Before & After Photos
Hello my almond butter loving friends. If you're new to HEAB, you may like to subscribe to my RSS feed or receive my posts via email. Thanks for reading!
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.
Wedding Day, September 22, 2007
The Family after a Trail Run in Colorado. Summer 2008.
Deck yoga in Colorado. Summer 2009.
Loving on some almond butter. Spring 2010.
October 2010 – Only 6 more weeks to go until we meet our baby girl.
Summer arrived on November 5, 2010
February 2011
May 2012 & 34 weeks pregnant with boy/girl twins.
Photo courtesy of Emily Smallcomb Family Photography
In June 2012, we became a family of five.
Halloween 2012. Chicago sports fans. 
{ 153 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!
Oh my goodness! I guess I haven’t visited this page in ages, because I had not seen the new pics you put up! I LOVE that pic of you in the blue dress! SO flippin’ cute! I’m just so happy for you and the addition to your family- only one more month! WOW!
Thanks so much Talia.
Can I just say that you have some rockin arms! If I am being totally honest (and vain) the thing that scares me about pregnancy is that my arms will get really big but yours are so awesome!!
Kelly,
Oh my gosh, can I just say how much I love you!?! Truth be told, my arms have lost a lot of their tone, but I know it will be back as soon as I’m able to do a Chaturanga again. Thanks for your kind words – needed to hear them today!
Just stumbled across your blog this evening. Your before/after pics are really inspiring me…just what I needed, as I am trying to lose maybe 30-40 pounds and be fit and healthy. It’s so easy to get discouraged, especially when you come across papers that had the goals/dates of where you should’ve been at this point weight wise (which I just did today)… so thanks!
Kelly,
So glad you found me and thanks for reading. Believe me, I understand how easy it can be to get discouraged, but don’t give up. Just stay positive and be patient. A slow weight loss is the best kind as it will be easier to keep it off in the long run and don’t pay any attention to those goals/dates of where you should be, etc. We are all built so differently, and this is YOUR weight loss – no one else’s! Never forget that and never hesitate to email me if you have any questions or just need a little encouragement, okay?
I absolutely LOVE that maternity photo. ohhh my, soooo beautiful! You are glowing, and the sun looks so warm
gorgeous family of three!
Thanks so much Steph.
OMG I have just found your blog this morning. I lost in the first six months of this year 40 pounds just eating healthy and waliking every day 30 minutes but after a love crisis I won 15 pounds again and your before/after pictures are really inspiring me…
Yesterday I come back with a lot of enthusiasm and courage to lost much more pounds again not only to be fit , I want to be healthy and fell good with myself and that`s my major interest, besides I`m going to get married in April 2011… so I don´t want to used a plus size wedding dressed…Let me tell you that your maternity photo is absolutely pretty and it makes me imagined that I want to be like you when I decided to become a mom.
I am also taking TAIslim just as an extra help and I want to know how did it work for you???
Thanks for your inspirational web.. I think I`m going to start one…
Best Regards,
Ivy
Hey Ivy,
Glad you found me and thanks for reading. You sound very positive, and I have no doubt that you will lose your desired amount of weight and get healthy, and it’s so good that you realize that what’s most important is that you feel good about yourself. Best of luck to you and many congrats on your upcoming wedding.
P.S. I’m not sure what TAIslim is. I’ve never heard of it.
Wow, Heather, you look absolutely fantastic! And your little baby blessing is gorgeous! As someone who has recently taken steps to lose weight and do that whole lifestyle-change thing, it really is so inspiring to see someone as successful as you! I’ve lost 40 pounds since the beginning of August, and while I still have a ways to go, I know that I’m on the right track because this is the proof that it can be done!
Thanks so much for being an inspiration, and I look forward to catching up on your journey so far — and coming along for the ride from now on!
Gretchen,
Yes! If I can lose the weight, then anyone can. Congrats on your weight loss thus far. You’re doing great. You can so do this, and always remember I’m just an email away if you ever need any encouragement.
Thanks for reading HEAB and Happy New Year!
Fantastic pictures! The pregnancy ones are so special… you look so peaceful and happy!
Love your blog! Your self control is an inspiration.
I’m considering trying out a no-sugar lifestyle, but giving up fruit will be a challenge because I usually use it as my sweet-tooth substitute rather than reaching for a cookie. I’ve hit a plateau, and think that sugar-free may be just enough for me to lose the lagging 5-10 lbs.
I found your diet testing interesting. When you say that something didn’t work or that your body didn’t like a certain diet, how could you tell? Were you tracking weight loss or just your overall feeling? And how long would you try it out for? I can feel the effects of refined carbs, but have never given up sugar completely.
Hi Kristi,
Thanks so much for reading my blog, and I really to think cutting out all sugar will help you lose that last 10 to 15 pounds. Fruit is a better choice than a cookie, but I would really try and limit it to low sugar fruit if you’re trying to lose weight, and maybe just 1 or 2 servings a day. Think blueberries, green apples, grapefruit, cherries, etc.
