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Teagan Hunter

Romance Author

08/31/18

I was afraid of my underwear…and myself.

In case you’re wondering, yes, the title of this blog is true.

I know it sounds crazy and weird, but stick with me here.

If you subscribe to my newsletter then you already know I’ve been on a journey, learning to love myself as I am. I’ve been trying my hardest to step out of my comfort zone in so many ways. To say it’s been challenging would be an understatement. But that’s to be expected, especially since I have about 16 years of damage to undo. (For reference, I’m 27 years old. This all began when I was about 11.)

I was young when I realized I wasn’t like all the other girls. I’ve always been hefty. Pictures from my childhood will prove that. I’ve always I tried to shrink myself into the background, to fold in to myself, or avoid a camera altogether. On the outside, I’d hold my chin up high say “fuck the world”. But truthfully I was breaking on the inside.

I wasn’t comfortable in my own body, and I’m sure many can relate to that.

I was so uncomfortable that I’d wear a cardigan or a hoodie in 100 degrees weather to hide my rolls or my flapping arms. I would only wear plain, non-fun granny panties because I didn’t feel like I deserved to wear anything else. For a really long time I wouldn’t buy anything but a plain black bra. Or any clothing that wasn’t black or dark gray (not light gray because it would draw too much attention). I wouldn’t buy a shirt that even kind of sort of referenced food. I wouldn’t even dream of wearing something formfitting. I hid myself, did everything I could to “blend” so I wasn’t drawing any extra attention to myself, which is really fucking stupid looking back on it.

But this blog post isn’t really about looking in the past.

It’s about the future.

Something clicked in me earlier this year. I realized, for the first time in a very long time, I deserve comfort. No. Wait. I deserve to love me.

I knew that in order for that to happen, I needed to make some serious changes. So, I started with the obvious…my weight.

When I weighed in on February 12th, I was at 250.4lbs. The sad part is that it probably wasn’t even my heaviest. Stepping on the scale that morning was a shock, a total confirmation that I absolutely needed to make a change in my life because I’d let myself get to that point. I was sad and mad but also very motivated to do something about it.

Now, I’ve dieted in the past. (Haven’t we all?) I’ve cut out food groups. Tried shakes. Pills. Starvation. Starved myself. You name it, I’ve done it. But nothing ever worked. Not only because I wasn’t ready, but because I wasn’t honest about the results I wanted. I wasn’t willing to put the work in. I wanted a quick fix, not a permanent change.

Once I got in the right mindset, I realized nothing could hold me back…not even myself.

Turns out, I was right.

(I want to be 100% transparent here and tell you I am on Weight Watchers. I have not eliminated anything from my diet, but I do try very hard to watch how much added sugar I am putting in my body. I also have not truly worked out during this journey until last week.)

Since that first weigh in I am officially down over 65lbs. I’m not at my goal yet, still have a ways to go, but I am not giving up. In fact, every day I grow more determined to make it to my goal. I began exercising and listening to my body in ways I never have before. I still really fucking hate sweating, but I also kind of love the burn and rush I get when I push myself on the treadmill or with the weights. I sleep better, I have more energy, AND my writing schedule has improved, making the writing process so much easier. Not only has losing the weight helped me feel more confident, it’s helped me become a better author and businesswoman…which is pretty damn awesome if you ask me.

Remember the title of this blog post though? Those pesky panties I was scared of? They weren’t the only thing I held myself back from.

Working on my weight has opened a lot of doors for me. I realized that I wasn’t putting myself first when I should have been. I wasn’t keeping a proper skin or hair care regimen. I didn’t care about moisturizing or makeup or even making sure my legs were shaved. I definitely didn’t care about what undergarments I was wearing because it was “just” my husband seeing them. (Side note: My husband is amazing. He has never, ever made me feel like I was anything less than beautiful. But…I don’t see me through his eyes. I see me through my eyes. And my eyes tell a whole different story than his.) I wore my pajamas or yoga pants all day long, even to the store sometimes (which really there isn’t anything wrong about this, but not putting effort in to your appearance on the daily can really start to change your mindset in weird ways, or at least it did for me). I didn’t care about anything of those because I didn’t feel like I deserved to feel good.

But I was wrong. I deserved that, and it turns out I really needed it.

I stopped sitting around in my pajamas all day and actually put the effort in to wear real clothes. I started taking care of my skin, wearing makeup (and not just mascara, something that even went the wayside several years ago), putting lotion on after the shower, actually shaving my legs and lady bits (and not just when I thought I was gonna get lucky with the Marine). I added color to my wardrobe (cue gasps). I ditched my cardigan and hoodies. I wore fucking shorts! I bought those funny pizza t-shirts I’ve always wanted to own. And…I started wearing those cute undies I bought years before and shoved in the back my drawer.

