Happier Than I've Ever Been
After an emotional layoff and a humiliating run as a bridesmaid in a grossly unflattering dress, Lexi realized that she’d hit rock bottom, and that something had to change, and fast. She joined Calorie Count and started logging every single food she would consume and by counting one calorie at a time she's successfully lost 122lbs. Lexi was featured on the Today Show's Joy Fit Club - Congratulations Lexi!
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 think the most painful part of being overweight was the shame of it all. Every day was a new start to a new diet, only to end with failure, mostly a binge after all the diet deprivation, then a promise to start again tomorrow. I couldn’t take looking at myself anymore and the disgust I felt when I looked in the mirror. Disgust not only for the fat on the person I saw but also for what that person was doing behind closed doors. After an emotional layoff from my first job, my weight peaked at a whopping 253lbs. At that point I had given up on myself, thinking I wasn't worth it. I pretty much barricaded myself in my house, only going out for the essentials, mainly food. I hid from social engagements, because I had nothing I could fit into, and because I was way too ashamed, too guilty, to let people see what I had become.
When my cousin asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, it sounded to me like a fate worse than death. Not only would I have to come out of seclusion, but I would have to showcase my weight gain in a gown and have it forever captured in pictures. After seeing those photos, I couldn't take the guilt anymore. I tried something a little different. Instead of telling myself what I couldn’t eat, which only made me want it even more, I just gave myself a calorie limit. Once I reached that limit I was done for the day. Because I had been a quantity eater, I started to make healthier choices because those were the foods I could eat more of. I started to log everything I ate on CalorieCount.com. And thus, slowly but surely, a diet turned into a lifestyle change. At first it was hard with other people telling me to “cheat this once” or even making me feel like I was being rude if I didn’t partake in whatever food-related social event was going on, but eventually I realized that what I was doing was more important than instant gratification or pleasing others. I would have to stand hard if I wanted to succeed.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I've tried every diet under the sun, from the depriving cleanse diets to cutting out carbs, diary, everything. If I lost anything on these diets, it was quickly gained back after my will power gave up.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
First I started by simply giving myself a calorie cutoff and logging what I ate on Calorie Count. With that alone I started losing weight within the first couple of weeks. Once I hit my first weight loss plateau, I incorporated the low-fat aspect to lowered calorie intake. To break through the next plateau, I added more fiber to my diet and less sodium. Little by little I was changing my diet for the better without even really realizing exactly what I was doing, I just wanted to keep on losing weight so I kept on incorporating different things. After a year and a half I have been able to lose over a 120lbs. I now eat a very low-fat, low-calorie diet, but the aspect that is most important I would say is that I stay away from any food that is processed. If it’s from God’s green earth, it’s for me. Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is always a good idea, however, being careful with cheeses and processed meats.
Instant gratification is a tough thing to deal with, as temptation is all around, but knowing where you came from and the feelings it brought for you helps to get you through. Especially hard is the fact that most social engagements in today’s society revolve around food. The best advice I think I’ve heard is, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” In other words you have to be ready for situations where you know eating will be a challenge. For example, if you know you’re going to a family function where there is going to be lots of temping food, strategize in advance what you are going to partake in (and in what amount) and what you are going to stay far away from. Or perhaps cook a healthy dish for everyone to enjoy where you know the ingredients going into the meal. If you are planning to go to a restaurant, look up the kinds of food they serve in advance and plan to make substitutions for things that aren’t healthy.
Most importantly know who you can count on for support (for me that was my family) and who you know will (most likely unintentionally) try and temp you or guilt you into eating poorly.
