Before & After Photos
High School Graduation
18 years old and Auburn Bound
Losing Weight
Post Weight Loss Half Marathon
Another Half Marathon with Friends. I'm second from right.
Celebrating after Completing Hood to Coast Relay Race
Brunch with Friends
Wedding Day, September 22, 2007
Honeymoon in Italy. Yummy Gelato.
The Family after a Trail Run in Colorado. Summer 2008.
Deck yoga in Colorado. Summer 2009.
Loving on some almond butter!
28 weeks pregnant and can't wait to meet our little baby girl in November 2010!
{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
Cute photos! Your dogs have gorgeous fur
You’re gorgeous at any weight, truly!
Heather you’ve always been a beautiful person inside and out. It’s been great to reconnect with you even if it’s only on facebook! You’re an inspiration.
I love that you always have a smile on your face. What a great blog and awesome photos!
what great photos! congrats on the weight-loss. you look beautiful!
Wow! Amazing weight loss and story. You look great.
PUMPKY, I’M VERY PROUD OF U. LOVEWS YA, YOUR DADDY, PAPA MAC.
Your before and after photos are amazing! I especially love the Barney Butter one!
awesome transformation.
You are so gorgeous!!
Really, as Erin said, at any weight in these photos you look absolutely beautiful.
mac! i am so loving your blog. the photos are so beautiful… my fav is the family shot with boo-rad, einy, and cd after the trail run. you inspire me to cook good food. dunno what i’d do without u!! xo
that last one is from me april
Great pictures – thanks for sharing!
Hey, I am so proud of my beautiful Daughter. You are everything I hoped and prayed for and more. I am enjoying your Blog and learning alot. Unfortunately the Coconut Milk Icecream did not work for me. Being my daughter you probably know how it affected me as in Matilda’s Icecream Days at Oak Hill. Thought you may like a laugh. Love you and all that you do. Mommy
Amazing photos! I love Barney Butter too!!
It is about time the world met you~~~~
Amazing journey, Heather!!! Do you live in Portland, or Oregon (Hood-to-Coast)?? I used to, but moved back home to Florida. Anyway, lovvveees me some nut-butter
Congrats!
Hey Orangepop. Thanks for reading. I’ve done Hood-to-Coast twice with a team from Nashville, my hometown. Love Portland, and always good to hear from a fellow nut butter lover!
Congratulations on your weight loss. You look awesome!
what inspirational photos! But I must admit, you were beautiful both before and after. It must feel good to be so active now though!
I saw the name of your blog while on another blog and had to click over as I was sitting here eating homemade whole-grain pumpkin waffles topped with almond butter! My brand of choice is TJ’s raw creamy almond butter, but I may have to keep an eye out for Barney’s. Can’t wait to read more from your blog in 2009!
Hey Alisa, thanks for reading my blog. Yes, you must try the Barney Butter. I’ love the chunky – full of almonds. Yum! Happy New Year!
Hi! Your story is a great inspiration for us dieters, I’m glad I found your site. You and your husband make a really cute couple. You favor each other. One more thing before I go…WAR EAGLE!
Hi Squirrelymom. Thank you for your kind words and for reading my blog. Yes, my husband and I often get mistaken for brother/sister…War Eagle!
love the transformation, GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Love Barney’s:)
your hubby reminds me of matthew broderick
Kelly, that makes me laugh. No one has ever said that about Chris, but I loved me some Matthew Broderick back in the day! “Ferris Bueller…you’re my hero.”
I was just looking at this page because I don’t think I ever have. You look amazing, obviously, but more than that I loved your picture journey. What an inspiration! Love your gorgeous face.
Heather
Your photos show a beautiful transformation into a HEALTHY and HAPPY life! So so inspiring
Rock on!
Angela
Wow Angela – thank you for your kind words!
Hi Heather,
Love your site and your photos. What type of camera are you using? I have a canon digital that I use for real estate and nutrition.
Would love to hear back from you.
Best wishes to a healthy life!
Ingrid
Hi Ingrid,
Thanks for reading my blog! I have a Canon PowerShot A630. Love it!
you look great!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing the pics!