I started taking care of me. Not for anyone else, but for myself.

And it feels so, so good.

This journey to loving me hasn’t been paved with easy days. Nah. It’s actually been damn hard. I’ve tried going to the “big gym” (AKA, the one filled with all the Marines) and broke down crying in the parking lot. (Don’t worry, I still went home and worked out.) I’ve tried wearing a tank top out in public only to grab hold of my trust old cardigan, looking like a fool wearing long sleeves when it’s over 100 degrees out. I worn that light blue shirt that talks about French fries but I’ve also hid it away on days I felt like I was just flaunting my fatness. I’ve tried and failed and tried and succeeded. I’m still trying (and failing), and I think that’s the most important thing I can do. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my husband or my amazingly supportive #soulmate or the WW groups I’m part of. They’ve kept me motivated, kept me going, and I really can’t thank them enough.

Now, I’m going to share something that is VERY scary and and VERY hard for me to do, but I feel like I need to.

My progress photos.

I know, I know. The internet is forever. But if there is one person out there who is feeling like I was, I hope these photos can help motivate you. Plus, I am REALLY fucking proud of the progress in these photos.

You might be asking, “Why are you putting on this out there on the Internet?”

Two reasons.

1. I need an outlet for how I felt and how I’m feeling. I’m a writer. Making a blog post only seemed natural.

2. Because I want people to know that it’s okay to take care of you.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself first. Don’t be afraid to make changes for you. Don’t be afraid to want to be healthy. Don’t be afraid of change. Don’t be afraid of YOU. You’re the only person holding yourself back. Stopping letting that you win.

Find your reason, hold on to it, and do what makes you feel good. You deserve it.

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26 Comments
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Comments

  1. Ana Ivies says

    August 31, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    Are you sure I didn’t write this? I started WW when you did, but only lost 20 so far because I didn’t make any of the other changes. Your before photos look exactly like me, and now YOU are my roll model! Thank you for this!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 1:48 am

      YOU GOT THIS! I know you do. I’ll be here to cheer you on! ❤

      Reply
  2. Lisa Ro says

    August 31, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Thank you for sharing this personal journey. I am trying to reach a level of honesty with myself. I have been struggling with my weight for the last 8 years or so. I was recently diagnosed with MS and it was the first time I realized I would never just be able to exercise my weight away. I would have to actually change how I ate. I never had to care before. I am still struggling with how to switch my mindset after so many years. Your post really has given me hope that I can get there and that it is okay to have setbacks. Your results are amazing! Thanks again!!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 2:32 am

      Setbacks totally happen! The most important thing is to get back on track and keep moving forward. You got this. ❤

      Reply
  3. Ashley says

    September 1, 2018 at 12:50 am

    Amazing!! Very happy for you you got this girl 🙂

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 1:46 am

      Thank you!!!!!

      Reply
  4. Lacie Romano says

    September 1, 2018 at 12:54 am

    I am so damn PROUD of you. Not just because you lost the weight but what clicked and made you want to be healthy! You deserve the world! You deserve to be loved and you need to love yourself! I was in your shoes last year. I was on the scale and shocked the shot out of myself. I’m down 100 lbs (I did bariatric surgery for my own health reasons) and EVERYTHING you said is how I’m feeling. Colors, skin, hair, my smile! Getting that confidence and self love back ❤️ Thank you for putting yourself out there for others. Keep up the confidence! You got this!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 1:47 am

      I am so happy you found that self love and made changes for you. It’s an amazing feeling. 💗

      Reply
  5. Tresha Mae says

    September 1, 2018 at 1:30 am

    I am crying, I hate you! No, I’m kidding, I love you. You are so amazing!! I can’t thank you enough for this. 💓💓💓

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      ❤

      Reply
  6. Laura says

    September 1, 2018 at 2:02 am

    Teagan you are amazing! So proud of you & thankful to be in one of your WW groups! You motivate me every day 🙂 We’ve got this!!!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 2:07 am

      WE DO!! ❤

      Reply
  7. mary kazen says

    September 1, 2018 at 12:45 pm

    Thank you for sharing this! You are inspiration and thanks for being real. So proud of you. Perfect example we can do this!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 1, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      We totally can! ❤

      Reply
  8. Emma Doherty says

    September 1, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    This is amazing. Well done! You should be so proud of yourself x

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 2, 2018 at 1:19 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  9. Jackie says

    September 2, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    It’s incredible how hard it is to love your self. Some days I just feel like a waste of space but I am so happy I have people in my life that help me go through tough times. I am so happy yo support you as an author for the incredible message you are giving by just sharing your story. Thank you! You made my day today!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 2, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      You’re not a waste of space and you matter. Don’t ever forget that. <3