As far as my diet goes, I always knew something didn’t work for me depending on how I felt and if my clothes were feeling tighter. I would usually try something for a month or two, and in that length of time, I knew a certain diet was working or not. If I felt miserable and was really missing certain foods, then I knew it wasn’t the way of eating for me. If you’re feeling a negative effect from refined carbs, then just try cutting them out for 1 month and see how you feel. I think that should be long enough to really see a difference.
I just found your blog and you are such an inspiration! I look forward to following!
Alaina,
Glad you found me. Thanks for reading and for your kind words.
Wow you look so great! I am currently on my own weight loss journey and seeing your photos is really great inspiration for me. I know people say that all the time but I know for me at least it is really true. Photos like yours help me to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks so much!
Elli,
Keep up the good work. You’ll get there – you will!
I stumbled across your blog and am so glad! You are a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your stories, they help me stay motivated to living a healthy lifestyle!
I love this post; I come back to it all the time for inspiration. Thank you so much!
And your hair is always so beautiful! I am dying to know how you do get those beachy waves!
Best of luck to you as you keep up this crazy journey called life!!! =D
Cate,
Oh my gosh – thank you so much. What a sweet comment to read.
As far as my hair goes, I don’t use anything fancy – just the Kirkland brand shampoo and conditioner from Costco. Then I use the Giovanni leave-in conditioner (http://www.iherb.com/Giovanni-Direct-Leave-In-Weightless-Moisture-Conditioner-8-5-fl-oz-250-ml/6414?at=0) – just comb it through before getting out of the shower, and scrunch with Giovanni mousse (http://www.iherb.com/Giovanni-Natural-Mousse-Air-Turbo-Charged-Hair-Styling-Foam-7-fl-oz-207-ml/6416?at=0) and allow to air dry.
Wow, thanks so much! I can’t wait to try this!
You gorgeous, vibrant, glowing, beautiful, astonishing, inspiring thing. What an amazing transformation. Good for you for living the good life. And thank you for posting your photos to urge on those of us following in your footsteps.
Anna,
Oh wow – what an amazing comment. Thanks so much for reading.
Wow! Incredibly impressive loss. Your posts are such an inspiration. I’m curious, though. Did you ever experience any side effects to loosing weight? I’ve lost about 15Ibs over the past 9 months, and my hormones are pretty out of whack as a result. I’m wondering if other people experience the same, and if so how long it might take to normalize?
Naomi,
Yes, my hormones got completely out of balance when I lost weight, and I wish I could tell you everything is fine now, but 12 years later, they are still out of whack. No doctor could quite figure me out, and then last year, a new doctor theorized that I simply shocked my body with such a dramatic weight loss and despite being at a healthy weight, not overexercising, and eating plenty, my body is still confused as to why I am not 100 pounds overweight. I’ve tried so many things to try and get back in balance – not sure if I’ll ever get there, but I’ll keep trying. Make sure you haven’t lost too much weight and that you are eating enough. I also noticed that eating plenty of fat helped me more than anything, including animal fat. Also make sure to get plenty of Omega 3 fats (think cold water fish, fortified eggs) and less Omega 6′s (vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, etc).
Thanks a bunch, Heather. It’s good to know at least that I’m not alone in this. With all the attention weight loss gets in the media I was pretty shocked to realize there are unknown repercussions. Thank you again for your advice, and best of luck on your journey to hormonal balance!
I just had to say hi! A friend just told me about your blog when I told her I had cut sugar out of my diet and I can already tell that I’m going to love reading what you write. We seem to have had a similar weight-loss journey (I’m 50lb lighter than I was at high school graduation, much of it lost while I was in college). And here’s the funniest thing: I have a daughter named…Autumn Juliet. No joke!
I’m looking forward to exploring your site – I’m so glad I found it!
I just cam across your blog and had to say.. what a wonderful family you have! Your daughter is sooo cute!
I will definitely be reading your blog more often as it looks quite interesting!
Rachel,
Thanks so much for your kind words regarding my family. They are pretty wonderful. Also, thanks for reading my blog – I do try and keep thing interesting here at HEAB.
Thanks for sharing your before and after pictures! I think everyone can relate to a personal story like that. I love your deck yoga picture, loving those strong arms!
Hi Heather! This is the first time I’m visiting your blog and all I kept saying to myself as I scrolled down was wow wow wowwww. Truly amazing progress over the years….also, I’m in love with your blog!!
Your Colorado pictures are beautiful! I dream of retiring there later on in life. It’s just the most beautiful place. INCREDIBLE story. Congratulations on all of your hard work and dedication. It is good to see more happy and healthy people in this world! : )
Lauren,
I dream of retiring in Colorado someday as well. Such an amazing place. Thanks for reading and for your kind words regarding my blog. Hope you have a good weekend.
Oh my gosh!
What an amazing transformation. You truely glow from withing and look amazing at any weight! I’m really happy for you that you acheived balance and live a healthy actuve lifestyle now though. When we take care of and love our bodies they love us back
O.C.
I could not agree more. Thanks for your kind comment.
gorgeous!! i love all the photos!! congrats on the little one
im sure she brings amazing joy to you and your husbands life!
Shelby,
Thanks you so much, and yes, Summer does bring us much joy – every single day.
