Putting Myself First
One of the best methods for finding motivation to lose weight is to look at pictures of yourself. This is precisely what Cherylemery did and she also encourages others' to do the same. She has lost 60 lbs, acquired new self confidence and is fulfilling her dreams from her "Bucket List."
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?
Kenny Chesney's song "Don't Blink" really hit home with me and made me realize that I didn't have any more time to waste waiting for the "right time" for me to start doing what I wanted to do. First thing I had to do was work on my self-image and that my weight had to improve or I'd still be saying (and not doing) what I wanted to do in 20 years... in 30 years... lying there dying. You don't get a second life... a do-over the next time... the "soon" never comes.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I had tried Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, starvation, calorie counting, deprivation, liquid diets, etc.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I ate healthier with more veggies and fruits and counted calories. I began ordering a veggie as my appetizer when I went out (which is often) and believe it or not, it sorta makes you a "celebrity" to always order a veggie as an appetizer. The waitresses would run to tell me what veggies are available for the day. I also stopped having bread as a part of a sandwich. By requesting no bread it seems to have the chefs take extra time making your "sandwich" look and taste good.
For exercise, I began walking the local boardwalk by the Chesapeake Bay. Since I had extreme pain in my hip joints and there were benches every 20 - 30 feet it allowed me to take a short breaks when needed before continuing on. I started doing a half mile 3 or 4 nights a week and ended up doing 3 to 4 miles four or more nights a week. When the time changed and it got darker and colder earlier and with no one else out walking, I joined a local gym. I had never been to a gym before so I just walked and did exercises on the available strength machines. After about four months of this I hired a Trainer. He set me up with a 2-day workout routine which I followed by myself, for several months. Then I had him set me up a new routine, did that for a couple of months, then another one... etc. I didn't want a daily trainer, as I know my own drive and how it becomes too much of a "have to" because someone else would be counting on me. I had to be able to only count on me - after all, if I didn't do it, I was only cheating myself.
I began putting myself first. I went to the gym immediately after I finished working (I work from my home so once the last client left, I left within 15 minutes). Even when walking on the boardwalk I added music and dancing - something I had forgotten I loved, it made the whole "exercising" thing a relaxing, stress reducing "escape". However, the most important change was my attitude and mindset! It's all about mindset...the letting go of the failures of the past...being positive, knowing that this isn't a diet but a life transition!
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie Count has great insightful articles, easy calorie counting, success stories, suggested exercises and helpful advice. It's easy to access and it's a great website.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
Not being "convinced" that I look different than I did 18 months ago and being OK when my weight goes up a few pounds, not panicking or just throwing in the towel. Also, realizing that I won't immediately gain 20lbs back by eating a piece of cheesecake.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
I began to see a difference after losing 20lbs. I took many pictures throughout the last 18 months. Without the pictures, I wouldn't have believed I was that person in the first pictures. I whole heartily encourage you to take pictures with different angles many times over the entire journey. People don't believe it was really me 18 months ago. In actuality, I haven't lost any more weight after the first 8 months but have toned and "rearranged" my body. In fact, with the muscle replacing the fat, I have actually picked up a pound or two, only to begin working a little harder with each new workout routine.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
People that I haven't seen for awhile often start our conversation with: "OMG, is that really you? What have you been doing? You look great!" Also, I have used Facebook to "put myself out there" so that I am - even if in my own mind - held accountable to friends and acquaintances. I have also, inadvertently, inspired others to make their own life transitions. I love it! I have inspired more than 10 people to reevaluated their life direction. I even have people come up to me in the gym to tell me that I am their hero (embarrassing!) and that I really inspire them and that they want whatever music I am dancing to... lol!
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I carry my original "before" picture with me everywhere. I don't hesitate to show other people that are struggling with their lives, not as a pat on the back for me, but to hopefully make them realize that anyone can change their mindset to reach for anything and everything they've ever wanted to do.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I have a "Bucket List." I've already tried snorkeling, para-sailing, riding my own motorcycle. I've gone to Cancun, Las Vegas and the Outer Banks. I smile a lot more and take many pictures of myself. I am much more confident and have definitely gotten my "sexy" back. I take more risks, act sillier and definitely enjoy my life more. I look forward to each new adventure.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- It's all a mindset. Once you really have that in place, do not doubt that you can be successful. You will be.
- Take lots of photos during your journey. You may think you will remember what you used to look like - but you really have no idea!
- Enjoy the compliments!
- Remember you don't have to reach your goal(s) to reward yourself.
- Don't Blink.
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
Congratulation on the "new" you. You look terrific, not only thinner, but even your picture exudes confidence. "Here I am world" !
WOW! You look fantastic! I've also lost weight and totally agree that it's all about the mindset. You have to change your mind before you can change your body. You're an inspiration to all of us, congratulations!!!
Congratulations. I am impressed with the way that you started your exercise program. I am going to see a trainer and approach working out the same way that you did/ I am like you and would not like to see the trainer everyday. Thanks for the tips and your inspirational story.
I can empathise with this. It was seeing a photo of myself that a friend took that motivated me to shift the fat. You look fantastic:)
Love your story Sheila. I agree, pictures can do so much. You've inspired me as well and I plan on sharing my success story in a years time! Thanks!
Congratulations! You look wonderful!
I totally agree that's it's a mindset and we need to be in it for the long haul - short term fixes don;t work.
Laura
Thanks for sharing. You look Fabulous!!!!
Congrats. Hope I have the same motivation as you did.
