Beaming With Confidence
After stepping on the scale, Natalieann89 felt the time had come for her to finally address her weight issues. She was tired of feeling self-conscious and suffering from physical problems, and knew that the cause was her lifestyle. She has shed 45lbs by using Calorie Count and adding daily exercise.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?
When I was 18 I got on the scale and it said 179lbs, I told myself and my mom that I would never let myself weight 180 at such a young age. And I never did.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I tried Weight Watchers, and also just eating healthier, but I needed more to push me.
3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude? Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count? What was the most important change?
I cut out alcohol and fast-food. I allowed myself one day a week to eat something I love or drink a beer, if I had been good all week. I started to go to the gym for at least 20 minutes four nights a week and started taking vitamins. I realized that weight loss was a mind over body situation; it was up to my brain and heart to get my body where it is now. Most important: People need to remember that their body belongs to them; they don't belong to their body.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
I used Calorie Count to log my weight every two weeks. I logged my calories every single day for almost two years, and still do most days. I also used the Blogs and recipes when I needed help and or information from other members in similar age/weight situations.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
There was a period of time where I saw no results, but then one day the inches and pounds just melted off.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
About a year into the weight loss I had lost 10 lbs and a few inches off my overall body. I'm 22 now and I'm to a point where I know what I need to do to look how I want to.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I get lazy on working out sometimes, but I stay pretty strict with the 6 days a week eating less fat and counting calories.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I'm happy. I don't cry myself to sleep anymore. My breasts have reduced from a 40EE to a 34D, my back doesn't hurt and my clothes fit. I go out now, as to where I used to hide in my room because I hated how I looked and felt. My entire life has done a 360 because I FEEL like I'm worth the space I take up on earth.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
Between 7-9 months I have been less than 140lbs.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Never give up.
- Work hard.
- Don't worry what other people think. Do what makes you happy with yourself.
- You will reach your goal.
- The only thing stopping you is yourself.
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
I love your attitude! It is great that you are accomplishing this at such a young age. Congratulations!
Night and Day. You look great and your attitude is fantastic. As you realized alcohol is the source of so many hidden empty calories. When drinking alcohol the tendency is to consume junk food because you crave the salt,empty carbs and fats.
Congratulations on your weight loss. You look fabulous. You have provided inspiration for me on my journey to lose 100 pounds. I am down 24 and already feel so much better.
You go girl! You look like a model. Congratulations and keep up the good work!!
You look awsome! good job. it is hard to stay on track. i was doing real well last year , but lot track somewhere. i am back on and exercise is definately the key. 30 mins or more 6 mornings a week works great for me. when the pounds come off and you have more energy , it gives you the momentum you need to keep doing it. don't ever lose track like i did, then it is harder to get back into it. keep up the good work
In both pics you have a fabulous smile, but in the slimmer version, you light up like fireworks!!! Good Job!!
"Most important: People need to remember that their body belongs to them; they don't belong to their body."
This is brilliant. I think most of us trying to lose weight don't realize this and need to have this perspective. I will write this very insightful sentence of yours down and read it often. Thank you!
Great job! Just hold on to that mindset for the next 50 years . . . 
You look beautiful and absolutely worthy (and you were before too!) & nbsp; of the space you occupy!!!!
Great job!! You look fabulous. Thanks for sharing your success story. I loved your 5th tip " The only thing stopping you is yourself".
"Never give up" just resonated with me tonight when reading those words. There are those small moments where it could be one food choice or one meal or 3 meals that make you feel unworthy of a healthier body, but not giving up is what it's all about. Thanks for your success story tonight!
I love your 5 tips to other dieters. They are positive and they sum up what every dieter should know when working at weight loss. Congratulations to you and thanks for sharing your success story!
I think that you not only look fantastic but you sound very intelligent and determined . I bet that you will keep off the weight because you did it slow and steady and changed your eating habits/lifestyle. Great job ! You rock !
You made two extremely insightful comments -
People need to remember that their body belongs to them; they don't belong to their body.
My entire life has done a 360 because I FEEL like I'm worth the space I take up on earth.
You are so wise for such a young person! Congradulations.
Wow! The attitude you took to lose the weight is truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for sharing your story. You have done so well and took your time with it and did it the right way.
Congratulations on your success!!