Hello! I just started reading your blog. I love it! I have tried raw and am now high raw… I am not really sure what my body likes yet! My only goal is to be fit. Not skinny and not huge (fat or muscular wise). It seems to be so difficult as I try to find out what my body i wanting me to eat. But.. I have found that I definetely like my bowl of grains during the day. Now I eat them cooked not raw, but I still blend them like in my raw days for maximum digestibility. I am really excited to read the rest of your blog and to keep up with what you are learning. I love to meet new people that share a passion in life with fitness, nutrition and just being happy!
Nicole,
Thanks for reading my blog. Yes, I need my daily bowl of grains too, and then I usually have a 2nd and sometimes a 3rd bowl. I’m a bit obsessed…seems like there is always something getting blended in our kitchen. Thank goodness for the Vita-Mix! If you have any good grain bowl recipes, please let me know as I love trying new combos! Have a good weekend.
Ok, so we need to get together when I come in town and talk. I had never looked at your website. I am so curious to know everything you have done. Every time we have talked we never really caught up! This is amazing Heather. If I didn’t have to run off to work I would keep reading more. I really would like to talk to you though.
I love my oatmeal, and all this food you have posted looks so good, I can’t wait to try new things!
I am trying to find a new life style that makes me feel better. Can’t wait to talk
I just found your blog, so inspiring! Just wanted to comment and say that I’m amused that we have the same wedding anniversary!
Caroline, thanks for reading. September 22, 2007 was a great day to get married!
Your story is very inspiring! Love the pics of your dogs and have enjoyed seeing the wonderful food you prepare! Great work!!
love the before and after pics! congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished!
Heather,
Just came across your blog today, reading blogs is a new thing for me as of late and I’m loving it.
You are inspiring…really. Fantastic story, and you seem so incredibly happy and confident. Seems like you have a very supportive family too.
I have never had to lose more than 10lbs. at a time, but I love running, and weight training, and also eating healthy…so this food blog thing is right up my alley. Very fun to get new ideas from people who have the same interests, and get inspired by their motivation knowing I’m not alone and and just the fact that reading about others like you is fun!
Wish you the best in Colorado, what a beautiful place for outdoor exercise!
Take care!
Oh…and I noticed you said you make your own almond butter, can you share how?
I just came across your blog. Your progress is amazing!! You are very inspiring.
Keep up the amazing work!!
xoxo
Hi Heather!
I followed the link to your blog from LovINMyTummy and I’m glad I found it. I loved reading your story – you are a big inspiration! I also found it interesting that you got married on Sept 22, 2007 and honeymooned in Italy…my husband and I got married on Sept 29, 2007 and also went to Italy for our honeymoon!
I was wondering – did you count calories at all during your weightloss? Thanks! I look forward to reading more.
Hi Hayley,
So glad you found me too! Love that Sarah, and LovINMYTummy is one of my favorite blogs.
I’m so curious to know if we ever crossed paths in Italy. Such an amazing place! Hmm, did I count calories during my weight loss. Good question. I didn’t track them or keep a food journal, but I would do the math in my head throughout the day. Now when I want to keep track, I’ll use Fitday, and I find that I always underestimate my calorie intake. So, when I lost my weight, I think I was eating way more than the 1400-1600 or so calories I thought I was eating. But, hey, it worked. It’s more about food choices for me anyway.
Again, thanks for reading my blog, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the past year and a half of married life!
Thanks for writing back so quickly! I, too wondered whether or not we may have passed each other somewhere in Italy. How strange!
I’m glad to hear you didn’t count calories, which probably sounds weird. I’ve been obsessively counting them for years now, but I struggle a lot with binge/emotional eating and I think calorie-counting contributes to the problem. I think I’d rather just learn to trust my body when to eat and stop eating as opposed to a number on a piece of paper. Either way you look great so whatever you did worked!
astonishing transformation! i enjoy your blog!
Hey Heather,
Your before and after pictures are truly inspiring! I loved reading your story… I’m not sure if I have ever commented before but your blog is great! I love the black and white photo of you and your husband. You look really happy:)
Excited to keep reading!
-Leanne
Hello
You’re story is VERY inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Are you from the Pacific Northwest? I am only asking because I see you ran the hood to coast 
My goal is to run that relay one day… 
Btw, what do you think about heart rate monitors and if you like them, any recommendations? Hope your day is well!
Hi Heather! Love your story! What an amazing journey. Congrats on your weight loss.
