Eat Clean to Be Lean!
The title is one tip that our this week's featured member, Hotmama_06 would like to share with you. She has lost over 40 pounds and is now thrilled with her new figure. Here she tells us how she made lifestyle changes that included regular exercise, portion control and eating healthier - all of which helped her shed those unwanted pounds.
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 realized I wasn't happy with myself. I worked 8 hrs a day snacked on candy, drink pop a lot, and didn't eat proper portion sizes. Then my husband left for Iraq, and I told myself "THAT'S ENOUGH!" I wanted to make the necessary changes so that when he came home, it would be to a happier wife/mother.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
Before I started my journey, I hadn't really tried too much. I had tried to get into a routine of working out, but that didn't last very long. Because we moved from MN to CO to CA.
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?
The changes I made in my lifestyle were GREAT! I started with making sure I ate breakfast every day, getting to the gym during my lunch hr at work, watching how much I ate, switching to diet pops, and doing Pilate's in the evening. During all this I tried doing the Slim Fast diet, I even tried taking Smart Burn-fat Burner, and Quick Slim (for mom's); at different times. I'm sure in combination it all worked, because by September 2006 I weighed in at 135 lbs. That was just the beginning for me! I spent the next 2 yrs in and out of the gym, and had quit my job the spring of 2007. In 2008, we moved from California to Florida. While in FL I started to pretty much maintain and tone my muscle. That by the time we moved to Maryland in 2009, I was skinny and happy.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
I found Calorie Count in 2008 when I was researching what foods I should be eating. And since then, it has been a part of my every day routine. Granted I did have a period of time when I didn't use the logs so much, but I always use it to help me make good healthy choices.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
My difficulties in losing weight was mostly when I wouldn't eat right. During periods of time when I just didn't care what or how much I was eating. I still have times like that, but I know how to use self-control, and limit myself when I'm eating.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
In 2006, I started to see results by that July. But as far as success goes, that was when I stood on the stage for the first time in June 2010. It was my first figure competition, and I was nervous, but felt full of confidence! It was GREAT! I had never felt that confident about myself. And that's why I continue to compete.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
There's no thinking about it anymore. It's part of my routine, my lifestyle. Eating healthy and staying fit! I do have my days, but I look at an old picture and remember how I felt about myself.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I have so much more confidence in everything I do. I feel energetic and happy more!
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I've been able to maintain my current 135-145 weight range for going on to 2 years.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Research...always know what you are eating. Read the labels, most importantly read the ingredients list.
- Watch the sodium levels in what you eat...sodium is just one of those things that no one really pays enough attention too.
- Plan ahead...especially if you eat out. Know the menu before you go out. A lot of restaurants have websites with menus to view.
- Carbs and healthy fats are your friend! They are the main energy source for our bodies.
- Eat Clean to Be Lean!
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
| Tuliplover - Jan 30, 2012 11:01 AM | New Comment |
I L-O-V-E your 5 tips!
You look happy, healthy and amazing!
Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing it with us.
Original Post by: mariecarmI'm sorry but as a clean eater I'm rather taken aback by allowing anyone to use the label clean for absolute crap like diet pop and slim fast!!! That's the most processed diet I could imagine and the very opposite of what clean eating stands for: whole unaltered foods as presented to us by nature. I expected to meet a new clean eating advocate and instead I meet slim fast...go figure!
Geez judgemental much. She tried slim fast. My goodness. Nothing is wrong with eating process food once in a while anyway. It's better to stay away from it but some people don't do so 100% at a time.
LOL.. check out her pics, she's a figure competitor and is sporting a much better physique than most. About time they show a woman who's into lifting weights and building muscle.
I lost 130 pounds and have slowly moved to cleaner eating. What a motivation to get more diligent about it! Congrats!
Chris
see a link to my success story and blog in my profile
Truly inspirational. With today's challenges, you've seemed to nail the five things I'm trying to do daily now - plan ahead, eat clean, watch sodium, consume good carbs/fat and research. Thank you for sharing!