      Reply
  10. Randimae Sherwood says

    September 3, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    Way to go Teagan!!! Your are doing an amazing job girl!
    I was in the same boat in high school. I was always small until I started birth control and I gained about 50 pounds. Going into grade 9 my first day was brutal. I had a bunch of kids that had known me since elementary school come up to me and make comments about my weight. It was embarrassing to say the least. So I did the whole sweat shirts and black for a good year. Then when I came back in grade 10 I had lost 30 lbs 😊
    Anything is possible if you make it happen.
    All that matters is that you love yourself for you and that you are happy ❤😍
    You most definitely matter!! ❤😘

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 3, 2018 at 8:06 pm

      Aw, thank you!! And congrats on overcoming those bullies. I know I’ve had my fair share and it’s tough. ❤😘

      Reply
  11. Shona says

    September 3, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    It takes immense courage to put self thoughts out in to the world, and you did it so perfectly. Owning yourself and loving yourself is hard. Keep at it, you are amazing xx

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 3, 2018 at 11:20 pm

      ❤❤❤❤❤

      Reply
  12. Krystal Estrada says

    September 4, 2018 at 1:11 am

    I really just want to say thank you! I haven’t said much about my personal weight journey to anyone other than those very close to me. My husband, much like the Marine, tells me I’m beautiful every day but I never see what he sees. When I stepped on the scale in May it said 293, and I said “no more”. I’ve lost 49 pounds since then with the help of WW. It’s an every day fight but I refuse to give up!

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 4, 2018 at 8:44 pm

      That’s AMAZING! Good for you, Krystal! I’m so happy you’re kicking ass on your journey. You deserve it. ❤

      Reply
  13. Candace Hudson says

    September 25, 2018 at 8:48 pm

    Girl you have me crying, no sobbing… it’s like mirrored lives. I will always have a battle with my weight. You are amazing and brave and an inspiration for posting this. Thank you! 🖤

    Reply
    • Teagan Hunter says

      September 26, 2018 at 2:17 pm

      ❤❤

      Reply

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I've teamed up with a few friends to giveaway gifts each day in December.  Make sure to follow along each day for daily winners. All you have to do is comment and like the post for a chance to win prizes. Follow and like all of us and you are entered to win the grand prize of a $250.00 gift card and kindle fire. ➡️ Head over today to @elizabethoroark as she kicks it all off with a signed paperback giveaway! 
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In case you hadn't heard, we moved to Myrtle Beach, SC in September. Don't worry—my first mission was to find a new #starbucks! That's where I am now, typing my heart away in a new #secretproject I'm working on. 🤗

Since it's been SO long since I last posted (again, my bad), tell me...what are you currently reading? I'm loading up my Kindle for the winter! 📚

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I LOVE the original covers, but sometimes this book market is fickle and things don't pan out how we plan, so I'm going back to my romcom brand. I feel like making this switch to a guy only cover will let readers know at a quick glance that they're getting a L-O-L romantic comedy and not a contemporary romance from me.

The ebook covers have been updated but I don't plan to update the print covers for a bit. So if you want the original covers for A Pizza My Heart and I Knead You Tonight, hop on that! There's a link in my bio to my paperbacks.

Unfortunately this means the rest of the series will not have couples on them. There will not be limited edition covers. The photoshoots I did were expensive and I cannot justify the cost to have another one done just to have a limited edition cover. I can still order copies for signings, so I'll likely offers those for a few signings next year.

I'm so sorry if this change upsets anyone. This was a rough decision for me to make, but I had to do it for my business. Trust me, I spent A LOT on the original covers, so changing them sucks for me too because I've lost A LOT of money trying something new. But I have to be faithful to my brand, and those covers weren't.

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Where everything's nothing without you
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It's crazy how far we've come since this day.
Married 7 years. Together 12.5.

Happy anniversary, Marine! 
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Haven't yet started my SLICE series? Whatcha waitin' for? The first book, A PIZZA MY HEART, is a brother's best friend romcom that many are calling the perfect weekend read. It's SUPER light on the angst and just an all-around fun book. Links in bio to start your Slice binge! Both books are available in Kindle Unlimited. 😊

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I hate Drew Woods, and she hates me.

Even so, I’m not the cold jerk most make me out to be, and I have no problem moving the single mom and her baby into my home. I do, however, draw a line when it comes to acting on the way her loose lips make me feel.

Alive.

She’s too mouthy, too prying, and her curves are way too distracting.

I might have lost my way after a nearly fatal car accident, but I’m not stupid. Giving in to Drew would be a short-lived fix for this pain I’m saddled with, and I knead something permanent.

I’d be insane to think what we have could be anything other than temporary…right?

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Who else is ready for Drew & Winston?!? Coming October 17th! Pre-order link in my bio. 🍕 Single mom romcom
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