I Decided to Take Control of My Health!
Molly2718 has lost 102lbs over the last year by ditching the fast foods, sweet drinks and adding exercise. She's not at her goal weight yet, but well on her way! In her story she shares her tips, current struggles and accomplishments with her weight loss journey.
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?
In February 2011, I was living out of my car, eating nothing but fast food, but I didn't believe I gained any weight. In May 2011, I found a room to rent; I felt like I couldn't control anything else in my life, so I decided to control my health.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I never really tried to lose weight. I was an athlete all the way through school, including freshman year in college. I maintained my weight of 305lbs; my first semester at college I got up to 318lbs (I don't know how accurate that is because it was a different scale, etc).
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 have not reached my goal yet, but I will! My roommates at the time didn't drink pop or eat any sweets, so that helped. Basically, I just started riding a bike around my city. I went from pop, to caffeine free, to juice, to flavored water, to water. If I can't taste something in my meal: cheese, mayo, etc, I do not eat it.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count allowed me to see if something was worth it. It's like looking at my bank account. It's so easy to look up nutritional values when I'm eating out to help make better decisions.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
I'm currently on a plateau, and this is by far the most difficult thing I've had to deal with. I took a maintenance break for 3 months to let my body adjust once I hit 100lbs down.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I think I noticed around 30-40lbs down. Sometimes when I see my reflection in a window/mirror I have to stare in disbelief.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I weigh myself daily. Once I reach my goal I plan to weigh myself weekly. If I notice an increase in my weight I'll buckle down and exercise more.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I'm more confident, active, outgoing and I love to shop!! I've also motivated my dad to get his health in order and he's down 13lbs. That's honestly my greatest accomplishment!
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I've not reached my goal yet, but I haven't gained anything.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Always ask yourself if it's worth it.
- Have your goals always visible (goal weight on hand, skinny jeans, skinny pictures, etc).
- Reward yourself with new workout clothes instead of food!
- Take a lot of pictures and look at them regularly.
- Do not exclude a food group; do not fight cravings!
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
What a transformation! You look so happy and energetic, it's remarkable! Keep that lovely smile and there will be no stopping you :-)
Wow you have accomplished more than most people in your life and you are young. Just think of all the great things ahead.
How encouraging! What an incredible transformation... You are unstoppable when you set your mind to something!
Congrats!
"If I can't taste something in my meal: cheese, mayo, etc, I do not eat it."
Love that bit of advice!
keep up the good work :-)
You look great! You are inspiring me to keep at it.
You look fantastic, very athletic! I love these success stories, I get something from each one. I like your comment that if food has no flavor you don't eat - so true! How often are we triggered by the craving for a flavor rather than hunger? I have to run several errands every day about 11:30am. They take me past a bunch of fast-food places and it used to be that seeing them would trigger me to want to eat. Every day I would run errands and eat fast food. So I started eating before I go, then would tell myself that it's my cravings talking and it would get me through it ("I am in charge of my body, my body is not in charge of me" - powerful little saying I got from one of these success stories!). Cutting out fast foods has made a big difference and once I got over the cravings it's been a lot easier - kind of like withdrawl, I guess. I also like that you have encouraged your dad to lose, too. Keep it up!
Bless you, Molly, and thank you for sharing your amazing success story. You look fantastic!
Its hearing stories like this that inspire me!!! Thank You! And I wish you the best of luck and health thru your journey : )
You look so beautiful and I can tell that you are full of joy and life again. Great job and thank you for the motivation!
Congratulations! You've done a great job and made a positive step that will pay off in ways you'll never imagine. The next biggest challenge to look forward too is STAYING in control. I am happy for you!
Wow, just wow!! Thank you for the inspiration. Am just getting started. Will save your story as motivation. God bless you!
Completely inspirational! well done!
I am just starting my journey with 100 lbs to lose....I will remember what you have achieved whenever I feel the temptation to eat the wrong things!
Thank you, all! Your kind words just give me more motivation! Let's keep up the great work.
Truely you are an inspiration to all those who aspire to lose weight! Congratulations
A look that's different as night and day. Your hard work paid off. Your M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S new you is motivation to continue to perservere.
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Congratulations! Keep on track & biking safely!