Original Post by: mariecarmI'm sorry but as a clean eater I'm rather taken aback by allowing anyone to use the label clean for absolute crap like diet pop and slim fast!!! That's the most processed diet I could imagine and the very opposite of what clean eating stands for: whole unaltered foods as presented to us by nature. I expected to meet a new clean eating advocate and instead I meet slim fast...go figure!
I couldn't agree more. I read the Slimfast, QuickSlim and Smart Burn comment and thought, "Really??" How is this supported by this site? And for those who commented on that she "tried" Slimfast etc.....She clearly states that with the combination of those 3, she lost weight. No where else does she talk about the clean choices that she made in terms of nutrition. Clean eating is all about whole foods and nutrition that fuels the body. I'm just curious what her healthy choices are because diet soda shouldn't be on that list. Good for her as far as working out and being aware that she wants to be lean and healthy but I definitely wouldn't advocate her process to get there.
Awesome! Don't listen to negative feed back from people like mariecarm. We get enough of that out in the world. AS FOR HERE ON CC You look amazing. I too have tried different processed items and some days they seem to save me! I can't wait to be where you are in your journey. Thanks for sharing!!!
Original Post by: mariecarmI'm sorry but as a clean eater I'm rather taken aback by allowing anyone to use the label clean for absolute crap like diet pop and slim fast!!! That's the most processed diet I could imagine and the very opposite of what clean eating stands for: whole unaltered foods as presented to us by nature. I expected to meet a new clean eating advocate and instead I meet slim fast...go figure!
Wow, relax! She didn't use the word 'clean' to describe slimfast and diet pop, she just stated that at the beginning of her journey those were things she tried. Focus on the big picture and stop sweating the small stuff.
Hotmama - you are very beautiful and such an inspiration! It seemed like CC has been a major factor of your ongoing success. I'm maintaining my weight for about a week now but debating on whether I'm going to count calories daily or not, but since I've read your success story I decided I will continue logging so I can be in the best shape of my life!
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing!
Good job!! Just remember, haters gonna hate!! This is no place for judgement so maybe they should remember what they SHOULD have been taught! If you can't say something NICE than don't say anything AT ALL!
While I would not go the Slimfast route because I simply like to eat bulky, fibrous foods, I think what we are seeing here is a tad bit of jealously from some other posters. You lost weight over a long period of time and kept it off. That places you in the 5% of all dieters who are able to maintain weight loss for over 1 year. Most of us will crash and burn - the sad reality. Drink that Diet Soda and Slim Fast - who cares? Enjoy!
Original Post by: nikikins88Good job!! Just remember, haters gonna hate!! This is no place for judgement so maybe they should remember what they SHOULD have been taught! If you can't say something NICE than don't say anything AT ALL!
LOVE THIS!!!
Congrats and great job! You're an inspiration...I agree, the negative/judgemental/nay-sayer comments aren't worth getting in a bunch about. Some people are just "my way or the highway" type people. I believe that most of us do fall into the category of "tried many ways to lose weight, and finally found one that worked for me". Again, you look fantastic!
Wow....you look amazing! Great job on the weight loss and keeping it off. What an accomplishment! I cannot wait until I am at my goal and can look and feel as confident as you do in your photos!
congratulations!! stories like these are sometimes what we need to achieve our own goal, no matter how high the mountain is it can be climbed!! KEEP PUSHING EVERYONE!!!
To all of the negative people out there.
Her exact words were "During all this I tried doing the Slim Fast diet, I even tried taking Smart Burn-fat Burner, and Quick Slim (for mom's); at different times".
Now just in case everyone did not catch what she actually wrote. She wrote I TRIED these things. At least she tried and she apparently found something that worked. A lot of people wouldn't even try.They might read some negative comments and think what is the use in trying.
