My Time to Shine
Losing weight isn't a breeze for many people. But for Firedoor78 her determination to change to a healthier lifestyle has paid off. She has lost over 66lb and decided to share with us her favorite physical fitness activities, the mental and emotional issues she encountered on her journey, and the things that keep her motivated.
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 had been toying about trying to lose weight again early on in the year. Especially when my doctor started complaining about my high cholesterol, BP and blood sugar. I am only 31 years old. I also hated shopping and not being able to fit into anything. One day I realized I had to shop in a boutique which caters for larger people and I was gutted. I never had to do that before; it was a huge blow to my self-esteem.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I've never had to diet in the past. Before, when I started feeling a bit heavy, I'd just exercise for a few weeks and that kept the weight off. That was when I was in school and active in swimming and soccer. Now that I am older, I realized that I couldn't do that anymore! I needed to do something else and be more disciplined about what I ate.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
It was a huge, complete turnaround. First, I had to accept the fact that I was a stress/emotional eater and that had to stop. I started trying to share my problems with my partner more instead of 'eating' it all up. As for food, I started with baby steps. First I stopped snacking on chocolates, donuts and baked products. Instead I switched to 2-3 pieces of fruit a day, low fat yogurt or nuts like almonds and walnuts. Then I switched everything: 2% for full cream, miracle whip for regular mayo, and so on. I stopped drinking soda, drank more water and stopped taking sugar and milk with coffee or tea. Since I've always been active in school, getting back into a regular exercise routine wasn't hard, in fact that's the part I've enjoyed the most. I exercise at least 45 minutes to an hour every day (cardio) and lift dumbbells 3x a week. Sundays are weigh-in days and I don't exercise or count calories then. As for my attitude, I decided to stop moaning about how large my behind was and actually get up and do something about it!
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
The tools on this website are awesome. It sure beats manually logging calories in a notebook. The eat and burn meters were crucial to me staying on track. I regularly tracked my food until I basically became familiar with what and how much to eat. I sometimes still come back to track my calories when I am not sure. The community was great and the information from Ask Mary is really helpful. Also everyone here is very friendly and always finds time to cheer each other up or give motivation.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging (and still is) is the negativity from other people. When I first told people I was starting with weight loss I was shot down, some people were saying I'll be quitting in three months or I was never going to make it, etc. It was rising above that and ignoring all the naysayers that was my biggest obstacle. It was tough and hurtful. Now that I've dropped five sizes and look really great, those same people are being snippy and jealous, some even accuse me of having taken diet pills/drugs, starving myself, or even having an ED.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
Not long at all. I dropped so much weight the first month that it took people less than two months to notice. I've steadily dropped 2-3 lbs a week since I started. I plateaued twice. And those didn't last long, two weeks at most. I must say I've been blessed!
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
I realized I was a success when I tried to put on those size 10 jeans that have been languishing at the back of my closet for 5 years... and they were lose! Also, I knew I had conquered my addiction to food when I could walk past the buffet without batting an eyelash, or when I automatically ordered veggies as a side instead of potatoes or rice when I ate out. Also, fitting into size 8 jeans made me feel like I was on top of the world!
8. How do you prevent relapse?
Usually, I call for an intervention. When I feel like eating cake when I know it wasn't in my eating plan, I'd call my partner to bring home some fruit. Before I put something unhealthy in my mouth, I always ask myself whether I really need it or if I am really hungry. Lastly, I pace myself, especially with the exercise. I actually have to talk myself out of working out on my rest days! I suspect those endorphins are addictive!
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I got my self-confidence back and it has helped with work. I no longer feel heavy or exhausted all the time, and I stopped using and abusing food as a reward. I can also indulge in my favorite past time again - clothes shopping! My doctor is so happy and amazed at my progress that she even asked me what I was doing.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Stick to your goals, you're worth it!
- Surround yourself with supportive, positive and loving people.
- Find an exercise you can happily imagine yourself doing for the
rest of your life. - Stop using food as a reward or as a 'cure' for stress and pain.
This is a straight path to self-destruction. - Accept the body that you were born with and count your blessings!
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
Your story is so encouraging. I hope to have such a testimony one day. I need to lose 55 lbs. and am not doing well at it.
Thank you again for your encouragement!
Waw!!Congratulations! You look great. Impressive! How long did it take you to lose 66lb?
I read all what you wrote and can identify to a couple but i am still far from my goal (I lost 28lb and still need to lose 18lb... Plateau-ing and trying to take my time in living and getting used to new eating habits)!
Wish you the best!!
Hhobes
Congratulations! You look amazing! I have found people are not always as supportive as you thought or hoped they would be as well. But I have been doing this weight loss with my sister and we talk every day. We encourage eachother and help eachother. It has helped so much having her on the journey. We are legitimately happy for eachother and supportive!! AGAIN GOOD JOB!
