I have always been on the “bigger” side, but about 12 years ago I started gaining weight really quickly and later found out that I have PCOS and a thyroid problem.
HOW DID YOUR WEIGHT AFFECT ANY ASPECT(S) OF YOUR LIFE? I had zero confidence in myself and it affected every aspect of life. I had no energy, no desire to do anything. I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I felt unattractive to my husband and I was embarrassed to go to school events because I didn’t want to be the fat mom.
WHAT WAS THE “TURNING POINT” THAT GOT YOU STARTED ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY? The turning point was when I saw a picture of me and I didn’t recognize myself and how much weight I had gained. My health was awful. My cholesterol was in the 300’s, I had tachycardia, and my cardiovascular health was at a 7. Currently my cholesterol is 108, I know longer have tachycardia and my cardiovascular health is at a 2.6.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I started doing TurboFire and eating healthier foods, calorie intake and watching my portions.
HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DID YOU BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS? Amazingly I lost my first 30 lbs in 90 days and with having PCOS and thyroid problems that was a huge accomplishment.
In the past I tried everything even getting the lapband and that never helped. I felt like I was gonna be stuck like this forever
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART? I had to overcome myself. I had to realize that I could do it and I deserved to be healthy. I needed to learn to love myself and put myself first. My support system was strong for the most part. I did go through some ups and downs in some friendships, but I had to learn to move on.
DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP? WHAT KEPT YOU GOING? I felt like giving up numerous times, but I had to remember why I started and that plus seeing results kept me going. Getting my health back kept me going
DID YOU HIT ANY WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAUS? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? I did. In order to overcome them I just had to keep pushing through. I know sometimes I had to switch up my calorie intake and change up my exercises.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LOSE MOST OF THE WEIGHT? I still have 25 lbs left to lose, but it took me about 90 days to lose the first 30lbs.
DID YOU HAVE ANY NON-SCALE VICTORIES? I have done three 5ks and just registered for my 4th. I went from a size 18 to a size 10-12. I also quit smoking cigarettes after 10 years of smoking
WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY DIET LOOK LIKE COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? I drink my shakeology, eat lots of veggies and protein. I have really learned to watch my sugar intake because it become an addiction for me and I crave it. When I was heavier I always ate what I wanted and always ate sweets.
HOW DOES YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COMPARE TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? I was not working out or doing much physical activity when I was heavy, but now I workout everyday and strength train regularly as well as run 5ks, hike, walk and just try and do more physical activity when I can
MY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS & TRICKS
- Drink tons of water. I try to drink 100 oz a day
- Even if you don’t see any results on the scale that doesn’t mean you aren’t losing inches. Muscle weighs more than fat
- Sugar is considered to be more addictive than heroin and so limit your sugar intake.
- One of the best things I have learned is that “diet” is 80% of the equation and so always watch your portions and don’t deprive yourself. This is a lifestyle change and so find a healthy way to eat that you can maintain
- Your journey not only changes your pusillanimous appearance, but it changes you internally. Embrace the journey