Self Confidence Is a Beautiful Thing
58lbs lighter, Katywhoknows is thrilled with her new figure. Here she tells us how she made lifestyle changes that included counting calories, regular exercise, portion control and eating healthier - all of which helped her shed those unwanted pounds.
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?
My "Aha!" moment was when I read an article in the Time magazine about the growing number of doctors who stopped telling patients that they were overweight/obese. In my mind, I was always waiting for the doctor to tell me. So this was a revelation and I decided that it was time. At 31, I knew I wouldn't continue being healthy for much longer if I didn't get rid of the weight.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I have never tried any diet or plan. I used to think about my weight but didn't really get beyond that. I knew that when the time was right, I would do something about it. But until then, I just let it be. I have always been a vegetarian (from birth) so I had a feeling that a ready-made solution wouldn't work in my case.
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 spent about 15 days just gathering information on food, exercise, calories etc. Then I started with implementing a rough daily calorie limit followed by healthy variations of everything I ate and a daily log. Finally within the same month, I also started working out 3 x week (30minutes) at Curves. We also moved towards eating organic food as much as possible. The major changes I made to my diet was following serving size on the containers, getting rid of butter and eggs for the most part and going from whole to skim milk. While I strictly followed portion control for rice and pasta, I didn't totally stop eating carbs or sugar. I needed to be realistic at all times.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
As a novice, I relied heavily on looking up information on Calorie Count. I used it to figure out calories in everything I cooked. I also read a lot of posts/blogs etc. It is always helpful to see others going through similar situations and learning from everyone.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
Since childhood I've had bouts of Vasovagal Syncope (fainting/blackout spells) under physical stress. A little bit of exercise increases my heart rate to the point of having a blackout. Once again through online search I found that constantly sipping a Vitamin & Mineral drink would take care of it. And it did! Over the months, I found that my stamina improved and although I still keep drinking while exercising, it's no longer a must. Apart from that, I had severely sore muscles. I wasn't going to give up and nothing could get in my way. So I used to apply an OTC cream pre and post workout and/or take a tylenol as needed.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
At the end of the first month, I had my first weigh-in at Curves. I remember talking about it to my husband and he said I probably wouldn't have lost any weight. I was hoping that I had lost about 3-4lb just so I could see some results and stay motivated. As it turned out, I had lost 11 lbs! There was no turning back. Now I've lost over 55lbs!
7. How do you prevent relapse?
As someone who is very analytical and holds logic in high regard, I don't think relapse is a possibility. My obesity started due to a total lack of information on food. I was obese for 10 years, starting around first pregnancy, then through the second and finally I just didn't know how to tackle it. Now with the tools and knowledge I do have, it's on my mind all the time. I still eat foods that I love but now it is in moderation.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
The last 10 years I felt trapped in my body. The "ME" that was inside didn't match with what I saw in the mirror. So now that is finally resolved. It's given me confidence and happiness. On a lighter note, I've replaced my entire wardrobe and loved shopping for it!
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I've been at 131 lbs for about a month now. I'm not sure if I can shed more pounds. But I'm going to concentrate on building some strength and muscle. I'm not trying to look a certain way so at this point my goal is flexible.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Do your research and know your food. It is a lot easier (at least for me) to skip the muffin or just take one bite of the cake if I know the calories in it!
- Exercise! Easier said than done. I try to go to Curves thrice a week and take a walk outside or on the treadmill when possible.
- Drink water. I always start my meal by gulping down a full glass of water.
- Modify recipes and eat healthy. Baking without butter and eggs or substituting popchips for chips, making a pizza with very little or no cheese and only veggies etc.
- Staying positive. Even if you can't shed a pound, or you just blew a week or two of healthy eating, it is important to be positive. Don't give up and keep pushing yourself to your goal.
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
Nicely done! I am trying to loose about 15-20 pounds now and I find useful the calorie count, made me aware of how many calories are in some really small foods, like dressings and sauces... I am struggling though with social, when people around me eat all the good but bad foods and I'm trying to stick to my salad or barely eat pastas/cheese.