I love your blog! your have such a nice story & your daughter is beautiful!
Love it. you are truly inspiring! you are gorgeous.. and have a great blog!!
You look incredible!! And your daughter is BEAUTIFUL! I attended Auburn, too. Although, I graduated from Montevallo. Just found your blog today and it’s great.
Thanks Miranda, glad you found me.
War Eagle.
your transformation is so amazing and inspiring! you give me so much hope. heab, could i ask what a typical day of eats during your weight loss looked like?
Thanks Miffy. It’s been a while…let’s see. For breakfast, I usually had a small bowl of flax Plus or Uncle Sam’s cereal with soy milk and a piece of fruit. No longer do soy milk after I realized I’m soy intolerant. Somedays, I would just do a protein bar. Lunch was usually a big salad or steamed veggies with protein. I did the vegetarian thing for 5 years and often had a veggie burger sans bun atop veggies. Or, I remember eating a lot of couscous with toasted almond and raisins. Some days, it was just a PB + banana sandwich with a side of veggies and maybe some dark chocolate for dessert. I usually had a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts as an afternoon snack. Some cereal + yogurt if I was extra hungry. Dinner was and still is veggie based – heaps of veggies roasted, stir-fried, or steamed plus a topping. Some nights, it’s just tahini and other nights it might be ground beef or salmon. I always eat a post-dinner snack, usually either a plain baked sweet potato (a big one or two small ones) or a bowl of oat bran or oatmeal with some nut butter and maybe a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.
One thing that really aided in my weight loss was making water my beverage of choice. Before I lost the weight, I drank way too many of my calories – juice, milk, soda, etc. Making the switch to water made a huge difference for me!
Hope this helps.
ty so much!!
Holy Cow Heather! You look amazing! Congrats on your healthy tranformation. You are setting a wonderful example as a mother
You are, and your family is, beautiful! I’m really glad you have a blog to share your success and current adventures. I’m excited to look around more!
Ashley,
Thanks for your kind words and for reading.
Hi! I’m a first-time commenter, but I just wanted to say I LOVE your blog, and find your story really inspiring. Also, your family is beautiful
Hi Kiah,
Thanks so much for your kind words and for reading my blog. Hope you’re enjoying your Monday.
Just stumbled upon your blog from Kelly’s at Eat Yourself Skinny and Wow! You look so great and you should be so proud of yourself.
Bree
Hi, your blog is amazing & inspiring. I’m fascinated that your passionate about food (me too!) but maintain a balance. How much yoga do you do per week and what style? Thanks xx
Thanks so much Trish, and as far as my yoga goes, pre-baby I mostly took Vinyasa flow type classes 4 to 6 days a week. Now, it’s a challenge for me to get to the studio, and so I don’t practice as often as I’d like. Hoping to change that soon!
Stumbled across your blog while looking up Almond Milk recipes and I just had to say how proud I am of you and all that you have accomplished. I really admire your optimism, creativity, athleticism, and perspective on healthy eating. Your before and after pictures are very inspiring. Thanks for being a great person
and also for living in Colorado because I love Colorado. lol
Oh wow – thanks Natalie. What a nice comment, and my husband and I were just talking about Colorado tonight. The weather is finally cooling off in Nashville, and we enjoyed a walk before dinner. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to do that, and we mentioned how pre-dinner walks would happen more often if we lived in beautiful Colorado!
Anyway, thanks for reading and again, for your kind words, and I’m happy you found me. Hope you enjoy your almond milk.
Proof indeed that some chicks are ugly regardless of weight. I couldn’t respect a man who’s willing to reproduce with that. Deep down, you must hate him.
Hey Heather,
Let me just start off with professing my deep love for almond butter- I bought it for the first time a few days ago, and I’m never going back!
So I can definitely relate to you there.
Congrats on your amazing transformation over the years, that’s so inspiring to see and so motivating for others trying to do the same thing.
You’re family is gorgeous, and it looks like you’re living a very healthy and happy life now.
Keep blogging!
Kloe x
Hi Kloe,
Always good to hear from a fellow almond butter eater! Happy to hear you’ve discovered the love.
Thanks for reading, and I’m glad you found me. I plan to keep blogging – it’s my creative outlet, and I miss it when I’m away for too long. Take care, and I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful almond filled breakfast right about now.
I know life gets hectic after a new baby but post more recent pics!! Love your blog!!!!!!!!!!
Jeni
Hi Jeni,
Thanks for reading. Just added some newer pics.
OMG!! I read that after I’d left the comment and figured you must be REALLY busy now! But then i saw you just threw someone ELSE a baby shower! Go YOU! Thanks!
gorgeous ! How much weight do you think you lost between high school to the half marathon picture ?? and how long did it take you?
Hi Bianca,
Thank you!
At my most I probably weighted between 220 and 240 (sophomore year of college. I weighed towards the lower end in high-shcool) – yikes! I’m not sure b/c I refused to get on the scale. In that half marathon photo, I probably weighed in the 130′s – which is my norm ever since losing weight. I started losing when I was 22 years old, and it took about a year to a year and a half to lose all the weight.