100 Pounds Lost
Real Weight Loss Success Stories: Laura Miller Lost 166 Pounds And Ended Her Poor Eating Habits
Name: Laura Miller
Age: 23
Height: 5’10”
Before Weight: 403 pounds
How I Gained It: I gained weight by having poor eating habits and not exercising. I was always on the heavy side when I was growing up, and continued to gain weight during my teenage years. Throughout high school, I attempted more extreme diets, and became the queen of yo-yo dieting. I would be on a diet for a few weeks, then crave fast food and give in to the cravings. About a week later, I would realize I needed to diet again and have one final large meal and start a new diet the following morning. I loved high school and was involved in many activities, however I was experiencing some personal issues that caused me to turn to food as comfort. I knew I was heavy and that I needed to do something about it, but had no interest in doing so at that time.
I ate fast food at least once a day. I loved pop, potato chips, pizzas, cookies, candy bars, ice cream and buffets. I could eat a large pizza by myself. My ideal afternoon was eating three fast food burgers and two large fries in between lunch and dinner. I considered an entire bag to be “one portion” of potato chips. I reached my heaviest weight, 403 pounds, when I was 19.
One summer night in 2009 I decided I was so ashamed of how I looked that I wanted to change. I found and committed to a triathlon training plan that would begin the next morning. I had 100 days to train for a 300-yard swim, six-mile bike ride and a 5K run. Within those 100 days of training, I lost 60 pounds and completed the triathlon. Once it was over, I thought I was “cured” of my weight problems. I eventually gained 40 of those 60 pounds back because I went back to eating what I did before. I thought it was okay; I used the excuse that I’m a triathlete.
I tried to lose weight for good many more times. I tried every fad diet, shake and pill. There were many days during my senior year of college where I would take up to six different diet pills daily, eat nothing and only drink water. I wanted to do anything to miraculously wake up one day and be thin.
Breaking Point: I was fed up with feeling sorry for myself. I pretended I was the most confident person in the world, but on the inside I was frustrated, embarrassed and ashamed. I had these pains in my stomach. I tried to ignore them, but I knew I was destroying my liver from the diet pills. I threw them all away, without even finishing them. I told myself I needed to focus more on getting healthy instead of solely my weight.
How I Lost It: I began eating healthier, adding more fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and fish to my diet, as well as drinking a lot of water, limiting my red meat intake, drinking unsweetened ice tea instead of pop and limiting sugar. I also learned all about portion control.
I also started training for my first 5K race. I followed a program called Couch to 5K. The first few times I ran, I was so proud — yet still exhausted. The more I ran, the more excited, focused and determined I became. My first 5K race was July 4, 2012. Since then I have run almost 30.
After every race, I take a photo of myself and my sister, who has become my running buddy. The pictures remind me how far I have come. I don’t care how fast I run, I just focus on running every single step until I cross the finish line. A few months ago, I decided it was time to increase my running distance. I wanted to push myself, so I signed up for my first 10K race. I love that I have become so interested in running. I feel so accomplished after every run I do, if it’s one mile or seven. I feel so powerful and strong after every race. I stay motivated to keep running by purchasing a gift for myself after races like new athletic socks, sports bras, running pants or even a new MP3 player. Beside running, I bike, attend Zumba classes, swim, play tennis, do step aerobics and walk with my family. I love setting goals for myself and achieving them. Just recently, I’ve decided that I want to push myself again, so I have committed myself to running my first half-marathon this October.
I have an ideal weight in mind, but no longer consider my weight as the only proof of accomplishment. Losing weight is just one of many small accomplishments that keep me going. Recently I purchased new blue jeans, which are half the size I wore at my heaviest. I also find that I cross my legs whenever I sit, which I never used to be able to do. My T-shirts are four sizes smaller.