I agree that the social aspect is hard. When I am at home ad we do not have guests, I have no problem but as soon as we are invited out or we host dinners I cannot stay on my limited program. I also find it hard not to drink when we are with friends. However, when there is just the two of us I refrain. Entertaining is a vert hard one for me.
way to keep pushing! congrats!
Chris
(link to my blog and 130lb success story in my profile)
Way to go! Great advice and very inspirational for those of us just starting out on the healthier eating and lifestyle journey. I like especially how you kept learning and found a solution to the exercising/health problem. Keep it up!
Great job. I'm already a believer and have been on the program for a week now however I want to share your story with a good friend who is struggling. Thank You!
Great job. I'm already a believer and have been on the program for a week now however I want to share your story with a good friend who is struggling. Thank You!
So happy for you! It is encouraging to hear your common sense approach to weight loss. Information was the wake up call for me, too. I am a bread & sugar lover, but when I saw the calorie count in my favorite foods, it was much easier to pass them up. I found low cal substitutes, ie: fruit or yogurt for dessert, and find I am just as happy with them, knowing they will help me on my journey to better health!
You look fantastic, healthy and happy.
Have to say I'm right there with you on the portion control versus avoiding food groups slant. When I first started my change of lifestyle I logged everything I ate with no attempt to adjust portion sizes. It proved to me what I already knew (but didn't comprehend) I was eating an A+ diet with fresh food and minimum salt etc just far too much of it. So adjusting portion size not cutting food groups helps me to lose. And I agree knowledge helps when you know the calorific/fat etc content of a muffin it helps you make better choices about how you 'use' your calories allowance.
Good job ...this is encouraging ...I can't seem to get this weight off I do take a thyroid pill and was finally switched to Armour but really no weight loss.Maybe if you could put a few days of sample meals that would help. I will try harder any one have any suggestions .
Great post - thanks much for sharing! Your story is very motivating. I totally agree it starts with being informed and CC has been a huge help for me too. Keep up the great work. You look wonderful!
Like Rosi above, I had been eating quite nutritiously for a long time but just too much. CC has helped me realize that all those small "50-calorie decisions" were adding up very quickly. I had fallen into the mentality of "just a bite doesn't count" but, especially as one gets older, 50 to 100 calories a day makes a noticeable impact.
I also had developed the belief that, if I kind of ignored and stayed away from food, i.e., didn't think about food, seek out recipes or spend time cooking-- but rather just "threw together" meals based on what most people do (meat-centered with a starch and veggie for dinner, sandwiches for lunch, boxed cereal or toast for breakfast), I'd "protect" myself from eating too much. But now that I am experimenting with food, thinking about it a lot (not craving "forbidden" foods but planning how to prepare healthy ones in creative ways), spending time shopping for it, reading about food and eating all the time on CC and other sources, etc., I feel like I am more objective about food and really enjoy finding new ideas on making healthy meals. You can't master an issue by ignoring it, but how you think about it is crucial. Great work!
Thank you folks! Now I am at 128 lbs:)
My motto for the first 6 months or so was "Every morsel counts". So basically I wrote down everything I ate, even if it was just one bite. Now I no longer keep a physical log but I am aware of what and how much I put into my mouth.
Also would like to add that I watched a lot of food related documentaries like Forks over knives, food inc., etc. While I can't become a vegan I have definitely cut down on dairy and eggs. When I do have them, I make sure it is organic.
How wonderful of you to keep pushing through your pain and health related concerns to reach your goal. Letting education be your guide is very wise. I can relate to this on many levels. Congratulations on all your success now and into the future.
this is encouraging. are there a lot of people that have just simply lost weight by cutting calories? and not really working out lots?
Original Post by: amandandouglasthis is encouraging. are there a lot of people that have just simply lost weight by cutting calories? and not really working out lots?
I think it depends on your lifestyle, personal metabolism and daily activity level.
Hard work never fails.... :)
I am gonna start a new life... Killing the bad things within me...
What a great motivational story. Congrats on your successful weight loss and healthier lifestyle. And, THANK YOU for sharing so much information.
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Well done!! Keep up the good work!
I think one of the most important things that you have highlighted is your use of portion control, rather than eliminating entire food groups!
What a motivation! :)