From The “Chubbies” Section to Running 5K Races
A dreaded picture prompted Lorriconnor to dust off the treadmill. She has lost a fantastic 54lbs by counting calories, eating smaller meals and taking up running. Read on for more of her weight loss tips, all taken from her own experiences.
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?
I started my journey by deciding that I no longer wanted to be a size 18-20. I no longer wanted to shop in plus size stores. I actually took a picture of myself naked and got very depressed because I knew I did not want to look like that anymore. It was a decision I had to make for myself and I am so happy that I did.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I didn't try any other programs but I was a frequent "dieter". I was always on a diet. I was raised in a family that loves to eat. We plan our holidays, birthdays or any occasion around what we are going to eat, so I was constantly dieting to make up for me overeating, and in essence I was hurting myself.
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 started by utilizing the dusty treadmill I have in my garage. I also became more active with my children. I started walking about 2-3 miles and then would go to the YMCA during the day and attend exercise classes (pump and burn, abs, kickboxing). I eventually started running a little at the time. I also began to count my calories, eating more small meals throughout the day and cut off eating after 7 p.m. I also had a cheat day which helped me a lot so that I didn't feel I was hurting myself and I didn't want to splurge later because I knew I could eat what I wanted on that one day.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count was very instrumental because it made me accountable for my loss. I was more keyed in to what I was eating and how much to make sure I was always meeting my goals for the day. It was also helpful for me to see what I had been eating over time and how my weight fluctuated because of it.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
I didn't experience any major difficulties until recently. I have hit a plateau and I have been at the same weight for a few months now. I am still trying to lose and additional 15 pounds but seem to have hit a wall.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I saw results after the first 20 pounds. It was very satisfying to buy smaller clothes. I realized I was a success when after about 30 pounds I went in to a plus size store and EVERYTHING was too big. That was a good day.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I prevent relapse by constantly reminding myself that I do not want to be that size ever again. I get excited about working out and I get excited about being active for my children. When I was bigger I would get tired from doing simple things, now I have the energy to be active with them.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My life has changed tremendously. I can now shop where I want to shop. I ran my first 5K and completed it successfully in 33 minutes. I plan on running another one in a few weeks and hope to do it in less than 30 minutes. I also feel sexy. Even though my husband never teased or got on me about my weight, I notice that our relationship has changed for the better
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I have maintained my current weight for about 6 months now.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Have a cheat day....don't deprive yourself.
- Working out doesn't have to be punishment. Find something you love to do and do it.
- Utilize your iPod or MP3. I have a playlist for everything. I can't work out without music.
- Schedule a cut off time everyday to stop eating and stick to it.
- Cut out the sodas. Diet and regular are no good.
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 can relate to your story on so many levels, thank you for sharing. Keep on those last 15 pounds, you've proven you can do it ;-)
This is so similiar to my story. I know those plateaus are so frustrating, just dont give up. You look so good! Congratulations on your success!
No more "Chubbies" for you, girl!! You're beautiful!! Congratulations...and thank you so much for sharing your successes. We're all proud of you.
Well done, you look fab!
Also, thanks for your story, and your advice about the schedule to cut off food daily, sounds really good, I will try it out!
Congratulations, very well done! Training for a longer race such as a half marathon (13.1) might be a good future target. Note to the headline writer: there is no "5K marathon" - a marathon is always 26.2 miles, no more, no less.
Big Success Story!! Congrats! I'm starting this journey today. I love what you said about cutting eating after 7pm and I plan to do just that. I think my problem is not eating enough. I go to the gym 4 times a week (joga, arobics, eliptical, weights (all that) but no real change in my weight! I'm 63 years old and am trying to stay fit. The scale is my enemy though. I'm 5 ft 2 1/2 inches tall and weigh approx 171 lbs. Hopefully by using CC and stay true to exercising, I can get to where I want to be 145 lbs.
Original Post by: bertinhoustonCongratulations, very well done! Training for a longer race such as a half marathon (13.1) might be a good future target. Note to the headline writer: there is no "5K marathon" - a marathon is always 26.2 miles, no more, no less.
