Exercise Changed My Life
Laurajayneparson achieved her weight loss primarily through exercise and incorporating healthy eating. Her story shows the benefits of exercising while losing weight. At her heaviest, 7 years ago, she weighed 235lbs. She’s now maintaining her current weight of 110lbs.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
I had always felt like my weight did not affect my life, negatively or positively. However, one night when I went to bed at 8 pm, for no other reason than the fact that I had nothing else to do, I realized that I was letting my weight affect my life! I never left my house, except for school and work! That night I got out of bed, put on a pair of tennis shoes and went to the gym in my apartment complex! I worked out for 45 minutes that night, and have not missed more than a week of regular exercise since!
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I had tried Slim Fast and Weight Watchers - for me, losing weight was about exercise, not about monitoring and restricting what I ate! Anything that made me think more about food, was a failed program for me.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
Initially, I just started with activity. I exercised every day for at least 45 minutes. I also cut out diet soda, which meant that I increased my water intake by at least three times! After three years I stopped losing weight, so I started monitoring my diet more carefully, and lost the remaining 40 pounds! I had and have the attitude that if I miss too many workouts I will never go back to the gym - that keeps me going to the gym every day, because I never want to be that unhealthy, overweight person again!
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Once I added the dietary element to my healthy lifestyle, Calorie Count became an integral part of that, helping me to estimate the caloric content of my home cooked meals, and helping me to make healthy choices when I am eating out! Additionally, the blogs are motivating, and help me to feel like I am a part of a healthy community!
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
Staying motivated! For the first three months I did not lose a single pound, because I only focused on exercise and did not change my eating habits! I had to realize that exercise is great for being more healthy overall, but that for weight loss I had to do more!
6. How long did it take you to see results?
At least three months, but I started feeling better almost immediately!
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
Just this year, when I was waited on by a college boyfriend and he did not recognize me!
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I make sure that I exercise, in some way, every day. I also try to keep everything in perspective - I might not always make the healthiest eating choices, but one bad choice, meal, or day does not mean that I will gain all of my weight back!
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I am happier, healthier, and more motivated in every aspect of my life. I am more confident socially, and at work, where I believe that I can and will succeed!
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Get some activity every day.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day!
- Have a "cheat" day, so that you do not feel deprived during the rest of the week.
- Publish your weight loss goals publicly, so that you have accountability and support.
- Cut yourself some slack - If you misstep, diet-wise, don't stress or give up! Simply resolve to do better on the next meal or day. One meal will not derail an entire healthy diet or lifestyle.
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
This is almost a description of me! I am glad to find someone else that was in the same boat. I decided that I didn't want to be overweight anymore, so I started at the gym. I have lost almost 15 pounds, but I REALLY feel great! I agree that the diets that cause me to focus on food don't work for me either. So I just started eating more salads and vegetables. It is working!
I agree with everyone, exercise is key. I have been doing zumba almost everyday for the last 2 montsh and really see the difference.
Great story! Thank you for sharing! Exercise came first for me, too, then Calorie Count, which kept me from obsessing over the scale because I could see in black in white what I was netting in calories, while still getting adequate nutrition. Also a book called "Younger Next Year for Women" (there is also the original, which was directed toward men) really opened my eyes about the effects exercise WILL have on us for the rest of our lives if we will be aggressive and committed. I've lost almost 40 lbs. since the end of June...feeling much better as a wife, mom, and a nurse (hard to preach good health when you don't live it!) and so thankful!
Way to go girl!!!!! Success stories like yours helps motivate us all. Congrats and kudos to you.
Congratulations on your success in achieving a healthy lifestyle.
I like all of your tips, but number one is The One!
Great story, it really helps! I hope I get soon as good results as yours! I have also started exercising first (running 5km) and then I was motivated to go on a better diet. For the moment, I am still struggling to get my scales show lower numbers. I have 8 kgs to lose and it's VERY difficult... It is however extremely helpful to know the nutritional properties for every food I eat. It is a real course on food quality...!
U GO GIRL!!! You don't look like the same person!! I agree, sometimes trying to incorporate exercise and making drastic dietary changes can drive a woman crazy!! I am one who MUST exercise to loose weight. It's funny I seem to do either one seperately GREAT but when I combine them, my brain gets the best of me. I will continue this thing we call "a healthy lifesyle" & WILL master it soon :+}
Congrats on finding a healthy way to gain back your health. I am of two minds on Exercise as the Key to weight loss. I have spine and joint issues and for sure have increased my exercise time. I do this very carefully, each day wondering if I will wake the next morning stiff and more bent over. So far a recumbent exercise bike and walking have not aggravated my body. Again, congrats!
thanks for sharing your story. I just came off a bad week and before I let it spiral out of control, I read your story and the part where a bad choice doesn't have to mean gaining all the weight back really hit home. Your story was just what I needed to realize I can get back on track!! Thanks for sharing and you look amazing.
I'm worried about excersise too, with the fall coming and colder weather where I live, I'm going to have to step things up to stay on track. The site keeps me interested and reading the various ways people excersise really helps me look up new things and stay inspired.