Instead of focusing on the tremendous weight I had to lose, I set my sights on smaller accomplishments. If you have an obsessive mind like mine, it helped me to reroute those obsessive thought and behavior patterns, and channel them into something conducive to your weight loss, such as an activity you enjoy or finding new healthy recipes to try.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie Count not only made me accountable for what I was eating, but it helped in giving me boundaries. On previous diets, it was all about what I couldn't eat, and of course, after a while, that's all I wanted to eat. It would always end in failure and a binge. At first, with Calorie Count, it was simply staying within a certain amount of calories. That I could stick with because I could eat whatever I wanted, but once I reached that calorie max, I was done. After I a while, I was automatically choosing healthier foods, because those are the foods with the fewer calories, i.e., I could eat more of them. With the nutrient analysis, I could also see the nutrients I was lacking and those I was overindulging in. Now I can't live a day without it.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
I’ve been heavy all my life, so growing up, I was always heavier than kids my own age and it was something I was constantly aware of. There was even a point upon first entering middle school where I taped around my stomach with packing tape in order to hide my belly for a school dance. Teases and staring shied me further away from the social atmosphere a kid is supposed to thrive in. As I got older, I didn’t dare think that anyone could be interested in me let alone want a relationship with me. Who could possibly look beyond the fat when I myself couldn’t stand it?
Food was always a solution to everything for me. Happy, sad, bored, what have you, I ate. And the food addiction drove me to have binges that consisted of thousands of calories in a matter of minutes. Being from Hispanic origin, comfort and social engagements often revolved around food, but unfortunately I always took it to inconceivable levels. Of course the guilt would consume me afterwards, but guilt led me to eat more, and so the deadly cycle thrived.
I tried to eat similarly to whomever I was with so as not to bring attention to myself, but when I was alone was when I did most of the damage. When I would binge I would have huge portions of anything I could get my hands on, whether it would be junk food or even something more on the healthy side, I would eat huge quantities of it, and even though I knew what I was doing and I kept telling myself to just STOP, I couldn’t stop the frenzy. I was so out of control; I didn’t know how to stop. I saw my life escalating out of control and I felt I couldn’t take hold of my life anymore.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
When I first started simply counting calories, I started seeing results within a couple of weeks. I hit plateaus, but slight changes and figuring out healthier choices that worked for me, I was able to break through them.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
I realized I was a success, honestly, when Calorie Count contacted me about the being on the Today Show. That moment really hit me that, after 24 years of being overweight and the struggle to overcome my food addiction, I had done it.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
Plan, plan, plan. Surprises are the easiest way for me to slip up. And if I am in a surprise situation where I can't help a tempting environment I think about how I felt before I lost the weight.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I feel so much more alive! I don't have to hide in my house anymore! I no longer have to feel like my life is passing me by, I can live it now!
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Log everything you eat.
- Plan ahead.
- Lean on your support system when you're having trouble.
- Stay away from processed foods.
- Allow yourself "less healthy" foods, but in moderation and make sure you factor them into your calorie/nutrient limit.
Comments
Congratulations! Way to go! One thing that you did not mention was exercise... did you have a plan?
I was hoping to find you here on Calorie Count. I saw you on the Today Show and I wanted to tell you how much you inspired me. I had already made up my mind to lose weight but was not sure how to go about it. I was trying another website for a couple of days but was not on board 100%. Then I saw you and learned about Calorie Count.
First, let me tell you that I really related to your story. The photos, oh my! When you see yourself in a photo and you cannot believe it's you and all you want to do is hide behind a table when the cameras come out. But thank God for photos because I think they often spur people into action because they do not lie.
Second, thank you for directing me to this website. I really like the way it analyzes what you eat and lets you know what you're doing well and what you can improve upon. I feel like I was meant to watch the show yesterday just so I could see you. You are a beautiful young women and believe me when I say that your story has inspired people. I'm excited now and feel like I have the tools and support to get the job done and live a healthy life.
Thanks, Lexi!
WOW! Congrats! I wholeheartedly agree about planning! A few extra steps in advance can make all of the difference! Also great tip...
Allow yourself "less healthy" foods, but in moderation and make sure you factor them into your calorie/nutrient limit.
