My New Lifestyle
Ad3l3 has lost 75lbs and has gone from a size 22 to size 12. Prior to her weight loss she avoided social situations due to her self-esteem. As she explains in her story “I’m a different person, who’s living again!” She accredits Calorie Count’s tools for her success in weight loss and has many motivational tips to share.
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 went to the doctor in January and I had very high blood pressure. I was 264 lbs! I immediately changed my diet and started exercising lightly. I went back in two weeks and my blood pressure was back to normal. I had not lost any weight but I was already feeling better. I lost my Grandfather due to diabetes and that's all I thought of when they said I had high blood pressure. I guess that was my "Aha!" moment. So, I continued with the healthy eating and exercise.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I had tried eating healthy before and that only lasted a week or so. I also tried diet pills which also did nothing.
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 haven't reached my goal yet but I have accomplished a lot (in my eyes) so far. I went from eating take-out 5 - 6 days a week to only MAYBE once a month. I went from never eating breakfast to eating a healthy breakfast every day. I started buying salad ingredients and making my lunch to take to work or have for supper. For meat, I only eat broiled fish, lean ground turkey, boneless skinless chicken breast and deer meat. I have at least two fruits a day. I also drink tons of water every day! Most importantly I stuck with it!
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie count helped me tremendously. I love how it helps you see what nutrients you need more of and what you have too much of. If you own a computer at home this website is a VERY useful tool. You can log everything, everyday and adjust. I logged everything everyday for 4+ months EVERYDAY. Now when I eat similarly to a past day logged I don't have to log, unless I incorporate something new to my day.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
The hardest part for me was just getting started. But I knew I had to start from somewhere. I also didn't think I was going to be able to give up all the take out and french fries, which I LOVED!!
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I started feeling results in the first month. Nothing noticeably for about 2 months into my new lifestyle. Then when I started getting compliments that really gave me motivation to keep going! I have gone from a size 22 to a size 12 now.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I didn't want to give in after I had gone so far. And when I would get a craving or smell something good I would say to myself "Don't give up now, I will only be hurting myself!" And of course, I couldn't have done it without the support of my wonderful Fiancé, Mother, Family and Friends.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My life has changed 180 degrees. I never used to want to go out or socialize before because of my size. But now, I am a totally different person, going out and living again. I am more confident with myself everyday and everywhere. And it is the best feeling buying a new wardrobe.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I am not at my goal weight yet. But I will continue to lose weight until my body is where it should be.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Don't give up!
- Drink as much water as possible!
- ALWAYS eat a good and healthy breakfast.
- Mix up your work-outs. Sticking to one work-out can bore you and you begin to hate working out. Mix it up and work your whole body.
- Read the label on everything you buy. It may sound like it will take you a long time shopping but after a while it gets easier and you start remembering what is what. Also, don't deprive yourself of all foods; treat yourself once in a while.
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 am greatly encouraged by your testimony. It gives me the push of not to give up. God bless you for being an encouragement for thousands of people like me. :)
Way to go! You're absolutely right, Eat Healthy and Drink Water! You've done a terrific job! And I totally agree, getting started is the hardest part.
Congrats on your news success. I am now in maintenance mode after losing the last 75 pounds over a 2 year period. I found this hint at Calorie Count if you like french fries; I really like them. Cut a Russett potato, I like my fries rather thick, and put just a little olive oil on them. I sprinkle ranch seasoning on mine fir a reakky great flavor but you may want to stay away from that because of the sodium; I kind of live in the fast lane with that one. Preheat your oven to 385 and bake for 20 minutes; take out and turn your potatoes over and cook for an additional 18 to 20 minutes. Just before I take them out, I put a little crunch to it by hitting the broiler on high. Be careful not to burn them; it doesn't take the broiler long. I think this would be a real treat for you. By the way, my wife bought me a sprayer called a Misto that holds my olive oil and I can spray a really fine mist on the anything; that way you just don't overdo the olive oil. Good luck on your continued success for you weight loss journey and have a great day.
