My Weight-Loss Story…

I have not always been the size I am now, in fact, my highest weight was just over 200lbs at one point.  I was a pretty fit and active kid and average-sized adolescent, but once I got into my 20′s the weight just seemed to keep creeping up on me.  This was in part due to an unhealthy diet, inactivity, and probably a slight metabolic slow down.  The weight just kept coming on and I just got more and more depressed.  I hated how I looked and was embarrassed of myself.  I tried many different diet plans, but was never able to stick to them due to the drastic restrictions.

My weight fluctuated probably 5-10 lbs here and there over the mid 2000′s and in my mid 20′s, until one day in February of 2008 when my husband, Brian, was surfing the web and came across an online calorie counting website.  He suggested it to me and I was immediately interested.  I did some research on it and got started, joining one of the larger, free, websites and participating in the forums.  I was able to get support, log all my food, and learn from others there.  I didn’t have to cut out any certain food group, and it was pretty much everything in moderation.  That, combined with eating healthier and exercising, allowed me to eat and feel satisfied and still lose about an average of 2lbs a week.

I had lost a bit of weight previous to my calorie counting start by cutting out regular soda and officially started my weight-loss journey at 186lbs.  As the weight came off little by little, I started to gain more and more confidence in myself.  I realized that I was worth it and that I COULD do this and lose weight and get healthy.  It took me about 7-8 months, but I eventually reached a goal weight of 135lbs and was in the healthy range and felt like a new person.  I’ve lost just over 50 lbs and it was the BEST thing I’ve ever done for myself.  I’m so much healthier, energetic, confident, and just happy.  If I can do this, I know that just about anyone can.  I’m a HUGE sugar monster and LOVE sweets and food.  It was a struggle at times, but if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything you set out to do.

It was September 17th, 2008 (my b-day) when I’d reached my goal weight, which was an AMAZING birthday present.  Even though I’ve reached my goal, I still continue to count calories and log all of my food.  Granted, I do have the occasional free day where I don’t but generally, for me, I need to otherwise I will just eat and eat.  I seem to lack the “off” button that most people have.  Counting calories keeps me fit and healthy and I don’t mind it at all.  I like to check my nutrient and macro nutrient levels too, so I find it somewhat interesting.

When I started counting calories I used the website: www.caloriecount.about.com.  I’ve now switched to using Livestrong to log all of my food since I’ve found their database of foods is a bit larger.  It’s also free and is at www.livestrong.com.  They also have some great info on their site, plus forums.

An overall change in lifestyle is mostly what helped me lose the weight.  I ate healthier, moved more, worked out, and burned more calories than I ate, or equal to it.  I also learned more about cooking and found that I really enjoy it.  I discovered that it’s not completely horrible and miserable to workout either!  I feel GREAT when I’m done.  During my weight-loss I worked out at home and used free weights, did a bit of running (couch to 5k), and used a lot of workout dvds.  I mainly like the Jillian Michaels dvds (No More Trouble Zones, 30-day Shred, Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism) and I’ve recently discovered that I love Jackie Warner’s too (Xtreme Timesaver Training, Personal Training w/Jackie: Power Circuit Training).  Jazzercise is really great too, if you can afford it!  I also did that for awhile during my maintaining years, but no longer do it due to the monthly cost and time issues.

I’ve now maintained my 50+lb weight-loss for about 4 years.  It still amazes me.

11/2012: I’m a Sweat Pink Ambassador!

I hope that you found my story encouraging and motivational!  Never thought I could do this, but it just goes to show you that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it with a bit of hard work and dedication.

I hope by telling my story I helped to inspire others who feel like I did.  Sometimes it feels hopeless, but trust me, it’s not.  If you’re looking for a helping hand​, some support, guidance, or just a friend, feel free to email me, I’m happy to help & would love to meet new people!    Thanks for taking the time to read my story & visit my blog!  :)