Hello Sheila,
Brava and a very nice sensible approach. I have a number of friends who fall off the wagon when it comes to exercise and have noticed that this has an immediate effect on what they start consuming daily as opposed to incorporating a "cheat day" as you describe it. Even 15 minutes a day of walking will have a positive influence on our diet. The "drink plenty of water" daily is also an excellent suggestion.
Thanks
Congrats, awesome success!
Your story came after a day where I think anything I found that was edible - I ate!! I was feeling so horrible today for my day yesterday. You just reminded me that - s__t happens! Get over it and get on with it!
I will and I am!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reminding us about the importance of incorporating daily exercise! Even as an areobic instructor (Zumba) I find myself skimming on the days that I don't "have" to teach! Your story was very inspiring. I really needed to read the part about diets that have too much of a focus on food. I am ready to stop obsessing and just be....healthy that is! Keep up the good work!
I'm the same way with exercise; the longer I go between workouts, the harder it is to get back on track. I try to make sure I do something everyday!
You look fabulous and are a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
thank you so much for sharing this story. I feel that I am in that place you were, where I don't leave the house unless it's school or work, and am avoiding the issue. while many of us are not as lucky to have a gym so close, I'm sure your story will inspire us all equally. I'll just pretend my room is my gym, and workout!
Congratulations! You have done great! Whatever works for you and keeps you healthy. Your story and the others keep us all motivated.
Congrats!! I wish exercise would do this for me...two years later...still no luck. Food it the true enemy! *grin*
No "can and will succeed" you are a success. CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY. Keep up the good work and don't think you " will succeed"
You are succeeding. Way to go
First of all - congratulations!!! In NZ that equates to going from 106kg to 48kg which is HUGE or rather TINY!!! What an awesome effort!
Wow! You give me inspiration! I will start exercising - since just doing the diet thing is getting tougher after losing 30 pounds. I need a boost and this just may be what I need!
Thank you for your enthusiasm.
. What should I do?
I have always done the yo-yo dieting with exercise as the key to lose weight. As I have gotten older (I am now 40) I need to really kick it into gear with the nurtrition. I eat healthy, I just eat too much which is why I am going to use Calorie Count consistently. It needs to be a multi-pronged approach. I have lost 30 pds in 9 months but I have 50 more to go. I hadn't realized how far I had gotten away from the "real" me.
I am exercising more than I have in the last 5 years but the scale is not moving. I joined calorie count to see how many calories I should be eating. I now know that I am eating more than what I should to lose weight. I am so glad that you had the same issue. Everyone always talks about exercise but diet and exercise go hand and hand.
Great success story! Thanks for sharing how you did it.
110 lbs.! Wow! That's an inspirational accomplishment. 
great job and thanks for scaring your story - I have 25kg to lose and im finding it really hard - we live 30km away from the nearest gym, I have an 18month old a home and 7 year old at school and yes I do have the time to go for a walk but thats is as far as I can go as I have arthritis in my knees, ankles, elbows and wrists - I havent found type of exercise i can do! when i walk, its not a race so i dont feel im doing anything - any help would be great
Original Post by: msnikkiesmithI am exercising more than I have in the last 5 years but the scale is not moving. I joined calorie count to see how many calories I should be eating. I now know that I am eating more than what I should to lose weight. I am so glad that you had the same issue. Everyone always talks about exercise but diet and exercise go hand and hand.
diet and exercise do go hand in hand! i spent all of last year working out but not changing my eating habits and although i was lucky enough to keep myself from gaining more, i certainly didn't lose until i changed how i ate!
Original Post by: eskerhillGreat job Sheila,
Great simple sound advice. Can't say it any better.
/ray
Whoops,
Should have read: Laura great job.
/ray
Great job! I started out at 230 and now am at 128; currently training for my first marathon in October. Losing weight is not easy but it also isn't as hard as so many people think it is. Truly, half the battle is making that decision to lead a healthier life!
Original Post by: runnerchick69Great job! I started out at 230 and now am at 128; currently training for my first marathon in October. Losing weight is not easy but it also isn't as hard as so many people think it is. Truly, half the battle is making that decision to lead a healthier life!
Seriously! I've lost 38 lbs. since late July. Yes, I've had to make some changes in food consumption, but I don't feel deprived or get tempted to make bad choices very often. I wouldn't say it's really been hard at all. The hardest part is just making commitment to change your life. Once you do, it's amazing how easily everything can fall into place!
Original Post by: pushbuttonkittyOriginal Post by: runnerchick69Great job! I started out at 230 and now am at 128; currently training for my first marathon in October. Losing weight is not easy but it also isn't as hard as so many people think it is. Truly, half the battle is making that decision to lead a healthier life!
Seriously! I've lost 38 lbs. since late July. Yes, I've had to make some changes in food consumption, but I don't feel deprived or get tempted to make bad choices very often. I wouldn't say it's really been hard at all. The hardest part is just making commitment to change your life. Once you do, it's amazing how easily everything can fall into place!