Sassy
You look awesome! Good job. I completely understand the negative people part. I have been accused of having an ED by people who know absolutely nothing, been told I should not lose weight when I was borderline obese, been told that it would come back, etc etc. But I am my strongest advocate,and what I think about me is most important, so I don't let it get to me!
congrats on your weight loss and steadiness.
could you tell me what was your average calorie intake per day and when did you start losing weight ?
thanks !
Delphine
You look fabulous and you have a great attitude about everything, from naysayers to your discipline with diet and exercise!
I walked into a shopping mall the other day and checked out all these clothes! I didn't buy anything yet, but I can't wait for the day when I can shop for new clothes that fit my new body!
Thank you for the reminder that losing weight and feeling confident is possible, even if you are a stress-eater!
Thanks stillafoxafter3, goalof50, gandra101, piano502!!!
hhobes, it took me almost 7 months to lose 66, well 68 since yesterday! My goal weight was initially 150, then thought nah I could do better and dropped it to 145... but now at 144 I think I'll go down to 140. Weight range for my medium sized frame at 5'6" is 134-150 or something I think... so that's still within normal. I will go down as low as it is possibly healthy for me. :o) I think the thing is to set mini goals! Lost an average of about 2.3 lbs every week. I was advised to lose about 2.2 lbs or 1kg every week, I think the exercise has really helped my metabolism!
tlpointer/Sassy I am glad you have your sister! As long as you have even that one person who believes in you when others are doubtful or mean, then you will succeed!
cellotlhicks... yup! After a while it was water off a duck's back to me. I began thinking... well stuff you then this isn't about you it's about me. Selfish? I think we have to be to take care of ourselves, only then can we think of taking care of other people. Ugh how cliche LOL!
languagemachine...initially I was told by CC to eat 1400... then as I dropped weight it went up to 1600... atm it will take me twice longer to lose what I did in the first months because weight loss slows down. So now I am eating 1740 and losing about 1.5 lbs a week or thereabouts. I started losing weight the first week! I dropped 4 lbs which I think was water weight.. then a little over 2 lbs a week then 1.5... good luck!
rathini... be careful it can bankrupt you! HAHAH! I kept buying a new jeans size every two months... drove my spouse bonkers cause she had to pay for my shopping sprees... that was one way of her motivating me. 'If you hit your first goal weight I'll take you shopping!' and so on... she's proud of me though! LOL!
Thank you so much for sharing...I can't tell you how motivating your story is. I have 40 pounds to lose and I find it daunting. Your comment to 'stick to your goals, you're worth it' really speaks to me.
Thanks again and by the way, you look amazing!
Congratulations! So inspirational...I need to lose 51 pounds. I sure hope I can be as successful as you have been. Congrats and keep up the good work!
Very Inspiring! I too have decided enough is enough and finally motivated myself to set a goal... 60 lbs in 6 months. (2 lbs per week). So far its going great but early in, and while most are supportive there are always a few that find your change is threatening to them... Change is difficult for sure!
Congratulations, and I hope that in 6 months or less I will have a similar story to tell! Keep writing, and inspiring... What you have accomplished is no easy task, and you should be so proud!
TRACY
I'm thinking I'll hit the Goodwill before too long for some middle of the road clothes while I am too small for my current clothes, but too big for pretty new clothes.
Original Post by: gandra101Amazing! Congratulations!!!! :)
Couldn't help to notice that you feel discouraged. I too am working on losing 55 lbs. If I may share with you - don't set goals that are unrealistic. My goal is 1 lb per week and so far I have lost 15. I eat 6X per day, 1400 cal max, and protein with every meal and snack, plus excercising. It's working and I feel better already! Everytime I feel that it's not happening fast enough, I push that thought away. Fast weight loss is unsustainable and will come back. Slow and sure is the long-term solution. Please don't get discouraged. You can do it too 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I have to agree with everything you have said... I started my new life style at 303lbs and a size 24 in May 2009. Once you get motivated and start you feel 100% better. Now today at 225lbs and a size 16 I know there is hope. I still have a long way to go but I couldn't feel better. Thanks for sharing your story as I can relate quite well. I pray that all of you reach your personal goals. You surely need family support... My youngest daughter who is 18 would prepare my meals and my husband was like my exercise coach. That support is great. I am no longer taking BP meds and the stares that made me feel bad as a heavy woman are now surprise and eagerness from people that want to know what I have done and how they can get started.
Original Post by: texmom52I'm thinking I'll hit the Goodwill before too long for some middle of the road clothes while I am too small for my current clothes, but too big for pretty new clothes.