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Congratulations on your accomplishment!! To break that plateau, maybe try changing your workout routine a little, and boost your diet effectiveness by reducing your carb intake a little further. When I last hit a wall in my weight loss, reducing my carb intake to no more than 50-100 grams a day temporarily, it boosted my weight loss very quickly and I was back on track in no time. Good luck, just keep at it!!
Good job girl!! Keep up the good work. Don't get discouraged if you get injured -- just discover biking and swimming. Lots of good races with those venues too.
You look great! I will make you my inspiration, you started pretty much where I was a month ago, I hope to become as fit as you have become. Do not get discouraged over those 15 pounds, they will come off sooner or later!
The stories are always my motivation for the day. I read one a day to get my day going. Thanks for talking about your weight lost .I started using CC about 2 months ago and it is the most ralistic thing I have done. I love the idea of a cheat day that realy works for me.
Looking good! Live healthy and long. What are you doing to reward yourself for such healthy changes in your life?
Thanks so much for your story Lorri. I also made the decision to lose weight when I look at photos of myself on my 36th birthday. Wow talk about a wake up call. I no longer had muffin top for a stomach, I had a spare tire. By reading your story, you have giving me great tips on what I need to cut out. I love your cut off food/drink time and your cheat day. Keep up the great work and enjoy yourself!!!!! You look fabulous!!!!
Just wanted to say you have done amazing and if you will with it even though it might be frustrating to plateau...if you continue to stick to your guns you will get past it!!! I hope you repost when you hit your goal...let us know what you did to get over this hump:)
woot woot love the running success stories! It helped me lose 130 pounds as well!
Chris
see my profile for blog and story
Original Post by: bertinhoustonCongratulations, very well done! Training for a longer race such as a half marathon (13.1) might be a good future target. Note to the headline writer: there is no "5K marathon" - a marathon is always 26.2 miles, no more, no less.
As a beginning runner, that bothered me, too!! 5K marathon? yikes..
But, for the actual story...CONGRATULATIONS Lorriconnor, you look absolutely fabulous!!! I hope to get where you are!
Awesome! You're an inspiration. I am going to try and get my overweight and unfit siblings and I to do a 5K this year. We can do it! And I love that you set guidelines for yourself with cutoff times and that you stick to it! That can be the hardest part! Thank you!! :)
Congratulations you look great. I too had a moment where I decided that I didn't want to be size 18-20 anymore. I have lost 26 pounds so far and my treadmill and I are good friends. I have gotten to the point where I can walk 3 miles and hour and still read. Keep up the good work. I want to fit my skinny jeans before the summer is over. You are certainly an inspiration that yes we can.
Awesome inspiration! Looking fantastic. Isn't it wonderful to find a sport you love? Then its no longer working out. Its... having fun; doing what you love. Very proud of you!
Congratulations. You look beautiful Larger but now wow. you inspire me to keep on going. Like you my husband never complained about the extra weight. Totally Awesome
Congrats on the weight loss. You look great. You are a naturally pretty woman and was pretty before but the ultimate beauty look is being healthy and fit. You go girl
. I got discouraged and left the site and my diet plan for about two weeks but you have inspired me to keep going. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and congratulations. It's just what I needed to read today.
I'm so impressed with your commitment to exercise. You have done so well - congratulations!
You look wonderful! Keep up the motivation and you'll reach your next goal (the last 15) in no time. Thanks for sharing your story!
You look fantabulous !! Thanks for sharing your story, you are an inspiration!!
Great job Lorri!
Did you just count calories…or did you also take a close eye on the amount of carbs and fat you were consuming?
Very inspirational. I took a pic with just the bra and panties on and was horrified. I too am tired of being in 18-20 sizes. I was able to fast and pray the other day without missing a beat and I felt good. Doing that let me know I am in controll of me and I will no longer allow food to rule my life. I have 3 daughters and I plan on being around for them for a long time. I don't plan on being diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes, or high cholesterol. So now is the time!!
Good for you. It is a struggle and not as easy as many would like to believe, especially if food is the center of your life in many ways. Don't give up. Whatever happens know that you can bounce back and keep going and as hard as it may be...make exercise a part of the plan. Work out with your daughters. I don't feel like it many times but when I finish I feel so good and accomplished. Keep it up :) I am cheering for you!
Lorri
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Congratulations Loriconnor you are an inspiration for all overweight moms. Thank you for sharing your story! Best of luck to you!