My Hard Work is Paying Off!
Munching through multiple takeaways a day was a key factor in Echosdream’s weight gain. She took control of her unhealthy lifestyle by becoming vegetarian, removing processed foods from her diet and adding daily exercise. In her story she shares her tips that have helped her lose those 28lbs, which makes her feel healthier and happier.
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?
There were many factors. I've struggled with my weight since elementary school, but aside from a short time in high school, I never seriously decided to go for the body I want in life.
Three years ago, however, I decided I wanted to turn toward a healthier lifestyle which began with becoming vegetarian permanently. Once I went vegetarian, the new healthy lifestyle followed, which is the life I live today. At the same time, my best friend had become engaged in 2008, and I was determined to fit into a size 6 gorgeous bridesmaid gown as her Maid of Honor, one year later. Her wedding date gave me an actual goal date, which I think really helped.
But really, my weight loss journey was never about losing weight so much as I just wanted to feel more energized, healthy, fit, and confident about my body!
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I've tried the 3-day 10lb Kaiser "diet" many times, Slim Fast, and many years ago I got in better shape in high school by simply exercising daily and eating only when I was really hungry and stopping right before I was full. I tried cutting out sweets and soda, but I never really stuck to anything, and I never went for a permanent lifestyle, diet change, and very rarely did my plans include enough exercise. No wonder nothing I tried was consistent!
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 had gone vegetarian when I was 19 and lasted 8 months before I stopped, but I actually GAINED then, so becoming vegetarian wasn't enough and I knew it was possible to be unhealthy and still not eat meat. I read the book Skinny Bitch when a friend lent it to me which really woke me up, and realized I needed to cut out all soda, processed foods, drink more water, and eat a LOT more fruits and vegetables. I'd been eating junk for too long.
I started using CC for awhile without results because I didn't stick to entering my foods all the time, and I'd go on and off between counting. Eventually I began using it consistently and really making sure I stuck to an amount of calories that would burn 3500 cal/week.
I stopped eating out--I had been in a long term relationship where I ate out multiple times a day, daily, and I gained SO much because of that--I started only eating at home for the most part, and if I did eat out I chose something healthy or ate half of my plate. I also stopped eating processed foods whenever possible. My fridge and pantry became stocked with whole foods.
My attitude change was instrumental as well. I was making a lifestyle change to eat healthy ALL the time and to be as active as possible, and it was about feeling good and keeping my body clean of crap I used to put into it. And if I had a bad day or ate too much at any point, it didn't matter; I'd start over the next day. Changing my perspective from wanting to look good to wanting to FEEL good resulted in looking AND feeling good.
The biggest thing I did, aside from changing my attitude, was exercise! I started running (something I have always hated!) and entered my very first 5K race--last year I ran FOUR 5K races (best time at 29 min) and one MUD RUN, which was the most fun I've had ever! A friend I knew who began running daily and dropped 60lbs in a few months was the one who inspired me to get into running. I ran 2-3x/week, advanced in belly dancing techniques, advanced my yoga practice which increased my strength, my family and I began going on 4-14 mile hikes, I got into interval fitness training with friends, exercise DVDs, and I started playing tennis again which was something I hadn't done since high school.
I am now more fit and more active than I have ever been in my life, and all this time I NEVER joined a gym. Everything I did was outdoors or in my home. I am even at the point of wanting to try new outdoor activities I'd never considered before--I'm determined to try rock climbing and surfing this summer, for example!
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count helped me control my intake by logging food, it has helped me hold myself accountable when I veered off the path I'm trying to stick to (bingeing on cookies later makes me wince when I see the calorie amount they put me over!), and actually, something I didn't anticipate was understanding more about nutrition beyond just fat and carbs.
My goal now is to always eat low-calorie healthy food that also fulfills all my daily vitamin/nutritional needs and keeps me full, and Calorie Count has done so much for teaching me about the many different aspects of health.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
The biggest difficulties were hitting plateaus where I didn't lose any more weight in spite of consistent effort, and making sure I maintained the effort without seeing results. I changed up my exercise plans at these times or increased the intensity and just kept pushing myself more and more. But the struggle was almost daily...even though I got used to restricting my calorie intake and was generally pretty good about it, getting exercise into the mix was my biggest challenge and many days I just didn't want to do it, especially running.