Thanks for sharing your story! I lost 120 in 2010 and hoping to keep it off this year! Great inspiration you have given! Congrats again!
Chris
see my profile for a link to my blog
Congratulations, you look wonderful! I also am curious about your fitness routine. Was there any particular exercise you did?
I have also been following your same methods since the end of August and have lost 50+ pounds (not sure exactly - I weigh myself every 6 weeks - this Friday is the day). However, I found Calorie Count very inadequate. My Fitness Pal has a much better food database IMHO. But no mater what website you use, it still comes down to logging your food and counting calories. Very happy to learn of your success.
Congratulations! That is a tremendous accomplishment. What, if any, exercise did you use as part of your weight loss?
Congratulations lexi - this is incredible!!! I love how you came to learn that eating healthier unprocessed foods allowed you to eat more calories & led you to changing your diet. I am reading Dr. Joel Furhman's Eat to Live and it talks about the exact same concepts. It's a great read that I recommend for additional & ongoing motivation.
Hi, Just wanted to let you know how beautiful you look. You inspired me to find calorie count and start keeping track of what I eat. I have lost 90 pounds in the last 16 months but have started slowing down and not holding myself accountable. I needed a tool like this. Thank you for sharing your story.
This is how I found caloriecount.com. Saw you on The Today Show. THANKS for the inspiration.
I didn't grow up heavy, like you, but the job I had leading up to my layoff in 2009 overworked me to the point where I literally had no time to go to the gym, and it was so stressful that my husband and I turned to food as an outlet. This continued for a while after my layoff, during which we watched our finances shrink and employers weren't exactly beating down our door. (My husband was unable to find work as well.) Then we decided that if we were going to be poor, at least we'd be in shape. Bouncing back from a layoff with weight loss is much more difficult than it sounds, because of the stress and the depression, and I admire you so much for losing so much weight during such a difficult time! You look like an entirely different girl.
Hi, Lexi ~
Thanks for sharing your story with us! The thing that stuck in my mind about your story is that with all of the tools and planning and help you received, the thing that made it happen was your inner strength ! It was there all of the time and just needed a little help. From now on you can look back and think, " If I could do that, I can do ANYTHING! "
Congratulations ~ You're an inspiration to all of us!
Melissa
Wow, you are totally amazing!!! Congratulation =D
I've seen and read some amazing and inspring stories here on CC but I find Sheila's story VERY inspiring. If I could ask her or anyone else a question about their weight loss it would be how they mentally and perhaps physically deal with their body changing shapes as they loose their weight?
I guess I'm lucky, if you can call it that, I've only got about 50-60 pounds that I need to loose to be at a healthier weight but as soon as I even loose 5 lb.s I get disgusted with how I look...I guess I'm more comfortable being rounded versus flabby. I'm sure some might put this down to denial but watching my belly start to fold or lap over is depressing.
Does this make sense to anyone and how did you overcome those negative feelings?
Will some of the loose fat and flab fade eventually or is this something that will need surgery to correct?
Thanks for any answers.
Original Post by: lizzerbCongratulations! Way to go! One thing that you did not mention was exercise... did you have a plan?
Advertising is how the site is paid. Quit complaining:)
Wow! Terrific, inspiring story. Thanks for sharing it and the good, sound advice. Your strategies make a lot of sense.
Original Post by: starmontageEnough with the advertising!
Hey, guys!
First of all I want to thank you guys sooo much for all the support, wow!