Weight loss is not easy! I wish that people would remember that negative comments could cause some people to relapse into gaining weight back or making them feel like they aren't good enough.
If you don't have anything nice to say than just don't say anything at all!
Trust me, I don't think people will start complaining that no one is making negative comments :-)
The "clean" eaters out there have taken "clean eating" to a religious zealot-type extreme. There is no one clear definition of eating "clean". Truth is that you can lose fat and gain muscle and still include things like ice-cream in your diet.
Congratulations on your success! There will always be nay sayers! The point is you did it, you lost it and are maintaining it! You are an inspiration.
Great success story and contrats on a job well done! I just want to add my 2-cents. I too had successfully dieted and lost over 80 pounds in the early 80s. As long as I continued to count calories, exercise and make it my 'way of life' I kept the weight off. After 5 years, my life changed dramatically and I quit counting calories and exercising and most importantly it was no longer my 'way of life'. Over the next 3 years I gained the 80# all back and now I have even gained an additional 50 pounds. My point is, as difficult as it is to lose the weight it is even more difficult to keep the weight off for more than a few years. From my experience, I believe that unless you are willing to change your way of thinking about food and exercise and are willing to make healthy eating and exercise your 'way of life', it will be almost impossible to to maintain your weight loss over time. So, in my opinion, it is extremely important for you to remain diligent about your new way of thinking and living about food & exercise. Good luck!
Fantastic success story. Congratulations on a job well done. I believe that leaving a job that you are unhappy with is one way to help you in your journey, which she shows in this post. Unhealthy/unhappy/stressful jobs keep many people emotionally depressed and that leads to an unhappy lifestyle. Sometimes, people can't afford to quit and see no way around that job. But, there is a way... get out there and find something different, change your entire work style if you must or take time off to find out what you really want to do if you are able.
Great Job again!!
Trying something in order to change is always positive, whether it works in the long run or not, the issue is she was out there trying and putting forth effort, this is how one does change. These all did help her because she learned from them one way or another. I agree, lets hold down negative feedback, there is no reason for it.
Original Post by: mariecarmI'm sorry but as a clean eater I'm rather taken aback by allowing anyone to use the label clean for absolute crap like diet pop and slim fast!!! That's the most processed diet I could imagine and the very opposite of what clean eating stands for: whole unaltered foods as presented to us by nature. I expected to meet a new clean eating advocate and instead I meet slim fast...go figure!
I have to agree. Slim fast is not a "clean food", nor is diet soda.
Congrats Hotmama_06 for losing the weight.
Original Post by: mariecarmI'm sorry but as a clean eater I'm rather taken aback by allowing anyone to use the label clean for absolute crap like diet pop and slim fast!!! That's the most processed diet I could imagine and the very opposite of what clean eating stands for: whole unaltered foods as presented to us by nature. I expected to meet a new clean eating advocate and instead I meet slim fast...go figure!
what a ****
Wow! 40 pounds. Fantastic. I find that even though my food intake is mostly low GI, low sodium, high fibre, low fat, lean meat etc. etc. I still want an occasional junk food treat. Nestle diet choc mousse does it for me. Can't be a puritan forever.
Keep up the great work
That is awesome! I myself have lost 45 lbs so far! I was a big girl, so I've got almost 100 more to lose to meet my goal weight but that's great you did! I started running which helped me a lot. My Dad runs marathons and he just kind of got me and my sister into it. Morning/night yoga have helped, too. (Also with stress!)
And eating clean is a good way to go! I'm trying to cut out processed foods and lower my sodium intake. Until I started counting calories I was eating almost double the sodium I should!
And as for the slim fast comment, no reason to be rude! We all have our preferences! And most everyone does try diets like that at one point or another. I still drink Special K protein shakes and they give me lots of vitamins and keep me full. I don't believe they're harming my body at all.
