Happier Than I've Ever Been
Removing unhealthy foods from her diet and starting a strict workout routine was the solution for Pianowoman08 in battling her weight loss and food addiction. She has now lost 91 lbs and continues to count calories, engage in daily exercise and is well on her way in achieving her goal weight.
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?
After a summer of nonstop candy and take-out, I hopped on the scale to see what kind of damage I'd done. When I saw 231.4, something inside me clicked. Despite all of my failed weight loss attempts in the past, I knew this time I was ready. I knew I would never see that number again. I immediately went to the grocery store and bought all new food, and began my journey.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I tried Alli for a little but the side effects were miserable. Besides that, I always concocted strange diet "plans" that were set up for failure, mainly starvation diets. Eventually I would give up, because nothing I ever tried was a healthy lifestyle change and sustainable forever.
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 reached my weight loss goal through disciplined calorie counting and exercising. I plan out my meal plan at least a day in advance so there are no calorie surprises at the end of the day. My overall diet is a lot healthier, but I was still allow a "treat" if it fits into my daily calorie allotment. I workout 5-6 days a week doing a variety of things: cardio, strength training, and classes (becoming a spin addict!). In general, I make it a point to be more active and spend less time sitting down. The most important change I could possibly make was EDUCATING myself! I spent a lot of time (still do!) researching everything from calorie intake to specific exercises.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count is an AMAZING resource! While I often utilized the log, calculators, and the extensive food browser, the most significant tool on this website for me has been the forums. The forums are full of friendly and helpful people who are going through a similar journey, or have "been there, done that!" A lot of the useful information I received was from the first-hand accounts of other members. Calorie Count has truly helped me stay committed to this process!
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
I fight everyday with my addictive relationship with food. I have no problem going to the gym or pushing myself, but I've had to learn other coping mechanisms than turning to food. I've made mistakes along the way, but the most important thing is that I've always gotten back on the wagon.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I saw results about a month in, when my pants started to not fit anymore. I realized I was a success when I ran into a friend who had not seen me since I started losing weight...and he literally did not RECOGNIZE me!
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I remind myself how far I've come. I look at old pictures, and don't even recognize the person I was for my entire life. Also, I've donated ALL of my bigger clothes. I think keeping them around would almost give me "permission" to gain the weight back. I won't be going back. I am way too determined.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My life has changed dramatically. I feel more confident and less anxious about social situations. I can shop in any store that I please. I have collarbones and hip bones...I had never seen those before. I can cross my legs. I can walk up a flight of stairs and not be red in the face and embarrassed because I can't breathe. I can wrap a towel around me...any towel. I could go on forever. The best change has been my attitude. I am happier than I've ever been!
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I'm still in the process of losing. About 15-20 lbs until my "goal," which may change the closer I get. I'm less concerned with the number on the scale, and more so with my body fat percentage!
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Don't let a minor setback discourage you and derail your efforts! One "cheat day" does NOT have to turn into a cheat week, unless you let it!
- Craving food but not actually hungry? Chew gum, drink hot tea, brush your teeth, take a walk! Distract yourself!
- Schedule in your exercise just like you schedule your job or classes, with the same level of importance. I've found doing this makes exercising feel like less of an "option!" I'd also recommend doing it in the early morning if at all possible - that way, you can't spend the rest of your day talking yourself out of it!
- DRINK YOUR WATER! Lots of it. Carry around a water bottle with you at all times! Cut out all empty liquid calories such as soda and juices. Way too much sugar and extremely high in calories! (Plus, wouldn't you rather *eat* your calories?)
- You have the power, at any time, right this second even, to decide you want to change your life and never look back. What's so significant about next week, tomorrow, or January 1st? Why not now?
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 was really touched by your story! Thanks for sharing it. I have about 10 kilos to loose but that seems difficult with my addiction to food! I want to start right now!
You look amazing and have done so well. Congratulations on your success! Can't wait to hear when you get to start maintaining...thats when the fun begins (and the stress of working out what you can and can't eat then :P)
Well done, you are so very inspirational, I wish I had figured out the whole being healthy thing when I was as young as you!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR STORY! Thank you for talking about your addiction to food. I think so many of us know what we SHOULD eat but our addiction gets in the way. I'm starting today........you're so right. Why wait for Jan 1st?
I highly recommend that anyone wondering about calorie intake/expenditure or about how their bodies process food...pick up a nutrition book! This is the only thing that has ever given me insight in how our body processes food. I have been able to figure out my basal metabolic rate (how many calories you need just to lie in bed all day), and understand what I need to do to lose weight. I also learned the basics of meal planning, and understanding what types of nutrients I need and how often during the day or week I need them. Now, it is easier to use calorie count to plan my weekly or daily menus, because I know what I need to fill them up with! For example, I am unable to do good cardio work due to a broken ankle, so I am on a 1200 kcal diet. I just started, and can't get on the scale either, but I never expected to be able to throw out all the "Dr recommended diets", and dispense with unhealthy high protein diets, and really do what I need to accomplish my goal. The book I used in my nutrition class was "understanding nutrition" by Whitney. If you can, take a nutrition class at your local community college. It will open your eyes!
Way to go Pianowoman08 Sheila!!! Keep up the great work. Health is the greatest gift you can give yourself. You ROCK!!!
