Jenna! Enjoy Europe!
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:22 am
Sad this is over, but PUMPEDDDDDD there is a Part 2! Oh so pumped!!! Like, can we start right now, pumped.
Thanks so much for putting this together! I’m not exactly where I want to be (weight wise) but I am much stronger, healthier and way more active. I am gonna ROCK part 2, “That Wife style”!
Congrats! You look Amaze-balls!!! (Can I say that?? Hahaha)
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:24 am
Congratulations Jenna! You look spunky and fab! You also look tan.. go woman go!
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:29 am
First thank you for sharing those. I think it’s hard sometimes to look at past pictures and accept that it how we looked. I hide my middle school pictures, not because of weight but because I was not happy inside or out.
Second, WOW! It’s amazing to see the difference all that hard work brought. The tankini pictures really show how much fat has melted off and it’s not just loosing weight, you look more fit. To me the biggest difference is in your face, chest and lower back. It’s crazy how fat accumulatin on the face just “blurs” facial features.
A little note, I think you shouldn’t look at the camera on the side shots, it’s nice to see how the whole profile changed.
And finally, I love those grey pants, beautiful.
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:29 am
Wow Jenna!!! You look amazing!!!!!!!!!!! I noticed how in your before pics you were sad/serious and in your after pics you are full on cheesing and look like your glowing!!!!! Keep it up chica!!!! And have an amazing time in Europe!!!
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:30 am
Looking great Jenna! Have a wonderful time on your tip.
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:40 am
Jenna, I love the change in your face. There’s a total glow from your tan and, I think, a little more happiness. I can’t wait to see how your goal pants look in a few months!
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:44 am
You look amazing, congrats!! Oooh, what a great goal… I think I will do the same thing, “Skinny by Europe”!! So that means I have 12 weeks before my Italy trip to lose 10 lbs!
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August 31st, 2011 on 9:52 am
Wow! That is all.
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August 31st, 2011 on 10:05 am
Congratulations! You look amazing. Delighted for you all your hard work has paid off so well. Good luck for phase 2 and have a fabulous time in Europe.
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August 31st, 2011 on 10:23 am
Congratulations on your hard work and awesome results - truly inspirational!
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August 31st, 2011 on 10:25 am
Congratulations Jenna! You are doing awesome. I wish I could say my tansformation was as wonderful as yours. Thanks for sharing, you definately help each and every one of us want to get moving!
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August 31st, 2011 on 10:56 am
You look great Jenna!!! Such a transformation in your face - you look so happy compared to your pictures in January - and of course your figure looks FABULOUS too. I love those new “goal” pants.
Way to go!
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August 31st, 2011 on 11:20 am
you look amazing! great job on all the hard work, it has really paid off! you look so fit and healthy! you’ve motivated me to keep working towards my own fitness goals
thanks for sharing your journey. i hope you are having an amazing time and can’t wait for the recap
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August 31st, 2011 on 11:39 am
You look Fabulous! Great job on your weight loss.
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August 31st, 2011 on 12:25 pm
You look amazing!!!!! Not do you look athletic, thin and healthy…but you’re glowing! Congrats!
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Jamie Reply:
August 31st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
*Not ONLY
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August 31st, 2011 on 12:29 pm
You look just amazing. The difference is phenomenal. You truly are glowing and look so happy. My trainer moved and I miss her. I know the feeling of being in pools of your own sweat and just loving it. Have a wonderful trip. You’ve earned it.
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August 31st, 2011 on 2:22 pm
YOU LOOK FABULOUS !!!!!! i cant believe how great you look now!!!very motivating!
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August 31st, 2011 on 7:21 pm
Seriously, Jenna….HOW AMAZING DO YOU LOOK!!! So proud of you
Congratulations!
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August 31st, 2011 on 7:48 pm
WOW you look great!! congrats on doing so well towards meeting your goal! I signed up for the challenge but sadly ended up losing and regaining the same 5 pounds a few times. ugh. Clearly, I need to book a trip to Italy so that I can have a goal to fuel my motivation!!
seriously though, even though I didn’t lose in the end, following along with you has led to me making several important diet changes like switching to more organics and cutting way back on processed stuff. So weight aside, I am feeling healthier these days, which is the most important thing to me!
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September 1st, 2011 on 12:27 am
You look amazing! Great job sticking with your plan. I hope you’re celebrating how well you did sticking with a plan and getting great results!
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September 1st, 2011 on 8:50 am
Well done. I can’t wait until you’re a size four!
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September 1st, 2011 on 9:53 am
Jen you look great. You would be proud of my diet. I am finally follow my doctors orders and am only eating vegetables, some fruit, raw cheese, and meat only a couple times a week. Dan is even eating more veggies, yey!
I have been thinking about going through my jean since I only wear a few pairs. Do you want me to mail you a few pairs so that you have one pair that fits well? I know you don’t wear jeans that often. (I would wait to mail them until you get back)
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September 4th, 2011 on 1:57 pm
You must hear this a lot, but wow Jenna, you are such an inspiration. After finishing my thesis and graduating uni it is high time I get my butt into gear and start to eat better and exercise. Thanks for the motivation!
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September 4th, 2011 on 3:10 pm
Applause to you Jenna. So awesome! So happy for you!
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September 5th, 2011 on 9:39 pm
Wow! I’m super inspired now. I feel like I can be doing ten times better than I am. I just moved (to Chicago) and decided against packing my “skinny-goal-weight pants” but now I wish I did.
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September 7th, 2011 on 12:14 pm
Oh my gosh - you look amazing!!! Great job Jenna!
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September 18th, 2011 on 8:23 pm
you look WONDERFUL!! what an inspiration! congratulations
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October 4th, 2011 on 1:31 pm
I popped back over to your blog for the first time in a while and the first thing I thought (after how cute T1 is) was “she looks SO GOOD!!”
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