I never thought I would like foods like quinoa, spaghetti squash or rice cakes, but I do. I measure out my portions. I’m very conscious of portion sizes and write down everything I eat. I also write down my daily exercises and add them up at the end of each month. Eventually, I won’t need to be as strict, but I know I can derail easily. Late night snacking is a bad habit of mine that I’m still working on. If I want a snack or something at night I tell myself I can have it in the morning. Usually I don’t want it by then!
I am so lucky that I have had so much family support and encouragement throughout this process. I keep inspirational quotes around my house for when I’m having a difficult day. I never really understood before when people would ask me, “Are you ready to change your life?” I always wondered what that had to do with eating more fruits and veggies. I now know that it has everything to do with it.
I don’t get upset anymore if I’m up a pound or two. I know it’s all a part of the process. That has been a huge change for me. Before, if I weighed more, I would think my workouts weren’t working and quit. But I need to keep going. I want to keep going. I have people supporting and encouraging me, no matter what my weight is.
I have such a passion for life now. I strive to be the best possible version of me. In addition, I have also become so interested in helping others lose weight. I want to inspire others to keep going or even begin their weight loss journey. I started a blog to share my story and encourage others along their journey.
I have come so far to get where I am today. I have faced my fair share of ups and downs, but I am so grateful because it made me the women I am today. I am much stronger both physically and mentally. I know I can achieve any and all goals I set for myself. I want to, I need to and, most importantly, I will.
Current Weight: 237 pounds
Source: Huffington Post
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Joanne Lennon-Koronczyk
December 30, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Great job!!!
DH Humphrey
December 30, 2016 at 1:22 pm
U go Laura!
Wanda Fennell
December 30, 2016 at 11:50 am
I’m so glad you learned all that so quickly! Great work!
Pearl Walker
July 10, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Love it u better work it girl
Cathy Fitzgerald
July 10, 2015 at 7:49 am
You are an inspiration to me!
Jamie Alexander Rico
July 10, 2015 at 5:53 am
Great attitude and great job!
Su'Rita Lanae
July 9, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Yessssses!
Lisa Montalvo Brockman
July 9, 2015 at 9:32 pm
Amazing!!!!
Sandra Campbell
July 9, 2015 at 8:10 pm
You go girl!!!!
Janie Christiansen Mason
July 9, 2015 at 11:42 am
You are amazing!
Michelle Reames
July 9, 2015 at 10:54 am
Amazing, Laura! Congratulations on your successful journey and for finding what works for you. WooooHooooo!
Paige Saunders
July 9, 2015 at 10:42 am
AWESOME
Lauren Ramsay
July 9, 2015 at 10:19 am
.
Joanne Lennon-Koronczyk
July 9, 2015 at 9:39 am
Good for you!!!
Jen Kai
July 9, 2015 at 9:30 am
Wow great! That’s what I’m doing too.
Paula Henderson-Harrison
July 9, 2015 at 9:18 am
Congratulations Young Lady! That attitude is gonna take you far in life.
Christin Dahlgren Oquist
July 9, 2015 at 8:57 am
Awesome.. Lynzie read this 🙂
Beth Bowen Miller
July 9, 2015 at 8:30 am
Amazing work!!
Terri McClure
July 9, 2015 at 8:19 am
Go Laura, go!!!!
Debbie Craddock Estephan
July 9, 2015 at 8:05 am
Great job!!!! Tough, I know all about it!!!! 🙂
Karen Deloatch
July 9, 2015 at 7:22 am
Wow looking beautiful keep up good work.
Vivian Valiente de Muralles
July 9, 2015 at 6:33 am
Felicidades!
Allison Whaites
July 9, 2015 at 4:55 am
Fantastic work
Clorindaj Johnson
July 9, 2015 at 4:55 am
Great great Laura – u are amazing!!
Natasha Nastee
July 9, 2015 at 4:50 am
Get it!!!
Mary Ellen Villarreal
July 9, 2015 at 4:36 am
Great jo
Kristine Molmen
July 9, 2015 at 4:01 am
Outstanding! You ROCK!
Carol Halula
June 2, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Fantastic! How inspiring.