Great job! For me the biggest gift I gave my body was giving up fast food We were eating it a few times a week and it was killing us! The first 40 or so practically melted off. The last 50 plus were not quite as easy but they weren't that hard either. I added in more fruits/vegetables and added in running. Sure I hit points where my weight loss would slow or stall but it always restarted. I just wish people didn't have this idea that all you eat when you are losing weight is carrot sticks because that couldn't be further from the truth! I still eat all my favorite foods but I have found healthier ways to make them and they taste better then ever before! When people ask me how I lost my weight I always say the same thing, I didn't go on a diet I changed how I live and that means a healthy diet and exercise...I guess they think I have some kind of magic pill LOL
Original Post by: runnerchick69Original Post by: pushbuttonkittyOriginal Post by: runnerchick69Great job! I started out at 230 and now am at 128; currently training for my first marathon in October. Losing weight is not easy but it also isn't as hard as so many people think it is. Truly, half the battle is making that decision to lead a healthier life!
Seriously! I've lost 38 lbs. since late July. Yes, I've had to make some changes in food consumption, but I don't feel deprived or get tempted to make bad choices very often. I wouldn't say it's really been hard at all. The hardest part is just making commitment to change your life. Once you do, it's amazing how easily everything can fall into place!
Great job! For me the biggest gift I gave my body was giving up fast food
I actually eat more now than I did before I lost the weight, I just eat better. And I haven't given up things I truly love, I just enjoy them in moderation and keep them for special occasions. I always exercised, but I didn't start reaping the full benefits of it until I adjusted my nutritional intake.
Thank you for all of the positive comments! If you'd like to read more about how I lost the weight and am keeping it off, visit my blog LauraJayne at http://laurajayneparson.blogspot.com/ for more!
Original Post by: pushbuttonkittyOriginal Post by: runnerchick69Original Post by: pushbuttonkittyOriginal Post by: runnerchick69Great job! I started out at 230 and now am at 128; currently training for my first marathon in October. Losing weight is not easy but it also isn't as hard as so many people think it is. Truly, half the battle is making that decision to lead a healthier life!
Seriously! I've lost 38 lbs. since late July. Yes, I've had to make some changes in food consumption, but I don't feel deprived or get tempted to make bad choices very often. I wouldn't say it's really been hard at all. The hardest part is just making commitment to change your life. Once you do, it's amazing how easily everything can fall into place!
Great job! For me the biggest gift I gave my body was giving up fast food
I actually eat more now than I did before I lost the weight, I just eat better. And I haven't given up things I truly love, I just enjoy them in moderation and keep them for special occasions. I always exercised, but I didn't start reaping the full benefits of it until I adjusted my nutritional intake.
Omygosh! I wish I could paste this conversation on my forehead!! lol...
Every time I see someone who hasn't seen me in a few months I hear all about how I've been starving myself, I never eat ANYthing anymore (right?!?), on and on and on...
I have never eaten so much food before in my life! And since June '09 I've lost 111 lbs!! I still have about 6-7 lbs to go, but like my husband always says, I'm only doing this for myself, not for anyone else's benefit.
The greatest feeling in the world is going down from a size 2X to a Medium in Ladies' ... or a size 22 in women's jeans to a Levi's slender fit size 10! I even bought a pair of "skinny" jeans the other day!! (I might only wear them around the house, lol, but what could possibly be better than that?!?)
Nowadays, I am laughing all the way to the kitchen... 
...
I know, people don't get it. They either ask if I'm on drugs or if I'm starving myself. For one, if I was starving myself I wouldn't be losing so much weight because my body would cling to every calorie I consumed, but secondly, I don't just look thinner, I look better. My hair, nails, skin everything- not just my body size. The only way to achieve that is by proper nutrition. And I'm constantly eating, they should see that. I've either got a yogurt or a piece of fruit or a whole wheat wrap spread with hummus or baba ghanouj in my hand, it should be fairly obvious that I'm not starving! I can eat 'till I pop and still sometimes not reach my caloric minimum for the day because what I ate was so healthy. I can't imagine going back to my old eating habits ever again, but people just don't listen. They assume I'm on some sort of self-inflicted torture slash deprivation campaign. The problem is they want to look how I look and still drink a six pack of beer every day, or eat McDonald's five times a week, and never exercise. Ain't gonna happen!
I had to laugh @ a family member whom I only see once or twice a year; she had everyone over a couple of months ago, promising dinner, etc., & when we showed up, exclaimed "You don't eat anymore anyways, so it doesn't matter to you that dinner is being served late!" Well, by 10:30 pm, we had to leave to pick up our daughter from work, still had not eaten a thing but a couple of small appetizers...& when I went to say "good-bye" she was still saying, "Well, since you don't eat, I guess it's ok that dinner is being served right when you're ready to leave!" Excuse me?!? First of all, who eats dinner @ 11 pm?? LOL...
Since I had saved about 500 calories for that "party" I ate like a pig when we got home. 
And I still lost weight that week!!
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