Original Post by: mariecarmI'm sorry but as a clean eater I'm rather taken aback by allowing anyone to use the label clean for absolute crap like diet pop and slim fast!!! That's the most processed diet I could imagine and the very opposite of what clean eating stands for: whole unaltered foods as presented to us by nature. I expected to meet a new clean eating advocate and instead I meet slim fast...go figure!
Although I can understand your opposition to calling diet pop and slim fast "clean", I am really put off by this comment. To leave something this negative on someone's success story is not helpful to them at all or encouraging to other members who are reading this. Calorie count should be a place of positive support among its members. There are ways to discuss this without sounding so accusatory and condescending. Not to mention that she said she tried it. From the way I read it, Slim Fast and diet pop are not now the main parts of her diet. And although Slim Fast may not be "clean" it can and does help people fulfill their nutritional requirements they aren't getting elsewhere. If it's a step towards a more healthy lifestyle, then it's not a bad thing.
I think you look amazing! The problem with being overweight is that not one of us gain or lose weight the same way. If we could we wouldn't be here.
My parting statement is this-Be kinder than necessary. Its free and makes you feel good.
To face ones self in the mirror and talk to yourself about all the good and bad that you have eaten is a way of facing what you do not want to continue doing. Some people do not need to look into a mirror, I like mirrors - they tell me what is true. The scale in the pharmacy down the street is always there, like a mirror and a reminder: 1. when I walk into a pharmacy, I go there for vitamines, not for medications (which were my options). 2. I can get my Blood Pressure read at n/c. Many are there for meds and really need help as one can see. I am thankful when I leave; that I have a path to walk, and am where I can eat healthy, or crappy if I let myself. I am so glad that you are the ones I love and that I am not criticized for it. Thank you for helping me and I hope this works for you.:) aea
Congrats and keep up the great work! Know that your story will inspire many others to make a positive and healthy change. Ending the trend of obesity one inspiration at a time!
Don't know if any of you will see this, but here I go anyway...
Yes, I said I TRIED Slimfast, and switched to diet pop. But what I wasn't able to say was that, that last ONLY 8 months. After that was when I began my journy to eating cleaner. I started my swtiching to whole grains, and cutting out the pop altogether. Since I started competing in June 2010, I have much cleaner diet, yes there are times I have something processed, but I research the heck out of it. I don't eat like crap anymore. I workout everyday, even in my off season. I live my life by this moto..."Eat clean to get lean, Think tough to get Buff". And it works for me. Not only does it work for me, I have trained my BFF to compete! I have also, inspired many Marines(men & women) to workout harder, and live a healthier life.
So, to those of you who want to be negative towards what you read...think before you speak, because you may just happen to wrong. Also, you don't know me and what I've done in live. So, just remember it's not your place to judge others, that's God's job!
And quote my favorite story..."If we're normal and Leo is normal, than normal is whatever you are!" Leo the Lop, by Cosgrove. We all are different and do different things in our quests to healthy, fit, and happy! So, to each there own I say!
Very well said - You have made an amazing accomplishment and you have inspired others to push themselves as well (myself included). Thank you so much for your story! :)
Ang
To all... I am the BFF that she trained to start competing with her! I've known this truly amazing woman for over 15 years. We have struggled together and conquered together. When she said it was a journey, it really was for her, and me.
Before learning how to eat clean we both have TRIED and failed many fad diets including Slim Fast, no/low carb, soup diets, cereal diets, etc. Now we both eat clean and live healthy lifestyles.
Through her motivation, knowledge, and support, she has helped me learn how to eat clean, I lost 15lbs, competed with her last month and took 4th place while she took 3rd... She works hard, and inspires many.
To judge her about her choices BEFORE she learned about what works for her (now) is just down right rude and uncalled for. Can you honestly say that you have never TRIED something, and then later found out that it wasn't what worked for you, or maybe it wasn't the best option? what did you after? You researched more and found something that worked for you right? Well how is that any different from what she did?
Shame on you Glass House(s). Think about what you say before you start casting your stones.
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