Believe That You Can Do It!
The title is one tip that our this week's featured member, Bubbbles2002 would like to share with you. She’s in her mid twenties and she had resigned to the fact that her weight gain was getting out of hand on her. Then she started counting calories and lost 98 lbs. Losing that weight gave her self confidence back and she's living a much healthier and happier lifestyle.
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?
There were a few different reasons I began losing weight. 1. I have been heavy since I was 10 years old. 2. I have a horrible family history of diabetes, heart disease, etc. My "Aha!" moment came when I went into a store because my clothes were becoming too tight (once again) I began trying on size 26's and they fit...comfortably. I freaked out and looked at myself in the mirror and said, "Ashley, this is it. I will not do this to myself anymore."
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I have tried Atkins (Lost 40 lbs, gained 30 of it back) Weight Watchers (Lost 50 and gained about 10 back).
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 am still 40 lbs away but I have made many changes in my life. I began working out at a wonderful gym where I feel comfortable and not every woman is 115 lbs. I now work out 6 days a week and take a lot of the classes they offer. I also changed my eating habits. I now use calorie count to log all of my food and it has been the best tool I have found, it keeps me on the straight and narrow! The most important change I have made was letting go of the negative people in my life that I let hold me back for years. I am now my happy self again and I couldn't be more proud of myself.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count has prevented me from eating a lot of foods I did not know were that bad for me. I mean you have your greasy foods, sweets, etc but sometimes I would be eating certain snacks and have no idea as to the calorie content and it has really helped me to get some more of my weight off.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
I experience difficulties every day because there are so many temptations out there, cookies, cakes, pizza, etc. All of those things are my kryptonite so I try to stay away from them completely, but when I feel I am about to eat something I will regret I think of my life and how I felt when I was extremely obese, it keeps me from making a mistake I will regret 3 minutes later when I have scarfed that food down.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I have been working at this for 2 years but really became serious in 2010 when I joined weight watchers. It was just too expensive for me so I had to find a different route, that's when I found Calorie Count. I would have to say I realized I was a success about a month ago to be completely honest. It was my birthday.....a lot of pictures were taken of me and I was terrified to see them. When I saw them I almost wanted to cry because I saw ME, not the extremely obese person I once was. I feel comfortable in my own skin now and even though I have a ways to go I have come a long way in loving myself.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I do my best to prevent relapse by allowing myself to eat a lot of stuff in moderation. It helps me because I have failed many times when I have completely stopped eating the foods I love.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
Wow, this is an awesome question. What hasn't changed should be the question for me! I can buy clothes in normal stores, I am healthier and at a lot lower risk for diabetes and heart disease, I know who my true friends are and I have wonderful people in my life who support me.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I'm still trying to lose 40 lbs.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Work out- I know it can suck sometimes but try and find something you love doing. I love taking my dance class at the gym once a week; I even look forward to it now.
- Use Calorie Count! Input everything you have eaten, even if it was 1 or 2 chips, that's still calories you have consumed. A mistake I used to make was not logging this information and the result was slower weight loss and not understanding why until I took responsibility for my actions.
- Remember that this doesn't happen overnight and don't get discouraged if you get on the scale one week and you haven't lost a pound, just keep on truckin' and it will happen.
- It is important to have people around you who support and encourage what you are trying to accomplish. There are a lot of people that WANT you to fail, even though they do not say it to your face, secretly they are unhappy and misery loves company. Try to weed these people out as they are only hurting your efforts.
- YOU CAN DO IT! At one time I thought to myself, I will never lose weight so why try now? But I promise YOU CAN DO IT if you are ready and willing it will happen!
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
You go you curvy, gorgeous vixen of a jewel. You look awesome!!! Keep going. It will be easier now that you know for a fact you are doing it right.
Good for you!!!! And thank you for your wonderful story....it makes me feel like I can do it too!!! By the way, you look awesome!!! Congrats!!!
Congrats on your success!! Your goal is within sight, and you will no doubt reach it! It's an awesome feeling to know that you have taken control of your life and are the only one who can really do that. Congrats again and like you said, keep on truckin!
Wow, thank you everyone for the wonderful comments! I am glad my story has inspired people, that makes me feel good :) We can all do it!! YAY FOR US!!
wow u'r looking great.... ur story really inspired me...
god bless u... keep doing the hard work..!
You certainly did do it! Way to go! God bless on the journey!
Chris
(link to my 130 pound loss story in my profile)
Congratulations!! You are such an inspiration...
Made my day
I seriously appreciate everyones support! Thanks so much again! Snacker_Chris...congrats on your 130 lb loss, that is absolutely amazing!
truly your an inspiration of what hard work and dedication can result!! you look amazing and i wish the best !!!