Luckily, my sister, mom and some friends have been on the path toward getting more active with me, so many times I had them push me when I didn't want to push myself. Also, when you have exercise planned with a friend or family member, it makes you feel bad to cancel it "just because." Making sure I had NO excuses really helped.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I saw results on myself after about 6 months. I didn't have a TON of weight to lose, so it was harder to see the change for awhile. However, after a year I really saw it, and keeping records of my measurements as I did it really helped, too.
I realized I was truly a success within these last 2-3 months. I saw a friend a few weeks ago that hadn't seen me in 2 years, and she just kept saying how different I looked, but at first didn't want to say why (that I lost weight), until admitting noticing my weight loss later. People I hadn't seen in years are telling me how great I look, people at my work (where I've only been for a little over a year!) have repeatedly told me that I look much more slim and in better shape.
SO many people have exclaimed over the change in and on me, and it feels absolutely wonderful. My hard work is paying off!
7. How do you prevent relapse?
Since May of 2009 when I started tracking measurements, I lost 5 inches around my waist, hips, and butt. I cannot believe it when I look at the numbers, and anytime I feel like I'm not getting anywhere (I still have 10-12lbs to my goal weight), or when I am dissatisfied with my size now, I look at old pictures and I look at those measurements and the size of my pants NOW and slap myself for getting down for any reason. I am SO proud of achieving what I always only talked about doing, and reminding myself of how far I've come is all I need to keep going.
I went from a size 12 to a size 4. Knowing that, alone, prevents relapse. What I've been doing is working!
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
So many ways. On the whole, I am ten times more confident about my body and about who I am because I know what I can do when I set myself to it. I have so much more energy, I get excited about trying on new clothes, about spring and summer, and I feel so healthy and strong! I cook more, I get excited about healthy recipes, exercise many times a week, have a blast getting sweaty and enjoying those endorphins, I'm strong enough to do pushups and I love participating in fun outdoor activities that I'd never had interest in before.
I am going to sign up for Yoga Teacher Training later this year, where I will make fitness truly a part of my daily life, when I begin teaching yoga!
I'm a completely new person. And of course, I am much happier.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I've been at 122 for about 2 months pretty consistently. I am still trying to get down to 115 in time for a cruise this May--a GREAT motivator, let me tell you, since I've never been on one--but my ultimate goal weight is 110, or to be in the "teens," as I am 5'2" and this would be a healthy, lean weight for my height. However, I've become more concerned about my body fat percentage as opposed to my weight, now. I don't want to be "skinny," I want to be strong and fit. I'm at 22.5% right now, and would like to reach the athletic realm of 19-20%.
My goals have changed so much since I started. At first it was 135. Then 130. Then 125. Then 115, and now 110, although I will be happy with anything between 117-110.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Log everything; be consistent in your logging and calorie intake!
- EXERCISE! Find a sport or activity that gets you excited and get into it.
- Fixate more on being healthy and active, rather than numbers.
- Never give up, even when you get off track a bit. You can always get back on. The only person you're competing with is yourself.
- Find a friend or support system to keep you motivated!
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
Hi, I am really quite inspired by your experience. I am also 5' 2'' and am currently weighing in at 139 lbs. I have never thought of myself as overweight until recently as I have hit my mid 40s and realize I am just steadily getting heavier. Like you I am really interested in the health and energy part of losing the weight and want to do this holistically. I do run - but then don't for long periods of time. I wondered about one thing. I drink a lot of milk - milky coffees, milk in cereal..... did you cut this out your diet or use an alternative?
Thanks
A
You look AWESOME!!! This makes me really want to push my self more...Being that my husband is Deployed and am new to the military facility i have no friends yet. Im currently 5'0 and am super over weight. Even though it may not show much i weight almost a staggering 196lbs!! Am so ashamed to have gotten so big am only 19 but since i got married the stress and work has me huge. Im starting my diet and exercise i suck at this calorie counting stuff i forget to log it in ALL THE TIME but am really pushing myself to see if i can look as good as you. Thats my motivation knowing anyone can do it. Thanks
-Keylee<3
Original Post by: aclementshuntHi, I am really quite inspired by your experience. I am also 5' 2'' and am currently weighing in at 139 lbs. I have never thought of myself as overweight until recently as I have hit my mid 40s and realize I am just steadily getting heavier. Like you I am really interested in the health and energy part of losing the weight and want to do this holistically. I do run - but then don't for long periods of time. I wondered about one thing. I drink a lot of milk - milky coffees, milk in cereal..... did you cut this out your diet or use an alternative?