Hey, this is what I did and I was surprised at how many nice pants I was able to find at Goodwil for $3-6, practically new. It took awhile because I was not sure of my new size so I had a lot of trying on to do. But I left with a few pairs of pants that I have for work and we'll see if I stay at this size for a while (or go smaller) before I spend a lot of money on new ones.
Congratulations on your success! It's always a beautiful thing for me to hear of someone achieving a goal.
I'm still struggling, however, with what you said about- what my Pastor likes to call- your 'haters.' I could understand naysayers when you announce a goal, but all of the negativity after you've actually achieved your goal? It hurt my feelings to even read that!
Please keep doing what you're doing. You're an inspiration to all of us!
Congratulations! You look FABULOUS! 
I can't believe how people can be so bad and envious.
Keep the good work! You look Great!
i loved reading your story! i know how you felt realizing you truly had to go to the large sizes, and about needing to shift to more conscious habits. Menopause has brought me lots of extra inches through the middle and, having been thin in younger years, it's taking me so long to "get real" about the discipline needed to succeed at this. i'm just becoming aware of my stress eating patterns. Today i was fantasizing about having hot chocolate after work, but managed to eat an apple instead. I've got 25 lbs to lose and it's hard to believe i'll ever get there. Like others, i've started hitting the second hand stores, but it's to go UP a size, not down. I couldn't bear to buy such big pants at full price. i feel embarrassed. thanks for the inspiration, this community is wonderful support.
You look wonderful...I too need to lose 60, so far 15 has come off but it is quite the challange. Great job and now I will keep aiming for my goal :)
I'm all about the Goodwill store too. LOVE IT! I have been going down sizes and don't want to buy full priced pants. I have been finding name brand pants at the Goodwill. It's exciting. I too crave chocolate sometimes, but it has been several months since I have had a candy bar or anything like that, so I don't want to start now. I get this low fat hot chocolate and it helps that:)
Sassy
I am so glad that you did not let other people bring you down or tell you what you cant do! I have found that when you get serious about diet and exercise, it makes the people around you feel guilty - especially when they should be doing the same thing! I lost alot of "friends" when I started losing weight from 240 lbs down to 150 lbs! One good thing, it did show me who the people were in my life that really cared about me and supported me! Keep up the good fight!
Original Post by: bigcynThank you so much for sharing...I can't tell you how motivating your story is. I have 40 pounds to lose and I find it daunting. Your comment to 'stick to your goals, you're worth it' really speaks to me.
Thanks again and by the way, you look amazing!
Hey bigcyn... When I actually tried to work out how many pounds there was between my starting and goal weights, I nearly gave up even starting... but what helps not make it look so scary is breaking the goals... I did mine a10 lbs at a time... so from 212, I entered 200 as a goal weight, and when I hit that, I changed the goal to 190 lbs and so on... mini-goals. :D
Original Post by: texmom52I'm thinking I'll hit the Goodwill before too long for some middle of the road clothes while I am too small for my current clothes, but too big for pretty new clothes.
Yeah texmom52... buying clothes has really been expensive, but the one thing I spent so much on was underwear! I went two cup sizes down and down to a medium in underpants from large or extra large LOL so that was a must...
Original Post by: nblocktonCONGRATULATIONS!!!! I have to agree with everything you have said... I started my new life style at 303lbs and a size 24 in May 2009. Once you get motivated and start you feel 100% better. Now today at 225lbs and a size 16 I know there is hope. I still have a long way to go but I couldn't feel better. Thanks for sharing your story as I can relate quite well. I pray that all of you reach your personal goals. You surely need family support... My youngest daughter who is 18 would prepare my meals and my husband was like my exercise coach. That support is great. I am no longer taking BP meds and the stares that made me feel bad as a heavy woman are now surprise and eagerness from people that want to know what I have done and how they can get started.
Thanks nblockton! You have done so incredibly well! Keep up the good work and don't dwell on how far you still have to go, instead look at what you've accomplished and make that your motivation! Glad you have a great support system going for you... can't stress how important that is. And I am glad you're also inspiring other people around you... xxx
Original Post by: ajkjloverCongratulations on your success! It's always a beautiful thing for me to hear of someone achieving a goal.
I'm still struggling, however, with what you said about- what my Pastor likes to call- your 'haters.' I could understand naysayers when you announce a goal, but all of the negativity after you've actually achieved your goal? It hurt my feelings to even read that!
Please keep doing what you're doing. You're an inspiration to all of us!
Hey ajkjlover, thanks for your comments... someone on here said that some people feel bad being around people like us, who're trying to lose weight or eat healthy because they're feeling guilty about not doing anything about themselves. I let it bother me at first but I just ignore it now. That's why I made sure I had a great support system. My family and best friend was behind me 100% as well as my spouse. And really, when it all boils down to it... sticks and stones right? *hugs* xxx
Thanks aniecooper! Stay positive and Good luck!!! xxx
Thanks slimlady67, campgreygoose1, jkjone01, caramell_s, gina2009, maggie965 and doreaner!