You lovely girl you :) thank you (odd thanking you I know) but I feel so much better after reading your story today, I have been having a particularly low day, full of bad thoughts and feelings and pure self hatred about my weight and why I did this to myself. Even though I am fixing it and I know I will get there, it's still not always so easy to let go of such dark thoughts. I get my self so angry on days like this I found it hard to do my work out this afternoon with my teeth gritted together lol have to laugh really don't ya, how mean we can be to our selfs. But you made me see just keep going and I feel allot happier now. So very proud of you and really looking forward to being where you are soon x
Such an inspiration. I've had a really hard time recently. I lost 40 lbs in 4 months and just in the past 2 1/2 months, I managed to gain 45 lbs. Thats 5 more than what I was when I started. I keep saying I'm starting over. And I will drop 2lbs, maintain, then gain it back. Your story is reminding me that I can do this with some good reinforcement and determination. Keep up the good work!
Original Post by: wowwcaazowwSuch an inspiration. I've had a really hard time recently. I lost 40 lbs in 4 months and just in the past 2 1/2 months, I managed to gain 45 lbs. Thats 5 more than what I was when I started. I keep saying I'm starting over. And I will drop 2lbs, maintain, then gain it back. Your story is reminding me that I can do this with some good reinforcement and determination. Keep up the good work!
I know all about what you are talking about! As a person who has gained and lost and gained and lost trust me I know its a struggle. I know you will start to see results soon, just stick with your plan and it will all come together! Thank you for posting, I really appreciate it!
Original Post by: wowwcaazowwSuch an inspiration. I've had a really hard time recently. I lost 40 lbs in 4 months and just in the past 2 1/2 months, I managed to gain 45 lbs. Thats 5 more than what I was when I started. I keep saying I'm starting over. And I will drop 2lbs, maintain, then gain it back. Your story is reminding me that I can do this with some good reinforcement and determination. Keep up the good work!
We all have ups and downs. The best method I have found to keep on track is to write down everything I eat and drink, keeping a running total of the calories I've consumed through the day. When I get to 1,200, I basically stop eating. Sometimes I go over a bit, sometimes I am under,, but I'm averaging 1,200 calories a day. I've lost 50 pounds in 10 months, and I still have 13 pounds to go, but I know I will make it. You can, too! Stick with it, and don't be discouraged. I started many diets before I began counting calories, and they all work for awhile, but ultimately fail. This is the best way for me to get to where I want to be.
You are amazing. Love your determination. Thanks so much for sharing your truth. I am so encouraged. I am going to the gym right now.
What an amazing story. just post the before and after on the ref, they will surely keep you on tracking. Your look great.
Wow you look AMAZING! You look and sound so happy!
Great story ! Keep up the Great Work!
+ May God continue to Bless you +
You are truly awe-inspiring!! I hope you realize that you have inspired some of us to keep on the self-improvement path. Good health to all of us!!
you look gorgeous!! But what I really notice is your smile!!! you look genuinely happy and confident!!!
I wish you lose those extra pounds, i can feel how excited you are, i was 253 pounds when i was 23 years old, and always being upset about that, now i am 31 years old and 165 pounds, i know it is very difficult, but as you and i did, everyone else can do it, just keep going, i am struggling to lose10 more pounds for 1 year, sometimes you stuck there, but the good thing is that you maintatin your weight....Good Job
You are amazing honey.......
i wish it will happen to me some day.......
I should lose about 18 kg ....
All these comments have really encouraged me to lose the final 40 lbs and I hope to be there in 4 months for my 1 year anniversary! Thank you again for all the postive feedback and all of you are amazing!!!!!!!!
omg i feel like this is me!!! I went through my aha moment in april of this year when i tipped 302lbs on the scale, also wearing a size 26. I started working out and eating healthier and am down to 267 at this point. It's a struggle every day but like you, i realized it was time! It's hard but i have to start somewhere! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!
Congratulations !! You look fabulous. Your healthy approach and positive attitude are inspirational. It is also helpful to hear you make the connection between relationships and weight loss. It is often very difficult to get one aspect of your life in order without tending to all aspects, including relationships that are not healthy and supportive.
Great Job!!! We have a lot in common with reasons we began working out.. I know you will reach your goal you sound like you are determined now.. and so young.. That is so awesome.. i did develope a lot of health problems but now I am free from meds.. :)
I love your story... Good job! I hope you share again when you reach your final goal!
Wow! Amazing amazing amazing! :D I dont know you & Im very proud of you!
gijane72
You are a awesome example to all of us.
Keep it up and you will be there in now time.
What you eat can have a direct effect on your skin if you're struggling with psoriasis. See what to shop for.
american
apples
asian
beans
beef
blog
bmi
breakfast
calcium
calories
cheese
chicken
chocolate
coffee
confidence
cooking
dessert
diabetes
diet
dieting
dietsinreview
dinner
eggs
emotionaleating
exercise
family
fiber
fish
fitness
fruit
goals
healthyeating
hunger
hungrygirl
inspiration
italian
loseweight
mediterranean
mexican
mindset
motivation
nuts
obesity
party
pasta
portioncontrol
potatoes
protein
quinoa
recipe
recipes
salad
self-esteem
sleep
snack
snacks
soup
spinach
stress
successstory
sugar
support
tbl
thebiggestloser
tips
turkey
tv
vegan
vegetable
vegetables
vegetarian
water
weightloss
workout
yogurt
congrats! you looked amazing! and it's trully inspiring.