Thanks
A
Hi A,
It is the same with me, I am turning 43 this year and started becoming heavier and heavier without really being overweight. I just wanted to gain control over my weight back and stop becoming a stiff old cow. I started Pilates and Zumba and cut out all snacks and sugary drinks. I have lost 7kg since February and feel like this time I really mean it. I had to cut out milk from my diet in my early 30s because of an allergy and I lost - believe it or not - 15 kg in a few weeks just because of that! These days I only have 1 plain goat milk yoghurt with my muesli, that's it. I drink green tea instead of coffee to avoid the milk. All the best!
Anja
Yes, I have to agree with everyone you look fantastic! Kudos on eliminating the processed foods from your diet! I started doing that too and going organic after watching Food, Inc. and realized that was part of the reason of my weight gain! Wow! Keep up the great work! =D
Very inspiring, thank you. I too am 5' 2" and am starting my "healthy" eating today.... I diet and exercise a lot, but have finally gotten my husband on the healthy wagon with me. Today I am 144.2... hopefully soon I can post my story as well....
Hi Echodream,
You look terrific. I loved your gallery pictures and the xcellent transformation. Keep up the good work.
Hi, you look great. Congratulations! I know how difficult this weight loss committment is. Great job and keep up the great work. Care to share- any suggestions, how many calories per day ???
awesome! Running has been a big part of my extra weight loss efforts too! Down 130 pounds and now running 10 miles +. Its amazing what our bodies can do if we try! I never ran before last year!
See my profile for a link to my blog.
Chris
Great job and story! I don't have it in me to be a full fledged vegetarian, however my own meat consumption makes up 90 pct less of my diet than it did 9 months ago. You are spot on in your analysis of the impact that has had for you, along with virtually eliminating processed foods and scaling waaayyy back on eating out! The satisfaction/excitement in trying new healthy recipes you mention I can so relate to....Throw in the exercise and you have an unstoppable combination!
You look great! The results you've achieved are a testament that you have cracked the code for what it takes to truly achieve long term success in this arena!
Original Post by: leathafacewifeyYou look AWESOME!!! This makes me really want to push my self more...Being that my husband is Deployed and am new to the military facility i have no friends yet. Im currently 5'0 and am super over weight. Even though it may not show much i weight almost a staggering 196lbs!! Am so ashamed to have gotten so big am only 19 but since i got married the stress and work has me huge. Im starting my diet and exercise i suck at this calorie counting stuff i forget to log it in ALL THE TIME but am really pushing myself to see if i can look as good as you. Thats my motivation knowing anyone can do it. Thanks
-Keylee<3
I understand what you are going through. I am 5'8 and around 240- I've gained 50 lbs since I met my husband. We got married and moved to FL two days later, and within a month I became a wife, a full-time employee, and continued going to school. I was19 at the time and I'm 21 now. It is incredibly stressful, and depending on the job you have that can cotribute. I work in an office and sit on my butt all day, which is why I joined the gym accross the street from my work, my coworker and I go to the gym during our lunch and it has given me energy.
Now I have been working out at least 3 days a week for about 6 months and have not seen any weight loss, but I have built muscle and have more energy. My biggest issue is food, I become obsessed with it at times. Even though I haven't lost any weight, my motiviation is that exercizing and diet are what my body needs, period. Losing weight will come and if it doesn't, at least I am healthy.
Getting married and starting adult life without knowing anyone where you are is hard, I know, I've done it and I am still going through it. It's stressful and stress does a number on your body. But make sure that you try to do what you can to help yourself through it physically. Diet and exercise and lifestyle change is all up to you.
HI, I love your story. I have been trying really hard to become healthy and physically strong. I started rock climbing 3 years ago which motivated me to become lean and healthy as well as strong. I am 5.4 and about 118 ibs. but would really like to get my body down to 110 ibs. I was wondering if you or someone else could help me figure out how to overcome my current plateau without sacrificing more calories (I eat about 1100 calories per day). I run about 12-14 miles per week and climb. Thnx
You do look great!!!
Hi, everyone. I had my third child a year ago and I have been trying to lose weight since my first child.. LOL.. I started a week ago and have been doing pretty well. I havn't weighed myself yet manly cuase I am worrid that I will be disappointed in my weight loss. I think I am going to wait another week. I am so glad to read all of these storys cause it gives me the modivation that I need. I need to lose 50lbs and I know I will reach my goal..