I am new to the blog world, I’m a dietitian, and I love learning about food and sharing food ideas and finding what works in real life for lasting weight loss. I’m inspired to read more of your transformation. Thanks so much for sharing!
You look amazing! Love your blog!
It’s encouraging that you show before and after photos and that your plan of action is pretty simple…eat close to the ground, eat what you need, move around, and ENJOY LIFE!
Hey Heather, am new to your blog but you look fabulous and what an inspiring story! thanks! will keep reading your blog from now on for inspiration!!!
cool!
WOW! You are a wonderful inspiration.
I love your blog!!!
I’m in love with my Vinyassa YOGA classes and have recently stopped eating meat. I can not tell you how much better I feel!! I’m not sure about the raw aspect of a diet quiet yet, but I DO LOVE Almond Butter. (YUMMMMYYY).
Another word of note, we have a lot in common. I also married a Chris on September 22, 2007 and Honeymooned in Italy.
Something tells me we would be good friends!
Sarah I just read your response and I thought it was something I’d written! Totally random, but I got married on September 29, 2007, married a Chris and honeymooned in Italy. This is so weird!
you’ve got quite a wonderful smile!
Stumbled upon your blog after following Confessions of A Jaded Gym Junkie (jadedgymjunkie.blogspot.com) and accidently read your post titled confessions of a gym junkie. I think you are both inspirational people and while you have reached your goal you both continue inspiring people! Bless
You’re beautiful! Thanks for showing me what healthy balance is all about – a girl who eats almond butter is after my own heart
I just signed up for my first 1/2 marathon (in October)… any tips?
Love it! Love the balance!thanks for sharing!
interesting material, where such topics do you find? I will often go
Hi! I have browsed your blog for ideas and inspiration. Are there any good cookbooks you could recommend. I also love the Colorado references. I am a Colorado woman who just moved to Houston and can’t wait to get back to my state! Enjoy the hikes!
I have been reading your blog for awhile now, but just really looked at your before and after page. Wow, what an amazing transformation. You look great and really happy too!
Hi Heather – I stumbled upon your blog and I really enjoy reading it. Your before/after pictures are really inspirational as I continue on with my struggle with weight loss which is just that – a struggle.
You really look amazing and despite feeling negative and down about myself, I still know there is hope to change your whole body and feeling and being your best. Would you be able to share any tips on how your were able to accomplish your weight loss goals? Did you find yourself losing hope and getting frustrated at times?
Love your blog!
Nancy, So glad you stumbled on my blog – thanks so much for reading.
There is always hope my friend – always! I did a post a few months ago on some weight loss tips. You can read it here: http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2009/06/28/heabs-weight-loss-advice/, and you might find this one helpful as well: http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2009/07/02/say-no-to-sugar/.
I truly believe that everyone is different. What works for me is NOT going to work for everyone, and there is NO perfect diet out there. It may take some time, but you simply have to find what works best for you. For me, it’s tons of veggies, protein, fat, some grains, and very little sugar (including natural sweeteners and fruit).
I never did lose hope as I am completely stubborn and never “cheated”. I did not touch anything sweet for 3 years. Once my metabolism actually began working again, I was able to incorporate some foods back into my diet, but I still try and stay away from refined carbs.
As far as exercise goes, for me it was 90% diet. I find that if I exercise a lot, I just eat a lot more. I stay active, but my exercise of choice is yoga, and I take a lot of walks.
Hope this helps Nancy and please never hesitate to email me if you have any questions or if you just need some encouragement. Love, Heather
Wow only just seen these you look amazing what a transformation! x x
Hi Heather-
Google directed me to your website after I was searching for a homemade almond milk recipe… and I found one! Anyways, we recently adopted a dog from a shelter that looks EXACTLY like yours (the one your husband is holding with the white spot on the chest). I was wondering if you know what breed/mix he/she is? Thanks!
-Tom
Actually Tom, we do. We were told she was a Basenji/Lab mix, but I had a blood DNA test done on Radley for my husband’s Christmas present. According to the test results, she is a German Shepherd/American Staffordshire Terrier mix. She’s really long and weighs about 30 pounds…and is our little baby girl. Glad you found me and thanks for reading. Enjoy your pup.