I know a few of you asked about exercise. I must admit I wasn't consistent with exercise at first. But I always tried to do a combination of at least some cardio and some weight lifting. But the you need to do what makes YOU happy. If you do something you enjoy, you'll stick with it. And really as long as you're moving, that's all you need to get your body kicking with burning those calories and fats. If you're not sure what to do, or are apprehensive to start, walk. Walk for 30min a day. That's all. No more no less. With nursing school and a job, it's hard to find the time, but in all honesty you have to MAKE the time. I think the best advice I can give concerning that is to do it as soon as you get up in the morning; that way you can't make any excuses. Just get it done and out of the way before you start your day, and it actually makes you so much more energized for the rest of the day!
xiaoqinallj- I can totally relate. After losing 124lbs, I definitely have that extra skin, which can really get me down, but I have to remember where I came from. I would much rather be in the position I am now, extra skin and all, than 253lbs and hiding in my house. I know that's not the answer you want to here, but one thing I've learned is that happiness is all about your attitude and how you react to things. You can shape them all if you just put yourself in the right mindset and not allow those negative feelings in to torment you. Easier said than done, I know, but give it shot. Cleanse that mental palate, hahaha.
My love to you all, and feel free to message me with anymore questions!
Lexi
Original Post by: pd0219I've seen and read some amazing and inspring stories here on CC but I find Sheila's story VERY inspiring. If I could ask her or anyone else a question about their weight loss it would be how they mentally and perhaps physically deal with their body changing shapes as they loose their weight?
I guess I'm lucky, if you can call it that, I've only got about 50-60 pounds that I need to loose to be at a healthier weight but as soon as I even loose 5 lb.s I get disgusted with how I look...I guess I'm more comfortable being rounded versus flabby. I'm sure some might put this down to denial but watching my belly start to fold or lap over is depressing.
Does this make sense to anyone and how did you overcome those negative feelings?
Will some of the loose fat and flab fade eventually or is this something that will need surgery to correct?
Thanks for any answers.
After losing 120 pounds, I had the same problem. What I did during the process was focus on the parts of my body that were looking fabulous: face, arms, bottom, back, legs - there's a lot of good things that happen! I had skin around my tummy that I eventually had removed with surgery, but there are many, many good things to focus on (not even mentioning your heart and joints that are doing so much better.) Get your head in the game an focus on the positive! Offered with love.
Congratulations. This is my first day, and I hope that someday I will be like you, you look wonderful
I just wanted to pop in one more time to thank Lexi and "thunderloud" for answering my question. Its hard to imagine you have any extra "anything" let alone extra skin Lexi, you do look beautiful and ever so petite! Both of you should be very proud of what you've accomplished and how your inspiring others to do the same.
I promise to continue to focus on the good and get my head in the game (well said). Its great to have such inspiring people and stories here on CC to motivate the rest of us to get it moving.
Thanks again all
Original Post by: starmontageEnough with the advertising!
I appreciate that Calorie Count is a free website. They couldn't be that way if they didn't have advertisements.
You willing to pony up monthly fees instead?
Original Post by: pd0219I've seen and read some amazing and inspring stories here on CC but I find Sheila's story VERY inspiring. If I could ask her or anyone else a question about their weight loss it would be how they mentally and perhaps physically deal with their body changing shapes as they loose their weight?
I guess I'm lucky, if you can call it that, I've only got about 50-60 pounds that I need to loose to be at a healthier weight but as soon as I even loose 5 lb.s I get disgusted with how I look...I guess I'm more comfortable being rounded versus flabby. I'm sure some might put this down to denial but watching my belly start to fold or lap over is depressing.
Does this make sense to anyone and how did you overcome those negative feelings?
Will some of the loose fat and flab fade eventually or is this something that will need surgery to correct?
Thanks for any answers.
Hi pd, I am in about your same boat as far as weight to lose. I have lost weight successfully before with Weight Watchters...and I wanted to assure you that your skin will tighten up! You HAVE TO GIVE IT TIME. I also recommend wearing a supportive undergarment of some sort during your weight loss journey. I figure it's telling my skin and flesh where it's now supposed to be....can't hurt, right? Also of utmost importance is muscle toning. I truly believe that helps get things in the right place. If you get your cardio and crunches in, you'll be amazed. IMHO surgery is not generally something that people with 50 lbs to lose end up needing. It's when they lose 100 + that the skin isn't quite able to snap back. (And some of those end up not needing surgery either...darned genetics...)