I love that you have made this about getting healthy and fit, that you lost weight too is a bonus! Congrats!
thanks for this lovely, inspiraional share... i enjoyed reading it... i can totally relate. Good Luck and all the best!
What a great attitude you have! So honest and positive, I love it!
You've given me some inspiration to keep on going even though it seems my whole weight loss journey has just been one big plateau! lol
Thanks for your words, you really made my day!
~Sue
For anyone who is considering vegetarianism or veganism I highly recommend the book Skinny ****! It helped me to realize what I was putting into my body and finally become the vegetarian I always wanted to be! After all we are what we eat.
Congrats on the journey!
C
Original Post by: aclementshuntHi, I am really quite inspired by your experience. I am also 5' 2'' and am currently weighing in at 139 lbs. I have never thought of myself as overweight until recently as I have hit my mid 40s and realize I am just steadily getting heavier. Like you I am really interested in the health and energy part of losing the weight and want to do this holistically. I do run - but then don't for long periods of time. I wondered about one thing. I drink a lot of milk - milky coffees, milk in cereal..... did you cut this out your diet or use an alternative?
Thanks
A
Same here! I'm the same size and height and around the same age, and it's like the scale just keeps climbing regardless of how many salads I choke down. It's so discouraging. I guess it's the exercise factor. If I could just get myself to the gym every single night maybe I'd be able to at least keep from gaining more.
This blog was just what I needed to motivate me! I have been thinking about switching to a vegetarian lifestyle but like you mentioned, it just never became permenant. My boyfriends mother would cook lamb and I wouldn´t want to insult her by saying no thanks I am trying not to eat meat, so I just ate it and never said anything. But I feel bleh and I think it has a lot to do with the processed food and candy I keep putting in my body...plus I feel so guilty afterwards I choose not to log these sinful deeds. I think consistency is really what I have taken from your story and it´s important in a healthier lifestyle. Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck with your future goals to come :)
Thank you all for your kind comments! I am so happy to know I've inspired anyone with my story... especially since my loss hasn't been as dramatic or incredible as for others who've shared in the past.
I really just wanted to stress how great I feel rather than look, and how my relationship with food and healthy living has changed due to my decisions to make it happen. It's all about consistent effort, day by day.
Good luck to all of you. We are ALL amazing, just by being here!
Your story is inspiring! I'm 5'2 as well, so it's nice to hear about and see pictures of people at my goal weight, it's easier to visualize the possibility for myself. Thanks for the inspiration!
Original Post by: aclementshuntHi, I am really quite inspired by your experience. I am also 5' 2'' and am currently weighing in at 139 lbs. I have never thought of myself as overweight until recently as I have hit my mid 40s and realize I am just steadily getting heavier. Like you I am really interested in the health and energy part of losing the weight and want to do this holistically. I do run - but then don't for long periods of time. I wondered about one thing. I drink a lot of milk - milky coffees, milk in cereal..... did you cut this out your diet or use an alternative?
Thanks
A
Actually, although I am only vegetarian and not vegan, I don't drink milk. I eat other dairy (mostly plain, unsweetened yogurt--which I sweeten to my taste!), and I never had a problem with milk growing up but I just don't like the thickness it creates in my throat so I stopped drinking it when I became vegetarian. I also cut down most of my dairy consumption in general, because my throat gets so gross after I eat too much of it.
But yeah, so I drink almond milk and rice milk. Almost milk is delicious in my opinion, and high in nutrients and healthy fats!
Original Post by: leathafacewifeyYou look AWESOME!!! This makes me really want to push my self more...Being that my husband is Deployed and am new to the military facility i have no friends yet. Im currently 5'0 and am super over weight. Even though it may not show much i weight almost a staggering 196lbs!! Am so ashamed to have gotten so big am only 19 but since i got married the stress and work has me huge. Im starting my diet and exercise i suck at this calorie counting stuff i forget to log it in ALL THE TIME but am really pushing myself to see if i can look as good as you. Thats my motivation knowing anyone can do it. Thanks
-Keylee<3
Thank you! You know, sometimes I feel like it's harder for us shorties to lose the weight and keep it off, because when you put it on it's SO much more noticeable than if you've got 5-6 more inches to spread it out! It's very frustrating.
It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, so be patient with yourself and don't give up! But I think my success stemmed from being able to look at the big picture of being healthy and changing my relationship with food from a love/hate struggle, to only taking what I need and what my body needs, and making those small portions packed with flavor and healthy decadence. When I got stressed, I used to sit at home and do nothing. Now, I take it out by exercising, and ALWAYS feel better for it after.