You inspire me, thank you. God Bless.
Keep up the good works.Looking foward to following your foot steps.Thanks for the inspiration
Thank you for the motivation! I'm where you started size 20. It's encouraging to see the the "finish line".
Original Post by: niceundertakerCongrats on your news success. I am now in maintenance mode after losing the last 75 pounds over a 2 year period. I found this hint at Calorie Count if you like french fries; I really like them. Cut a Russett potato, I like my fries rather thick, and put just a little olive oil on them. I sprinkle ranch seasoning on mine fir a reakky great flavor but you may want to stay away from that because of the sodium; I kind of live in the fast lane with that one. Preheat your oven to 385 and bake for 20 minutes; take out and turn your potatoes over and cook for an additional 18 to 20 minutes. Just before I take them out, I put a little crunch to it by hitting the broiler on high. Be careful not to burn them; it doesn't take the broiler long. I think this would be a real treat for you. By the way, my wife bought me a sprayer called a Misto that holds my olive oil and I can spray a really fine mist on the anything; that way you just don't overdo the olive oil. Good luck on your continued success for you weight loss journey and have a great day.
Okay - "living in the fast lane" with a little too much sodium - you gave me the giggle of the day - which totally helps me keep on keeping on. Thanks for the great tip Nice and I think I might join you in that fast lane on the seasoning!
Hardest part is getting started...AMEN! congratulations!
Chris
Link to my blog and 130lb success story in my profile
Hey you look great and I'm so pleased that you have helped your health as well, fantastic! I always read the success stories i find them so helpful and inspiring, plus they always have at least one top tip that I find really helpful.
Congratulations! What a great story and I wish you continued happiness and success!
Way to go Sheila!!! You are an inspiration and ironically our stories are very similiar. I too have lost 70 lbs. I've gone from Size 22 to Size 12 too! My goal weight is lookng so close at just 20 lbs. more!!! I've done everything you just described to lose the my weight.
Keep it up and be proud, you have given yourself the greatest gift!
Kudos to you! You have motivated me, and I am grateful to you. Hoping you the best and please keep going in the right direction.
Wonderful story!! Especially like the Packers shirts - but I would think your 'larger' self would wear Reggie White and your 'smaller' self would wear Aaron Rodgers! Go Sheila - Go Pack!!
congrats thanks for sharing your story to help motivates other your a inspiration and I look forward to seeing a update of your continued weight lost
You look great! Congratulations on all your success...that is a amazing accomplishment!
Laura
I love hearing of your success. What a turnaround! Now you can look forward to a long and health life with your fiance and when you get married, you will be slim and trim! Today I am wearing a pair of size 12 pants that I bought 7 years ago and haven't fit into since! Keep up the great work.
Amazing and so encouraging. I have just started with CC and this will certainly help.
Congratulations!!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! I am giving you the thumbs up to lose the rest of your weight and then going into maintenance mode. All the best to you!
Original Post by: adrian_jAWESOME work! Keep up your healthy new lifestyle!
Well done! ITs coming back every week and reading these inspirational stories that keep me on track. Looks like you there! Excellent job and keep it off.
you look awsome, truely fanststic verry insperation and motovational :)
I started today on calorie count and this is the kind of inspirational story that I need at the moment. I really need to lose this weight that I have put on since the death of my son six years ago and I convinced myself a long time ago that I couldn't do it. The mind is a wonderful thing but can also wreak havoc at times. Your achievement and determination is fantastic and I am going to do this as well. Keep up the good work.
Congrats! You look marvelous! Thanks for sharing your motivational story and helpful tips.
You really do look awesome. And,..as many here have said,you are a true inspiration to others.I hope you keep up with your journey. Add a Spiritual Journey to that and you'll really have it licked!
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AWESOME work! Keep up your healthy new lifestyle!