Wow what a difference, I am 58 years old need (want) to lose 35 lbs, I can easily lose 6 - 7 lbs through diet, but then plateau, I do not exercise, can't find any that I can stick with. We keep hearing exercise at least 30 mins per day, does anyone have any advice on how to start out, there is no way I could maintain aerobic exercise for 30 mins, so I get discouraged and give up.
Thanks for an inspiring post
Original Post by: brian0610Wow what a difference, I am 58 years old need (want) to lose 35 lbs, I can easily lose 6 - 7 lbs through diet, but then plateau, I do not exercise, can't find any that I can stick with. We keep hearing exercise at least 30 mins per day, does anyone have any advice on how to start out, there is no way I could maintain aerobic exercise for 30 mins, so I get discouraged and give up.
Thanks for an inspiring post
Hey Brian... have you tried walking? Just try walking for 5 minutes today. And again the next day. Then maybe in a few days you can try 10 minutes. Then who knows? You can't start anything and do it in 30 minutes the first time you try it! You'll shock your body and most probably injure yourself... When I started on the elliptical, I could barely stay 3 minutes on it, I nearly fell off ahahaha... I kept at it though and was able to build it up to a solid hour in about 4 weeks. Pace yourself, it's not a race. And maybe you not being able to find an exercise you can stick with is a great chance for you to find a new activity! Right?
Hi Brian0610,
I have the same issues with exercise, I've tried and can't use a gym with any regularity. Something about it I can't put my finger on, but I really hate it. I started my "new healthy lifestyle" this spring and I have been able to lose weight, mostly by counting points and sticking to the WW diet (with a few small lapses) anyway, everyday I really try to incorporate something additional to my activity.
I read somewhere about "random acts of exercise" (probably on this site!) and that's what really inspired me. I think about it all of the time, so for example if something needs to go downstairs, I would normally leave it until I went down there and now I just run it down there put it away and run back up, sometimes several times in a row. It takes more time but I am getting my EXERCISE! (I've always thought I was being more efficient about it but I realized I was short cutting my exercise out) I've been conciously trying to walk faster when I can, pushing my store cart fast in the parking lot, parking further away, etc. and just using any excuse to incorporate moving into my regular day. I'm trying to have a positive attitude about moving. I am taking more walks with my kids and husband, doing yard work, etc. I am trying to find NEW ways to get my random exercise. It sounds goofy, I know. But it is working for me. I don't want to have to go to the gym so I am trying to figure out ways to avoid that AND stay healthy. I've read that a persons exercise does not HAVE to all happen at once, so if you can get 30 mins total through out the day, that is just as good. Also, so what if you only get 10-20 mins total on a certain day? If it's more than your body is used to, I think it should help increase your metabolism.
Anyway, so far so good, I've lost almost 30 pounds since this spring, a pound or two a week, I am working on maintaining that weight now, so we'll see how that goes! I know it'll be harder over the winter, but I am going to have to figure out some other new ways.
Good luck to you!
Congrats Sheila! I am so happy for you and inspired by your story. You look great and especially happy!
I, too, have had people that don't seem too happy about my trying to lose weight, I've just tried to ignore that. I don't look for them to compliment my weight loss, I am not doing it for them. I figure, I wouldn't want them commenting about a weight gain so I am not going to discuss weight loss with them either. It's hard, though, to figure out what their insecurities are, but no matter, I can get healthy without their blessing!
I wish you continued health and happiness! It's a journey, isn't it?
You are truly an inspiration and proof it can work! Blessings to you and continued success.
Im happy for you and wish u all the best.
It's not easy and even tho i just started this a few days ago, i m having so many mixed feelings. I want to do good on this but yet im afraid i will not eat the right amount of foods.....but its not that i worry about junk food, I hope i can do as well as u have and others. i wish the best to everyone. thanks keep on with the good work.....
the word AMOUNT is my problem
Well sis what can I say U look Fab!! I just started again! 3 days into exercising and keeping a Food log. I know I can do it just like you were able to do! Great Story!
I'm really not sure about the website (because I dont understand it so far) I'm new to it, I just turned 21 I've been up and down about my weight for the longest. I currently weigh 235 bmi is 40.3 I know I can do it but I ended up losing only 20lbs over the summer now its almost new years and I thought I wouldve been already at my goal weight and I ended up gaining it all back. Your story is was a great thought I know one thing I know that this website I'm not alone.
Thank you,
Mal
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Congratulations, you look great... this really stuck with me : Stop using food as a reward or as a 'cure' for stress and pain.
This is a straight path to self-destruction.