-Heather
Hi Heather! I wrote you last week, thanks for writing back
. Another funny thing I guess we have in common is that I have two pups too! Both rescue mutts 
Yours are so cute! Mine are Juno (girl, almost 2 yrs) and Kenai (boy, around one) and are both husky mixes. Kenai looks more like a classic husky but smaller and Juno looks mixed with border collie or German Shepard or something (she is also REALLY long). They both have fluffy plume tails that curl over their back- their chore around the house is dusting 
They are quite the brother/sister duo (ie: partners in crime). We got them both in the DC area and they rode in a highly overpacked back seat on our road trip back to Seattle before xmas- what an adventure that was! Daily walks and frequent dog park runs if I don’t want to go insane! We’ve been thinking about getting a DNA test also, great idea for an xmas present for your husband! Yours sound like lots of fun, yay for pups!
Kendall, Yes, yay for pups. They are our babies…never thought I could love two creatures more than I love those dogs. We take them out to Colorado with us every summer. It’s a 20 hour drive, and we drive straight through. I can’t believe how well they behave, and they love the mountains. We have a great time together out there.
Hi,
found your blog through a link on MizFit. I’m loving reading your story. Your before and after images are great, and you look gorgeous in all of them. I also love almond butter but don’t get to have it often, it’s really pricey over here. Which is a shame, cause it’s yummy. I do eat lots of peanut butter though. Thanks for the blog.
Toni.
Thanks for reading Toni. Glad you found me.
Hi Heather,
I just found your blog and I have to say what a great job you’ve done on your weight loss journey! I am intrigued by the power of food, and I have really enjoyed reading your blog!
Lindsay
Thanks Lindsay! Glad you found me.:)
Hi! Gotta say, I LOVE your blog name
Your wedding day is my birthday! So many great things happened on that day…………………;)
Thanks Alex. Yes, 9/22 is a great day!!!
I’ve been eating a holistic diet and making probably 90% of my food for the past year or so and have since been rid of chronic migraines that I’d had since I was young. I love getting new recipe ideas from your website and reading about your reactions to certain products/combos that you’ve tried. My friend, Marissa, is allergic to onions, leeks, shallots, celery, garlic, chives, etc, and I believe that she’s probably going to die when I link her here– she loves just about every ingredient that you use and will be thrilled to have a bunch of new recipes to try out
also: rum cheesecake stuffed honey apple pie with an organic whole-wheat maple smoked cheddar crust
Cool – thanks for spreading the word Matt! Happy to hear you’re are healing your body with food. I truly do believe our body can do amazing things when given the nutrition it needs.
I just came across your blog and I must say what an amazing accomplishment!! Two thumbs up!
Thanks Angelika!
Heather!
Love your transformation and thanks for putting your story out there. Exploring more of your site as I’m looking to make my own almond butter today and want to fortify it with some flax seed and maybe chia seed (but I think that may gel it up, so may add it later). Experiments are fun!
Thanks for inspiring many and helping share your passion for health and fitness!
Perry Tinsley
What a remarkable transformation you went through. I can not believe that you were able to change so much over an amount of time. Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished.
–Chris
Wow, you look absolutely amazing. You are such an inspiration! And I love the recipes- you’ve got me hooked on anything with almond or oat in it
your an Inspiration…Think im going to workout now
Hey heather- your blog is great! I’m so inspired, and I can’t wait to try out some of these recipes! Keep it up!!!
PS I love that picture of you holding the yoga pose. Beautiful!
Jamie, Thanks so much for reading – glad you found me.
War Eagle Heather! I just found your blog through SkinnyRunner :O) As a fellow Auburn Tiger I know your college struggle sista! I have eaten my weight in Guthrie’s and Country’s Bar-B-Que…Lawd, Lawd!
But you look wonderful and I hope you continue to be happy and healthy. You are an inspiration to the masses…and the massive :O)
WAR EAGLE! Leiane
Hi Leiane, War Eagle right back at ya! Oh my gosh, Guthrie’s???? Totally forgot about that place. I used to inhale their special sauce and Texas toast. Hehe – it was not pretty. Thanks so much for reading my blog – glad you found me!
Love all your photos you’ve shared…and your wedding photo is just beautiful!
Thanks Jennie!
I just realized — we each married our hubbies right around the same time! Sept. 16, 2007 for us. We’re young-married buds!
Betherann, September 2007 – best month ever to get married!