Leah Sulik
June 2, 2015 at 11:37 am
What an inspiration!!!!!!
Luis Chavoya
June 2, 2015 at 9:26 am
Aww that’s great
Carmen Elena Lopez
June 2, 2015 at 9:26 am
Amazing!
Kathy James
June 2, 2015 at 1:12 am
Wow!!
Jeanne Walker
June 2, 2015 at 12:41 am
Awesome!
Christine Couts
June 1, 2015 at 11:54 pm
So AWESOME!
Penny Helms
June 1, 2015 at 11:05 pm
Awesome….
Joy Joy
June 1, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Stephanie Green we can do this!
Helen Nkrumah
June 1, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Congrats I know what it’s like to loSe fair amount of weight but t,o lose that amount of weight is amazing
Rosalind Brandon
June 1, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Proud Of you Sweetie
Karen Enslin Dukerich
June 1, 2015 at 8:31 pm
That is such an awesome story thank you for sharing it
Valerie Nickerson Loveland
June 1, 2015 at 8:24 pm
I celebrate the non scale victories too. They keep me motivated!!
Felicia Holman
June 1, 2015 at 7:17 pm
Congratulation
Teresa Tisdale
June 1, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Me to, tell me how!!!!!!
Jackie Wofford
June 1, 2015 at 7:13 pm
Bravo !!!
Ermine Gittens
June 1, 2015 at 6:44 pm
So happy for you, keep going!
Dee Barrett
June 1, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Congratulations
Christine Dole
June 1, 2015 at 6:21 pm
I would LOVE to be featured!!
Sharon Gommesen Wyman
June 1, 2015 at 6:17 pm
Awesome!!!! Seems I have all the tools needed, knowledge, support, good walking shoes etc. I lack the most important tool..MOTIVATION!!!!! I only hope it won’t be a medical issue that becomes my motivation. Reading such positive stories helps. THANKS!!!
Marlene Isley Patterson
June 1, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Congratulations!
Kelly Herrera Foster
June 1, 2015 at 6:02 pm
What triathlon training program did you use? Amazing girlie!
Angelica Somaon
June 1, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Yassss!
Blue Goji
June 1, 2015 at 5:31 pm
Amazing, Laura! You’re doing great!
Karen Ebert
June 1, 2015 at 5:24 pm
What an inspiration!
Beth Hartlen
June 1, 2015 at 5:18 pm
how did u get started? I try & try
Tammy Shepard
June 1, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Congrats
Joseph Gillen
June 1, 2015 at 4:54 pm
yur awesome
Dawn Kuss
June 1, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Amazing
Laurie Jones
June 1, 2015 at 4:40 pm
That’s fantastic
Tara Howell
June 1, 2015 at 4:39 pm
So inspiring!
Charity Borlek
June 1, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Amazing!
Monecia Menifee
June 1, 2015 at 4:04 pm
So inspiring! Wonderful Job!!!
MaryCara Ferdinando
June 1, 2015 at 3:51 pm
Very inspiring!!
Carla Foster Walston
June 1, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Congratulations looking good , You rock!!
Mary Capasso-Newman
June 1, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Wow great job you look amazing! !
Cindy Termuende
June 1, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Happy for you
Carol Sue Martin
June 1, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Congratulations so proud now I need to do what u did
Claudette Melson
June 1, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Your story is an encouragement to me!
Terry Anderson Powers
June 1, 2015 at 3:03 pm
So inspiring
Brandy Hooley
June 1, 2015 at 3:01 pm
Congrats!!!!
Missi Sherman
June 1, 2015 at 2:57 pm
Sounds great but no help with surgery???? A person who eats like that has a problem with portion size. No????
Cheryl Lynn DeBose
June 1, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Great job, congrats!
Karina Tennant
June 1, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Awesome job
Yolanda Reed-ludd
June 1, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Congrats
Stella Dixon-Draper
August 10, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Awesome!!! :-}
Catherine Sears
August 8, 2014 at 11:52 pm
She is beautiful!!! What a friendly face and smile…
MrsGreenTea703
August 8, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Awesome and inspirational!
