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My Stats:Age: 31 years old
Height: 5 feet 4 inches tall "Before” weight: 210 pounds “After” weight: 110 pounds |
Before Photos: (click to enlarge) |
After Photos: (click to enlarge) |
How long have you maintained your weight loss? Eight years!
How long did it take you to lose the weight? I lost the entire amount over the course of a couple of years. I lost 70 pounds over a nine month span and then I lost the last 30 pounds in five months.
How did you gain it?
The short answer - lack of activity and portion control. Gaining weight, well in my case I can’t really say that this “just happened.” I had always been overweight. I was always the “fat girl” in school. I was the one they described as having “a great personality” or “a pretty face.” In other words, FAT! Throughout my childhood and into my teenage years I saw the pounds adding up. I was not the most active child, although I did participate in extracurricular activities here and there, and certainly not enough to combat my eating habits. This was the other issue. I lacked portion control. I not only ate whenever I wanted, but whatever I wanted no matter the amount. An example of an after school snack for me at age 10 was an entire box of Stovetop stuffing, or a whole box of Rice-a-Roni! Clearly a side made to serve a family of 4 was not intended to be eaten at one sitting by a kid! Some of my other indulgences were multiple plates of spaghetti at family dinners, desserts, and chocolate candy until my stomach was sick. In short, I was on the fast track to unhealthy!
What was your breaking point?
The breaking point for me came when I finally didn’t want to be invisible any longer. Going out with groups of friends and being the only heavy person at the table, I literally felt as though no one even noticed that I was there. After all of the years as being the “fat friend” I decided that I no longer wanted to be associated with that title. My weight loss goal had no particular number. I intended to lose until I felt healthy and comfortable!
How did you lose the weight?!
The very first step I took in my journey towards weight loss was to tackle my eating habits. I drastically changed what I ate as well as my portion sizes. I began eating “clean.” This meant that I cut out most all processed foods and condiments. I also limited my intake of breads and starches as well. Fast food was out of the question and I began cooking at home the majority of the time. I had to demonstrate incredible willpower to resist many of my favorite foods, but I knew it would all be worth it once I reached my goal, and trust me it has! The second component to my weight loss was incorporating activity into my daily life. For me this meant committing to go to the gym 4 days a week. Sounds like a lot, but I can attest to the addiction you get to feeling great! Each session I clock at least 30 minutes of cardio. I like to switch it up between cardio machines so that it never feels monotonous. I also weight train 3 days a week, whether on machines or with free weights. I have created my own exercise and nutrition plan just through researching...no trainer needed!
This new chapter in my life has sparked an interest in nutrition and fitness that I never knew existed; I read articles on food and exercise every chance I get! The sense of pride I receive from being an inspiration to people around me is indescribable! A close friend, and co-worker of mine, has been inspired to lose 120 pounds herself!! I am so proud of her and the amazing accomplishment she has achieved. I could not be happier about the place I am in my life. The dedication and sacrifice is tough, but well worth it!
This new chapter in my life has sparked an interest in nutrition and fitness that I never knew existed; I read articles on food and exercise every chance I get! The sense of pride I receive from being an inspiration to people around me is indescribable! A close friend, and co-worker of mine, has been inspired to lose 120 pounds herself!! I am so proud of her and the amazing accomplishment she has achieved. I could not be happier about the place I am in my life. The dedication and sacrifice is tough, but well worth it!
