WHEN DID YOU START DEVELOPING A WEIGHT PROBLEM?
As a young child.
NAME : Maria
WEIGHT : 300
AFTER WEIGHT : 170
POUNDS LOST : 130
HOW DID YOUR WEIGHT AFFECT ANY ASPECT(S) OF YOUR LIFE? What aspects did it NOT affect? It caused extreme self-consciousness along with literal discomfort in my own skin. There were times where I felt judged and hated to go shopping. My mindset was the part that was MOST affected.
WHAT WAS THE “TURNING POINT” THAT GOT YOU STARTED ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY? In 2006, I literally woke up one day and had HAD enough. My friend and I decided to take action and learn how to eat better together.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I started to research what clean eating truly meant and slowly implemented what I learned about eating whole, nutritious foods. I lost approximately 60 lbs just by exercising 5-6 days a week and watching what I ate. I became good friends with a personal trainer who helped me shed another 70 lbs (total of 130 + lbs.) Since then, I have started to do 99% of my workouts at home as I am a busy nurse and mom and coach. I have fluctuated up and down since that point by a few pounds here and there, but I now know that it is always possible to lose weight with a little determination and support of others.
HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DID YOU BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS? approximately 2 weeks.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART? It was difficult for me to exercise at first, because I was so out of shape. I learned that consistency is key. You can only try your best, and if you do, you’ll succeed. Money should NEVER be a reason to not invest in yourself. If you can afford $4 to eat fast food or get a sugary coffee, you can spend that money on something healthy for you!
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a hormone imbalance proven to make it harder to lose and easier to gain weight. However, I’ve learned WHAT to eat and have been able to have results since giving myself time to learn.
DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP? WHAT KEPT YOU GOING? I never wanted to actually give up, but there were times when I definitely questioned why I was doing what I was doing. I can honestly say that being part of a supportive environment with friends who truly care about each other has kept me going until this day, 10 years later.
DID YOU HIT ANY WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAUS? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? During plateaus, I notice I have to change up what I am eating. Our bodies can get used to what we’re eating and we need to add variety.
Also, adding resistance training has been huge for me. Muscle burns fat 24/7 so it’s so so important.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LOSE MOST OF THE WEIGHT? Approximately 9 months give or take.
DID YOU HAVE ANY NON-SCALE VICTORIES? Many! Going from a size 22 to a size 8 was definitely something I would have never dreamed up. Having more self confidence as well as an entirely new feeling of lots of energy. I could go on and on here…non-scale victories are far greater than the actual scale.
WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY DIET LOOK LIKE COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? I have limited processed sugars and carbs and have added so many more vegetables and lean proteins.
HOW DOES YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COMPARE TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? I move my body 5-6 days a week, where in the past, I never worked out.
MY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS & TRICKS
- Believe In Yourself above ALL else.
- Learn to fuel your body with HEALTHY food that gives you energy. LISTEN to what your body tells you when you’re eating foods that drain your energy.
- Move your body everyday. It does NOT mean you need to spend hours of time at the gym.
- Help others see the potential in themselves
superb post.. thanks for sharing