Cookie Torres
August 8, 2014 at 3:33 pm
amazing!!! 🙂 <3
Farha Narine
August 8, 2014 at 11:26 am
Keep it up
Moira Emily Rose
August 8, 2014 at 11:05 am
When exercise becomes more rewarding than eating and watching TV!! Well done !!! Much inspiration.
Carol LoGiudice
August 8, 2014 at 10:32 am
xoxo – wow! keep up the good work. you go, gurl……
Salvator Conklin
August 8, 2014 at 9:39 am
What commitment …. Beautiful
Jackie Higgins
August 8, 2014 at 9:28 am
Congratulations
Vicky Faulhaber
August 8, 2014 at 9:24 am
You go Laura!!!!
Dot Dillow
August 8, 2014 at 4:54 am
Keep up the good work.
Melissa Moreno
August 7, 2014 at 11:49 pm
Awesome
Caretha Wolfe
August 7, 2014 at 11:04 pm
Wow,,,, you go girl!!! Fantastic!!!
Holly Dormeyer
August 7, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Rebecca Smith Masterson – there’s your couch to 5k program!!
Susan Hanks
August 7, 2014 at 10:21 pm
Was wondering how people get their stories published? !
Lillie Locklear
August 7, 2014 at 9:52 pm
That’s awesome you look great!
Faithful Fae
August 7, 2014 at 9:42 pm
Laura Miller tell me about your portion control…….pl always speak on exercise but portion control is so important
Michelle Pollard-Vaughan
August 7, 2014 at 9:34 pm
Two Thumbs up to ya 🙂
Adriana Moreno
August 7, 2014 at 8:59 pm
so motivational!! Margaret, thanks for sharing! Yes, we can totally do it!!
Mildred Teague
August 7, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Congrats!
Roxy Ritter Day
August 7, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Way to go, you look great!!
Myrtle Prater
August 7, 2014 at 8:27 pm
great job!
Monica L. Mixon
August 7, 2014 at 8:04 pm
Keep up the great work!!!!!!!
Suzanne Fannin Shurley
August 7, 2014 at 7:59 pm
Awesome!
Rich Kelly Thompson
August 7, 2014 at 7:43 pm
amazing!!! GREAT JOB!
Leah H Smith
August 7, 2014 at 7:20 pm
https://m.facebook.com/GettingFitStayingHealthy4Life
Latrell Mixon
August 7, 2014 at 7:03 pm
congrats
Suzanne Duffy-Reith
August 7, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Amazing!! Go Laura go!!
Patricia Buffy Wilson
August 7, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Congrats
Allison Johnson
August 7, 2014 at 6:26 pm
Way to go, Laura.
Linda Thompson
August 7, 2014 at 6:26 pm
Your amazing!! Great Job!!
Chris Sanders
August 7, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Awesome! Keep up tge great work.
Barbara Hobbs
August 7, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Great Job !!
Tonya McDonough
August 7, 2014 at 6:08 pm
Great job, you should be very proud!!
Shelley Edmundson
August 7, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Fantastic job!!
Billie Sanders
August 7, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Would like recpies of good foods, also advice on how get started right. Thank You God Bless.
Joseph Gillen
August 7, 2014 at 5:48 pm
great job
Margaret Soler
August 7, 2014 at 5:41 pm
Adriana our motivation
Jackie Wofford
August 7, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Bravo !!!
Irene Pirker Jensen
August 7, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Amazing lifestyle & health change
Sammy Maldonado
August 7, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Way to go!!!
Tamara Clevenger
August 7, 2014 at 5:18 pm
Awesome job!!
Jessica Chandler
August 7, 2014 at 5:17 pm
That is awesome! You are amazing
Emily Chapman Iredale
August 7, 2014 at 5:16 pm
Good for you, Laura! 🙂 You are awesome!