I am a regular attendee at an aerobics class with strength training. Even at my worst I still don't look THAT bad, because I am in decent shape under my chub.
Best of luck to you - hang in there and be strong.
You have inspired me to take it one day at a time. And you have introduced this site to me and I love you for that. Way to be an insperation!! You look great. I am overweight and it is a constant battle. I have gotton the weight off before but it comes back when I quit whatever fad diet I am on. I believe that I can loose and manage the weight with this site one day at a time. Wish me luck. Thanks again!
Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement! It is so good to hear others thoughts and experiences. The extra skin/flabbiness question was just one question that has been bugging me but I never saw anyone talk about. ..its a relief to hear how others have actually dealt with it.
Thank you again! PD
Lexi,
Congratulations. How many calories were you allowed to consume per day? And what length of time did it take you to lose the weight?
I started a new lifestyle of daily exercise, and am blessed to have found Calorie Count. My goal is to lose 100 pounds. I'm looking forward to posting my success story later this year. I'm hoping that building some muscle mass will help the appearance of flabby skin.
Original Post by: jjackson2011Lexi,
Congratulations. How many calories were you allowed to consume per day? And what length of time did it take you to lose the weight?
I started a new lifestyle of daily exercise, and am blessed to have found Calorie Count. My goal is to lose 100 pounds. I'm looking forward to posting my success story later this year. I'm hoping that building some muscle mass will help the appearance of flabby skin.
Hey, Jjackson2011!
I would utilize the calorie estimator on the website, bc everyone is different. It depends on your height, weight, daily activity, and few other things if I recall. If you restrict too much, you're body will hold onto calories rather than burn them, so you want to make sure you're getting the right amount of calories.
Congratulations on your amazing start! You can do this, and if you need any other help at all, you let me know! It took me about one year to lose most of the weight, but of course the lighter you get the harder it is to lose, so to reach my final goal, it was about a year and a half later. I'm sure I'll be reading about you and your success much sooner!
P.S. Daily exercise is always good, and incorporating weight training in addition to cardio is THE best thing you can do. The combo really helps to burn fat and calories, so if you could alternate on most days of the week, you will be golden! And unfortunately, sometimes if you loose weight too fast for your skin to adapt, extra skin hanging is a consequence, but building muscle mass can help.
All the best, and keep in touch!!!
Lexi
Lexi, I am so glad I saw you on the Today Show. I started today and I have found I had set my goals to low for my size in order to stay healthy. I have also surprised myself to be blogging. I have started my diet today and I reached my goal of 1,300 calories today and I am not hungry. I will start exercising in the AM. I will meet my goal in one year. Thank you for having such great courage.
I agree!! I was so glad to see your story on the Today Show. I would have never known about this website without it. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Congrats on your success. I can't wait until mine!!!!!!!!
What a great testimonial! The pictures day it all. WOW!
I am re-inspired! I have to carry a food log withi me because I sometimes eat out or at friend's homes. So, I use a Little Black Book-Daily Food Diary that fits in my purse. I am well on my way toward my goals! Short, monthly goals, then adjust as needed. I cannot tell you how important it is to log what you eat. Pre-plan with strategic grocery shopping and viola! CONGRATULATIONS Lexi and all others who are doing it!!!
wow! now you are so beautiful. I wish I could be as good as you. I'll make you as one of my inspirations in losing this 20 lbs :)
Original Post by: heidibee23Original Post by: starmontageEnough with the advertising!
I appreciate that Calorie Count is a free website. They couldn't be that way if they didn't have advertisements.
You willing to pony up monthly fees instead?
I agree, heidibee23. I am very grateful to have found CC. It is a fantastic and FREE resource for everyone to use.
Advertising pays the upkeep of this site, duh!
Congrats, lexi, you are inspiring.
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