One Very Successful Year of Weight Loss
Aren't these amazing before and after pictures? Ladyblithe has lost 50 pounds in just over one year by using Calorie Count’s tools. Today, she is at her target weight, and she will continue to follow her proven lifestyle habits to make sure she stays that way.
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?
It was my 25th birthday and I finally decided that it was time to take ahold of my life and become happy and healthy.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
Calorie Count was the first and only "program" that I have ever used. I never really paid any attention to what I was eating in the past. I would go to the gym and try different work out routines but never saw any results and would, ultimately, just give up on any attempt at weight loss. It wasn't until I joined CC that I realized the true importance of how your diet plays into it all.
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 joined CC on Jan. 5, 2011 (my 25th birthday) and have stuck with it ever since. I have kept myself accountable by logging everything just about every day. I quickly learned what I should and should not be eating and I began working out regularly and more consistently. The most important change that occurred for me was how I began to view food: I no longer viewed it as a source of comfort, instead I viewed it as source of energy.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
I truly believe that I wouldn't have been able to do any of this if it wasn't for Calorie Count. I didn't need a "quick fix", I needed a lifestyle change and that is exactly what CC provided me with.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
Going out with friends and family was, and still remains, one of the most difficult parts. It's tough to make good choices when you are out because your choices are pretty limited.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I didn't want to do weekly weigh ins because I didn't want to become obsessed with the scale, so I stuck with monthly weigh ins. After my first month on CC, I weighed in and found that I had lost 11 lbs and knew immediately that I was going to reach my weight loss goal if I just stuck with it.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
I've completely changed the way that I look at food; I no longer view it as a way to comfort myself, I view it as a way to keep myself energized and healthy. As long as I maintain that view then I have no fear of a "relapse" happening.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
For the first time in my life, I love the way I look and feel and am truly happy with the person who I have become.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
It took me 13 months to finally reach my goal weight, check in with me in another year to see if I've maintained it!
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Drink TONS of water everyday.
- Keep yourself accountable and log everything you eat.
- Workout regularly, but don't stick to a single routine. Switch things up!
- Allow yourself to splurge every once in a while and NOT feel bad about it.
- Always remember that this is not a quick fix, it is a lifestyle change and these things take time!
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
Congratulations on reaching your goal! You look amazing and I hope that in a year I can be where you are!! Great job on all your hard work and dedication.
you inspire me to develop more will power, confidence, iron will and self control. interesting how you describe changing the way you view food as fuel for your body ... i shall set my mindset around that and like you suggest, stop using food as a treat or comfort, thats my downfall!!
well done to you, i admire you and think you look fantastic!
Wow! You looked good before and you look amazing now.
I love it when you finally get that 'aha moment' and keep it, its such a great feeling waking up everyday...wish I had realized it when I was 25 like yourself.
Congratulations on your amazing success and thank you so much for sharing your story!
(P.S. Just looked at your photos and your profile photo! *whistles*
You are beautiful!!)
Congrats on all of your hard work!!! You look amazing! Please share your fitness routines or favorite workouts. What do you find gives you the most efficient workout, so to speak?
You look fantastic!!! Congrats and your tips are spot on! Keep up the great work.
You're look gorgeous. Great job. Good luck on maintenance - you'll be fine now that you know how to stay healthy!
Wow you look amazing! Thanks for the success story. It helped me see weight loss more as a journey to health, and less as a quick fix to a smaller dress size. 
Cheers!
Never get tired of reading about others success in this area! Great job!
Chris
link to my blog and success story (130lbs) in my profile
AMAZING! I was having a discouraging morning and this really helped :-)
PS: we are the exact same age!
You look GREAT! What an accomplishment! CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for sharing -- you've been an encouragement to me!
Thanks for posting your story! I think the one thing that resonated with me is: "I've completely changed the way that I look at food; I no longer view it as a way to comfort myself, I view it as a way to keep myself energized and healthy." Food is many things to me -- not just comfort -- I've just got to remember food is primarily "a way to keep myself energized and healthy." That'll be my new mantra -- it should make me stop and think when I'm snacking!
Fantastic job. I feel inspired to look at food differently-as a fuel! I hope to also see such results by this time next year. Congratulations on the awesome work!
Great work and fabulous example of determination with perseverance! How tall are you?
You really so beautiful! Congratulations on all of your hard work and your engagement! No regrets at your wedding for sure!
Congratulations!!!!! I am always impressed with success stories and enjoy
the before and after changes in the photos. You do look GREAT, btw!!!
Wow! You look awesome Ladyblithe and a true inspiration to us all . You should be very proud of yourself!
Good Work ! Its a great inspiration to me , Since I am trying to lose around 10 pounds and I have similar body structure as you had when you started with.
Your success story inspired me since i was going to give up thinking that I cannot do it . You story changed my view ! Thanks.
U look amazing well done !.... I was curious how much water you used to drink every day?
Your before and after photos are the best I've seen. You look marvelous. Fantastic job!!!!
You look great, and I know you must be so thrilled! I am thrilled with you!! What an amazing success!
congrats!! I actually have a couple questions if you dont mind....how many calories did you eat a day when you were losing and how tall are you? I guess essentially what I'm asking for is stats please. Thanks!
CONGRATULATIONS YOUR TESTIMONIAL, IS SO INSPIRING TO ME I MYSELF IS TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT SO FAR I HAVE LOST TWENTY POUNDS PUT I AM STUCK ON 180 POUNDS CAN'T PASS THAT, I DON'T KNOW WHATS GOING ON. I WORKOUT EVERYDAY WATCH WHAT I EAT AND I AM GETTING SO FRAUSTRATED BUT I KEEP PUSHING FORWARD TO MY IDEAL WEIGHT. THANKS FOR SHARING YOURS VERY UPLIFTING THANKS AGAIN.
Thank you all so much, I'm overwhelmed with the amount of support I've received!
For those who have asked, I am 5'5" and I lost the weight by maintaining an average deficit of 500 calories a day. I never stuck to a single routine so it all depended on what I did on any given day. For example, if I didn't feel like working out one day I'd keep my calories between 1200 - 1300. If I went to the gym and burned 600 calories on the elliptical, I'd eat between 1600 - 1800 calories on that day. I just always tried to make sure I had -500 for my net calories.
I wish all of you the best of luck and again, thank you so much for all of the support. I absolutely love this community! 
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You look awesome and your story is inspiring!! Great WORK!!! :)