At the age of 18- Although I felt I struggled with my weight through my early teen years as well.
NAME : Alexandra
BEFORE WEIGHT : 266
AFTER WEIGHT : 191
POUNDS LOST : 75
HOW DID YOUR WEIGHT AFFECT ANY ASPECT(S) OF YOUR LIFE? Forget wanting to go to a baseball game, the movies, fly.. I was so self conscious! Exercising left me out of breath and sweating instantly. I would never let anyone take a photo. I was miserable.
WHAT WAS THE “TURNING POINT” THAT GOT YOU STARTED ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY? Having my son- I knew I had to be here for him in the long run- both happy and healthy. I was diagnosed with PCOS (which didn’t help with my weight issue), and it took 2 years of trying to have him- which makes it even more special!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? Really examining processed sugar and cutting down significantly
HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DID YOU BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS? By 1 month I was already down 10 lbs
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART? Portion control and saying no to my favorite foods- heavy pasta, desserts, etc. PCOS
DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP? WHAT KEPT YOU GOING? Yes- but once I saw results and had the support of family and friends I could not turn back.
DID YOU HIT ANY WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAUS? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? Every few months, there is a week or two were the scale doesn’t move. I re-eval my macros and step count and adjust as needed
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LOSE MOST OF THE WEIGHT? 1 year
DID YOU HAVE ANY NON-SCALE VICTORIES? Down 3 dress sizes. BMI is out of the obese range. I am now comfortable doing the things I love- going to events, travel
WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY DIET LOOK LIKE COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? A big change!
I stick to 50 carbs/30% fat/ 20% protien
1200 cals a day compared to 2300+
HOW DOES YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COMPARE TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? I can climb stairs with ease. Walk longer periods of time. I actually want to get up and move!
MY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS & TRICKS
- Surround yourself with a good support partner/partners.
- Monitor not just your calories, but your macros.
- Make time each day for some form of physical activity- walking, jogging, getting out and moving!
- Utilize technology- so many great programs are out there! I.e. My fitness pal
- Watch those sugars!