The exercise is definitely key, but I think when you're starting out it's best to set the foundation of eating right and eating the right amount of calories, and then easing into working out. When I don't have time to work out, I cut calories, OR I try to be more active in smaller ways, like walking faster and getting tasks that require some physical work done with more effort, so I burn a bit more. Small stuff, but I think it helps!
Push yourself to feel good before you push yourself to look good, is my advice. Challenge yourself in exercise, and be patient. Progress will come!
Original Post by: asiajoannaHI, I love your story. I have been trying really hard to become healthy and physically strong. I started rock climbing 3 years ago which motivated me to become lean and healthy as well as strong. I am 5.4 and about 118 ibs. but would really like to get my body down to 110 ibs. I was wondering if you or someone else could help me figure out how to overcome my current plateau without sacrificing more calories (I eat about 1100 calories per day). I run about 12-14 miles per week and climb. Thnx
That is freaking awesome!! Wow, 12-14 miles a week is intense. It sounds like you're really lean, but packed with muscle, so maybe that's why you can't seem to beat your plateau? Don't forget muscle weighs more, and considering how active you seem to be... that could be it. Have you looked into your body fat percentage? IMO that's actually more important than the scale numbers.
I heard that sometimes if you change up your calorie intake or up it a little, in consideration of how active you are, you can get past a plateau. During most of my loss, I was eating between 1000 to 1300 calories a day, but usually more on the 1000 end. Recently I've gotten more active with weekly yoga and running 3x/week, plus weights the last few weeks, so I've upped to 1200 - 1400. Still working on beating my plateau. My last plateau was at 130, and I broke that by increasing the INTENSITY of my workout, not really by lowering my intake or continuing the same once-intense workout.
Good luck!
Thnx so much for your help and sharing. It makes me feel better that we have similar calorie intake and that it seems like I am on the right track. Perhaps I just need to be less focused on my weight and instead on how I feel :). Sometimes it is hard to do. Although I ran a lot it seems like my upper body gets most of the cardio benefit but my lower body is definitely less fit. I checked by body fat % on a scale (not sure how accurate those are) but it is about 19-20%. Is that OK? What should my goal be? Thank you again for posting your story. I really appreciate it and feel like I could relate to a lot of what you said. Love your gallery pictures. You look great!
Your story is the closest one I've found to me... usually the people on here are moms or started at over 200 lbs, but you appear to be in your 20s, living somewhere metropolitan and started at a weight that was overweight but not life-threatening-crazy-overweight. This is helpful to me. I am 5'3" and about a size 10 or 12... sometimes it can be hard to stick to the program because I don't truly hate the body I'm in or need to change for health reasons. I like myself the way I am but I know that dropping into a size 8 would feel amazing. I like what you said about doing it for the feeling of health and fitness rather than the feeling of seeing numbers drop on the scale. There is a bridge here in New York City that I started riding my bicycle over last summer. It's really steep and last summer it left me breathless. Then I started running in October. Now the same bridge, less than a year later, is not so hard. It's still not easy but I get over it so much faster and can feel how strong my lungs and heart are. These feelings are what keeps me going. So, thanks for your story because I feel like I can relate and grow from reading it! Good luck with your final 5-10 lbs!!
Original Post by: asiajoannaThnx so much for your help and sharing. It makes me feel better that we have similar calorie intake and that it seems like I am on the right track. Perhaps I just need to be less focused on my weight and instead on how I feel :). Sometimes it is hard to do. Although I ran a lot it seems like my upper body gets most of the cardio benefit but my lower body is definitely less fit. I checked by body fat % on a scale (not sure how accurate those are) but it is about 19-20%. Is that OK? What should my goal be? Thank you again for posting your story. I really appreciate it and feel like I could relate to a lot of what you said. Love your gallery pictures. You look great!
If you're at 19-20% right now, I wouldn't push much further. If you get below 18% that is dangerous for your body (for women) and not recommended at all... 18-20% bodyfat is considered athletic/super low for females. Everyone has different standards and goals, but if I were you I would focus more on maintaining than losing much more.
Generally I've read that you should be 1-2 points below your BMI in percentage. For example, I'm at 22.5%, and my BMI is the same, so my ideal healthy bodyfat percent would be 21-20%.
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