As I’ve said before in my blog posts, I frequently share my weight loss journey on social media. Instagram has to be my favorite platform – I share on Facebook mainly for the benefit of my friends and family. Out of the two, I’ve received the most support and one-on-one validation from Facebook. People will comment something kind, or message me telling me that they really enjoy seeing my journey. I can’t explain how much every like, comment, and message means to me. I see them ALL and they all touch my heart, but at the same time, I know I’m reaching more people on Instagram. Hashtags are really magical things.
I share my journey, not for validation or recognition, but in the hopes of inspiring someone to start or continue their weight loss journey. As a beginner, the only thing I had guiding me was the Instagram posts of strangers. I’ve mentioned a few (but not all) of them in a previous blog post, “Looking for Inspiration?”. 
Two of my favorite accounts that I didn’t mention are @thelovelyaphrodite and @sunshinesjourney. The reason I didn’t choose to include these accounts is because for a beginner, these accounts may come across as overwhelming. Both account do regular shoutouts for other fitness accounts, and as a beginner, it was hard for me to develop an idea of their true account because they were doing so many shoutouts. But I’m not a beginner anymore. I look forward to the shoutouts, and I actually end up following most of the featured accounts. 
Anyway. Back to me. A few weeks ago (three weeks ago I believe), I decided to post a #transformationtuesday picture in the hopes of getting a shoutout from @thelovelyaphrodite. I had never asked for a shoutout before, so I wasn’t exactly sure how it worked. I followed all of the instructions as best I could, and though my picture received a lot of likes, I wasn’t recognized by The Lovely Aphrodite.
Until yesterday. Yesterday I was having a rather shitty day. I was sitting at my desk, pouting, trying to distract myself by doing actual work, when my phone went off. The Lovely Aphrodite had liked my post from three weeks ago! I felt like a celebrity. She actually saw my photo! Some more time went by, and my phone went off again, only this time, she had FOLLOWED me! My account, with only 6 hundred something followers, was now being watched by someone who had inspired so many people (36 thousand to be exact). I was over the moon. I sent a screenshot to my best friend, who was excited as well. And then, the unthinkable happened. I got a notification saying that The Lovely Aphrodite had tagged me in a photo! I couldn’t unlock my phone fast enough. Sure enough, right there on my timeline, was MY FACE featured by one of my FAVORITE fitness accounts in the universe. I was crying. I was jumping up and down. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I immediately posted the good news on Facebook, then Instagram. I was so ecstatic. I was gaining followers by the minute. I cried some more. 
Yesterday was amazing, definitely one for the books (or, ahem, blog). I am so happy that because of The Lovely Aphrodite, I was able to reach 36 thousand people, some of whom were inspired enough to follow my account. It’s an amazing feeling to feel like you’re making a difference. And hopefully this is just the beginning for me.

When I first began my weight loss journey back in February, I was completely lost. I had no idea how to go about dieting, exercising, or working out. I turned to social media and began following several accounts on Instagram for inspiration. I am going to list my favorite accounts below. 

Personal Inspiration:
@sheridan.kimble
Mother and wife, Sheridan lives in West Texas. She gained a significant amount of weight while pregnant with her daughter (also featured on her account). Her daughter is now more than a year old, and Sheridan is in amazing shape. Sheridan works at Complete Nutrition as a Nutrition Consultant, so she always has very helpful suggestions and recommendations. 
@moveslike_kesha
Madi works as a bartender at several places in the Houston area. She loves her boyfriend and her fur baby. She isn't working to lose weight like most of the accounts I follow, she is working to make her body more fit and toned (and doing a great job).

Instagram Inspiration:
@fighting2getfit - 136k followers
Official Instagram account of Ashley Jeske. Ashley is down 74 pounds. She posts lots of non-scale victories, side by side transformation photos, and frequently replies to comments you might leave on her page. She is one of the first people I started following and I love her account so much that I'm actually subscribed to her posts (which means I get a notification when she posts a new picture). She is super active on Instagram and posts at least once a day, but normally multiple times a day.
@weightlosswithannamarie - 37.6k followers
Annamarie Rivera has lost 185 pounds naturally. She posts a lot of selfies and motivational quotes. Thanks to her I've discovered Trimino water, which is flavored water infused with protein with zero sugar, zero carbs, and zero caffeine (I ordered my 4-pack sampler last week and will do an in depth review when I've had a chance to try all the flavors). She was featured in Women's Health Magazine for her amazing natural weight loss. Take a look at her web site and article in Women's Health here!
@roxi_fitness - 22.3k followers
Roxi has lost 113 pounds in 11 months, without surgery or products. She posts tons of side by side comparison photos, in addition to her healthy meals and their calorie counts. This is a great account for anyone and everyone to follow. She was also featured in Women's Health Magazine, read the article here. 
@itsmiamotivated - 2558 followers
I follow Mia because our stories are so similar. In some ways, I relate to her more than anyone else I follow. She posts tons of side by side comparisons, healthy meals, selfies, and non-scale victories. She is almost to her goal weight, and has lost a whopping total of 82.5 pounds so far!