What a wonderful story! I love the part about not actually having lost more pounds, but having toned and rearranged your body. The same thing has happened with me, and sometimes when the scale stays the same you start to second-guess yourself. Go you!
First of all, let me say congratulations! Good for you for taking control. Now I would like to tell you how inspiring you are--and how I am hoping that with your inspiration I will begin the journey. I have dieted off and on all my life and have lost and gained with my average weight being most often within 20 pounds of where I want to be--but now I have completely lost it! I have passed menopause and am presently (for the last 5 years) involved in a project that causes me to sit for many hours of the day. I have been gaining and have stopped almost all forms of excercise because of the long hours...and because of lazyness. Now I need to lose about 30 pounds and I am older and it feels hopeless. I want to stop complaining and do what I need to do to get my life back under control. Do you think that at 60 years old, I can still lose weight and feel good about myself?
Of course you can Hyke. I am 62 and have lost 31lbs so far. Get stuck in and best of luck:)
Good Job!!
I have to say, I am doing like you taking a lot of pictures and it helps, I look at my original picture and it motivates me to keep going! I am also doing like you, I use my facebook to do exactly like you ""put myself out there" so that I am - even if in my own mind - held accountable to friends and acquaintances." and to me that is an amazing reward and it helps me keep going at it.
I have lost 30lbs so far I have about 33 more to go.
My trick is one day at a time! I will get there when I get there.. and I'm doing it for ME! Never felt better in my life!
and like i like to say "at first it was dedication.. now it's a way of life!"
Keep it up!
I am 72 years old and am close to losing 50 lbs. in 7 months - so yes, it is possible to lose weight - no matter how old we are. And because of my sedentary lifestyle, I did it on 1200 calories a day. Though, now, because of all the lost weight, I am more active and am moving around more easily - so I add a 100 to 200 more calories a day and do still lose.
Excellent work!! You look fabulous and it eminates from the inside out! Plus your mentality is right on target! Keep on not blinkin'!
You look wonderful! It's amazing how hard it is to accept our "new" selves as we lose the weight, but you definitely seem so comfortable with it. You've done really great: enjoy your success! You've earned it!
Wow! Awesome! Way to go! It is all mindset! You are proof!
Chris
(my profile has a link to my blog about my 100+ weight loss journey thanks for Calorie Count!)
You are inspirational--somehow I AM going to do it. Thank you for your support. I really feel like I have lost myself as I have been working hard to accomplish other goals. I am almost there with my other goal and want to be able to bask in the achievement feeling good about myself and not hiding. Thank you and Way to Go Sheila! Thank you for sharing!!!
Bow-chicka-bow-bow! Looking hot mama! You look 20 years younger! I'll bet your body feels younger too. Way to go!
help......i've been going to the gym since sept 15 (this Year) 5 days a week, faithfully, however i've noticed a change in losing inches and not much weight whats going on here.....i thought i'd of dropped 20 lbs by now.....i walk on the treatmill for 30 min (2 miles) and just increased recently by adding the ellipical also 2 miles (25 min), the ellipical i just added into my routine about 1 1/2 weeks ago.....what gives....any suggestions, i did cut out all the soda and now i'm a strictly water person, im not the healthest of eaters but i dont binge, nor eat after 6 30 pm......not much of a junk food eater, but i do have something her n there.....what else do i need to do besides being patient.....suggestions please
Original Post by: gg829help......i've been going to the gym since sept 15 (this Year) 5 days a week, faithfully, however i've noticed a change in losing inches and not much weight whats going on here.....i thought i'd of dropped 20 lbs by now.....i walk on the treatmill for 30 min (2 miles) and just increased recently by adding the ellipical also 2 miles (25 min), the ellipical i just added into my routine about 1 1/2 weeks ago.....what gives....any suggestions, i did cut out all the soda and now i'm a strictly water person, im not the healthest of eaters but i dont binge, nor eat after 6 30 pm......not much of a junk food eater, but i do have something her n there.....what else do i need to do besides being patient.....suggestions please
What is your caloric intake versus your caloric output per day?
I wish I lived by a boardwalk, that's the only way you'd get me up at sunrise for a workout! Great job, love the bucket list by the way!
Original Post by: gg829help......i've been going to the gym since sept 15 (this Year) 5 days a week, faithfully, however i've noticed a change in losing inches and not much weight whats going on here.....i thought i'd of dropped 20 lbs by now.....i walk on the treatmill for 30 min (2 miles) and just increased recently by adding the ellipical also 2 miles (25 min), the ellipical i just added into my routine about 1 1/2 weeks ago.....what gives....any suggestions, i did cut out all the soda and now i'm a strictly water person, im not the healthest of eaters but i dont binge, nor eat after 6 30 pm......not much of a junk food eater, but i do have something her n there.....what else do i need to do besides being patient.....suggestions please
read the part in the story that talks about 3 month plateaus and dont quit! If you are excercising more and eating less your body will know what to do! The body doesnt play practical jokes! Good Luck!
You really are an inspiration. This article has reminded me of some things I'd forgotten. I'm a little less self-conscious about my weight now. :)
This is Awesome! I totally agree about the mindset being a key to success. I would say it is probably 90% mental! Congrats on your success!!!
Thanks to this story and the support of others, I have at least started walking again. And I am trying to be conscious of food that I am eating--not totally successful yet but at least I am moving a bit.
Just wanted to say you look great! I also noticed your breast size is smaller and was wondering is that from the weightloss or did you have a reduction?
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You are rocking!!! Congrats on finding a new life and relying on YOU!!!