My Motivation: The Military
What a difference losing 65 pounds can make, just look at Hazelcat08, who in addition to improving her health, also has more energy, confidence and her dream career with the Military. You can judge for yourself how great she looks by checking out her before and after shots.
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 wanted to join the Military and the reality of the situation was I was too heavy to join. I knew in order to make my life better not only health wise but financial wise I had to lose this weight. My life depended on it, in more ways than one.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
You name it I tried it! Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Weight Loss Pills, Weight Loss Shots, etc!
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 changed the way I thought about eating. I didn't know how to eat! I had to teach myself all over again. I changed my breads to whole grain, dairy to fat free, drank only water, and cut down on my portions. I also looked up how many calories my body should be eating to lose weight. And I started running around my block.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
It helped me find out how many calories I needed to lose weight. The forms also helped me stay motivated. Knowing so many people had the same problems helped in so many ways.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
Staying on track and staying motivated. It was hard but I somehow realized it is hard to lose weight but it is even harder to be fat.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
It took me until I went to a "skinny store" and I tried on a pair of pants that I've always wanted and THEY FIT! To realize I was a success. I saw results after about 40lbs
7. How do you prevent relapse?
Because I started eating healthier the bad stuff tastes terrible to me. I remind myself that I don't want to go back to where I was and I also make sure I keep running.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I'm so much more confident in every aspect of my life. Before, I was an outgoing person trapped in my body. Now I will talk to anybody and I will try anything. I am always amazed and what new things I can do now that I couldn't do before, for example I ran my first 5k last December.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I've maintained for about 5 months.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Whole Grains!
- Fat Free Dairy.
- Water water water!
- Exercise is key!
- Don't get suckered in by gimmicks and unnatural ways to lose weight. The best way is a plan that will teach you how to eat right. If you don't know how to eat right you'll gain every bit back.
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
Wow.... Keep going young lady. From sad to beautiful and happy. That's a transformation! Your shining from the inside out and did it the right way. Keep focused. With focus, faith and discipline the world is truly your oyster.
From a Personal Trainer and Soldier in the Army: Congrats on your success thus far! Keep at it and you will not regret it for a second!
Way to go. This is an incredible story. Thanks for sharing it. You look amazing by the way.
Congratulations! You've accomplished something truly amazing. I'm also in the military, and one of the motivators for me to lose weight and get fit was the annual fitness test. One of my goals now is to try and go from having failed that test to being exempt within one year. I wish you all the best in your career!
Congatulations on your great results. I'm in a similar situation to you. Wanting to join the Air Force Nurse Corps when I complete my degree! I must lose the weight first. You are an inspiration.
Thank you!
What a motivating story and great tips. Thank you and Congrats on achieving your goal.
WOW!! Congrats with your Success!!! Thanks for the motivating story and all the steps that it took for you to reach where you are today. All the tips you gave will help us all.
Thank you,
Beyond amazing. Your pictures and your story render me speechless. What a testament to believing in your self worth and inner strength to overcome obstacles. Congratulations and good luck with your very honorable chosen career.
Amazing! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!! And thank you for your future service in the United States military :)
You are brave and amazing! I love your last advice. Thanks and good luck!
I am a former Army soldier and currently trying to lose as well to get back in. You look so happy now, you need to take that picture and put it on your bathroom mirror so when ever you get down days you can look at yourself and how far you've come. Way to go sister!
Thank you so much for your story. I have yoyoed all my life and you have really helped me want to do this. Great Picture! keep up the good work.
Thank you all for you comments. They were so nice Im glad I could help others see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel =) Good luck to you all!
Did not think about taking before, during and after shots. What a great way to stay motivated!
Wow - you look great! I aspire to to look that good! Thanks for sharing your story and your pics.
Original Post by: ellektraWow! Another great share! Thank you so much, but mostly....
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS! Motivating and Inspiring.
Wow you look great Congrats!!!
A job well done. That's how you do it Hazel. Looking good, looking good. Keep up the good work which will inspire others.
Congratulations! Your story is an inspiration to all of us finding it hard to lose the weight.
Awsom!... Congratulations and thank you for shareing your success. You look fabulous... Keep up your great job!!
Reading success stories such as yours could keep any body motivated! Thanks for sharing and congratulations!!!
OMG, you are such an inspiration, I took a look at the other pix u have in ur gallery, and let me tell you! you look amazing!! Thank you so much for your post, you have given me the hope and enthusiasm to make a real change in my life this time. I have tried so many times before to lose weight but have always failed, for one reason or another. But this time, after seeing your pix and reading your port, I am not going to lose focus. Thank you again! Can i ask you how much did you weigh before and now?
What a great success story. Thanks for sharing your story and your tips for success. Good job on reaching your goals, both weight wise and your career in the military. Also - Thanks for your service:)
wow that's great how did you do it i would love to make a turn around like that and how long would be great to know please any help would be good i just want to be success full
wow that's great how did you do it i would love to make a turn around like that and how long would be great to know please any help would be good i just want to be success full
wow that's great how did you do it i would love to make a turn around like that and how long would be great to know please any help would be good i just want to be success full
wow that's great how did you do it i would love to make a turn around like that and how long would be great to know please any help would be good i just want to be success full
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Wow! Another great share! Thank you so much, but mostly....
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS! Motivating and Inspiring.