And, to respond to k grace, you can do this. enter your height and desired weight on CC and it will calculate your calories for you! Good Luck!!!
I needed this (your wonderful story) after pigging out over the weekend and exceeding my daily calorie intake...
Congratulations, Pianowoman08! You look beautiful! Keep it up with your journey and I hope you reach your goal very soon with flying colors!
I LOVE your five tips! You are right on the money with every single one of them. You've done a fantastic job!
I really appreciate people like you who put themselves out there and share thier success stories. Thanks for the motivation and "Way to Go" :)
You glow with pride and happiness. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your inspiring story!
You have the power, at any time, right this second even, to decide you want to change your life and never look back. What's so significant about next week, tomorrow, or January 1st? Why not now?
My favourite tip of your five, thank you for this it's so right and anyone that's thinking of doing, just do it!!! You really can :)
The only other info I'm curious about is her height and age. Other than that, nice job. You look very pretty now. 
You were always pretty. Now you're happy and radiant! I am so impressed and send my congratulations for all your smart, hard work. You Go Girl!
Happiness something very hard to achieve, but its there!! just like everything in life you have to work hard at it nobody is going to give it to you!
congratulations!! you look great and keep working!!
I have the pleasure of knowing pianowoman08 in "real" life. When she started her first day at her job, a place where i'm a frequent client, I naturally did my due diligence by checking out the "new girl" It took a two second once over and what came to mind was "oh a new cute young chick". Never in a million years would I have ever thought that pianowoman08 was ever that heavy or had issues with food. Over the next few months, I got to talking with her and learned her success story. It is amazing and I give her so much credit. I will tell you that she is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and quickly has become one of my favorite staff members :) Congrats and keep up the great work!!!
Good luck! :-)
truly inspiring blog, thanks for motivating me today!
Thank you so much for posting this! I feel extremely inspired, after a 3-day , self-sabotaging food binge, to get "back on the wagon." I am 15 pounds down from my heaviest and determined to keep going. Thanks for all your supportive words and advice, and congratulations!
I've read everyone's comments and I am so touched by all of the kind words. Thank you so much! It's unbelievable (and sad) just how many people can relate to the food addiction. Excluding medical reasons, I don't believe anyone becomes morbidly obese by accident or because they "like food." Once I acknowledged the fact that I was self-medicating with food and the reasons behind it, I was able to make changes to my lifestyle. Please feel free to message me - I'm definitely no expert, but I'd love to help in any way possible. Good luck to everyone!!
"Craving food but not actually hungry? Chew gum, drink hot tea, brush your teeth, take a walk! Distract yourself" - Thank you for saying this! This happens to me all the time and sometimes I just don't know how to walk away from the cravings. Sometimes I think I just want to chew.
Congrats on your success!
yeah! forget liquid calories :p. lol!
i looked at your pics & you've always been a pretty girl but i'm glad you feel that way too now & i'm glad you're healthy & happy. good luck & keep up the good work!
Congratulations and Thank you for sharing your story! I have been successful at less than 1200 a day since Nov 1 with only 8 lbs loss and then this weekend we went out of town - what was I thinking, I threw all my calorie counting out the window and am now up 4 lbs. With your post it helps motivate me to get back on the wagon and LOSE!!! I know I can beat this if I just keep working at it one day at a time. Thanks again! You Look Great !!!!
You are a great inspiration. I have also started on what I keep calling a non-diet, but my new way of life. Although I am just starting my journey ( I have 60 pounds to get to my goal) I am so impressed by your story and find it very much that positive thinking that I need right now. Thanks so much for sharing...maybe someday I too can submit my story to help inspire others!
Good luck on your continued good health and habits!
@ member 1212: Really? Who says, "u look nice now." Comments like that is what leads ppl to believ that somehow they're not ok the way they (we) are. Sheila has done a stellar job losing weight however, she always looked nice. Does anyone get what I'm saying?
Yes, take care of urselves, keep a healthy weight, exercise, eat healthy but u are beautiful...all of u...all of us...as we are. Forgive the rant. U are amazing Sheila then & now.
I said this yesterday, that I read one of these everyday, and it's basically one of my motivations for the day. Your story has inspired me once again this morning to be a better person and take care of myself.
I also feel the same way you do, but I guess have never really been able to explain it, I look at old pictures and I realize I didn't know who I had been for most of my life, even though most of it, the people had grown up around me, so they had gotten used to the ever growing me. I look at myself now, and I feel better, I'm thinking better, and I'm getting way more good grades, all bcause I made a couple small changes a year ago. It's paid off tremendously in the long run. 45 pounds and still going!
-Coley
Lol, I had to laugh when you talked about seeing collarbones and hipbones, and crossing your legs. So true, so true!! These things were amazing to me also, like: "Hello! Where've you been for so long!" Enjoy your success, you've earned it!!
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thank you so much for sharing this with us. I am sitting at 220lb and hating every min of it. I also have a very unhealthy relationship with food, and am lazy to cook so easy is alwasy on my list and easy is never healthy.
Your story has motivated me to make changes. If you dont mind me asking? what is your daily calorie intake for the day, or what did you start with in the beginning. I am never too sure if i am taking in enough or too little.
Keep it up and cant wait to have another story from you once you have reached your goal.