Soaring with Confidence
Boosting her self-esteem was what prompted Cellotlhicks to lose weight. Along the way, she learned many things about the importance of mental discipline. After losing 35 lbs she not only looks better, she feels better as well!
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 have struggled with the same 50 lbs or so since I was about 13. A few years back I managed to lose those 50 lbs and was in excellent shape. I taught fitness, had a six pack and wore a size 2-4. A depressing summer, and a more sedentary life in grad school coupled with bad food choices caused me to put on 49 lbs from my low weight. I hated feeling like a failure. I was very low on myself and I am sure I was making things miserable for those around me. I decided to turn it over to God, prayed about it, and stumbled upon this site a few days later. I knew right away that tracking my food was exactly what I needed. Exercise was not my problem as much as food was.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I grew up in Tae Kwon Do (received my black belt at 14), and was in ROTC in high school. I credit those two things with giving me lots of discipline and a high tolerance for exercise. In the past when I did lose weight, it was through eating less and moving more, but I never had tools to track it.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
My attitude was number one. I had to realize that the guilt, low self esteem and self sabotage were taking deep root and affecting my daily choices. That beating myself down was not producing weight loss. I never called myself fat again after starting this. I put my energy into coming up with different plans and goals, and got excited about them. I would set goals, like 3 days of weights and walk 20 miles this week, and would reward myself when I did that.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
The supportive community has given me a wealth of knowledge. I love my friends here. they are almost better than my real life ones. Writing in my journals has been therapeutic, and reading them over helps me to see how far I have come. The analysis and other tools have helped me to learn to make much better food choices.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
In the beginning, I was shocked at what I was eating, and had to spend lots of time reviewing my choices and reading labels. That has become more second nature now. Also, I hurt my hip and knee, so I have not run in while. I really miss that. Aside from weights and occasionally the elliptical, I can only walk.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
I did not weigh in for a month. Instead of focusing on results right away, I wanted to focus on my mindset and habits, and not allow the scale to control my mood. But I did lose 8 lbs when I weighed myself later, and about 1 month after that I had lost 20 lbs and was halfway to my goal. I'd say that was the moment.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
There have been many different moments where I have been proud of myself. For example, earlier this week I did 125 push ups (military style, some diamonds). I felt the same way when I was able to lose weight and not get off course even though I was in pain. Not reverting to over-eating again and being able to fit back into old clothes makes me proud as well. I also realized I had not called myself fat in months, or felt guilty for eating less than perfect food here and there.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
When I start to think that I can pig out, I have to remind myself, that food is not just meant for enjoyment and that all the work I have put in can be reversed. Also, I want to continue logging, until I get the hang of intuitive eating (I do this weekends currently).
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My confidence in all areas of life has soared. I know how to forgive myself and love myself for deeper reasons. I no longer have as much knee pain. I feel strong, and love the way I look.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Know that forgiving yourself and focusing on your goals instead of your failures gives you more power.
- Often, there are other things we have let fall to the wayside along with our weight. Occupy yourself with getting other things back
on track too so that it does not consume all your thoughts. - Don't worry about how long it will take. The time will pass by
either way. Spend it productively. - Do not try to cheat your body. It will beat you at your own game. Don't eat less than what you need to be healthy.
- Give what you want to receive. The more people you cheer up, the
more people you give kind advice to - the more people you will have in
your corner.
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
You've got it all now - physically, emotionally and spiritually. What a great inspiration!
You are truly an inspiration! I think you are onto something - self esteem
is important to have during weight loss, but recognizing one has that problem
is the first "trick" to learn! Keep up the great work you are doing!
anngo
Well done and congratulations, lots to focus on in terms of tips, ideas and thoughts.
Simple statements like:
"Food is not only for enjoyment" It makes me realise that's the only way I eat, although I am retraining myself slowly.
I know we have to enjoy the foods we eat but it should not be the main reason we eat. It's this type of focus that starts the reprogramming and understanding of why we are the weight we end up.
Keep posting everyone, each thought carry's the seed for someone else's success and continued motivation.
xxGill
Wow! Way to Go! You look fabulous. I have been re-inspired to continue on this journey. Many thanks for sharing your story! Enjoy the fruits of you labors.
'Don't worry about how long it will take. The time will pass by
either way. Spend it productively.'
What a fabulous ethos! Reading your story has cheered me up today.
well done on reaching your goal weight you look fanatastic but more importantly sound like a well grounded lovely person.
Well Done!
Thanks for sharing- you are truly an inspiration! I too turned my weightloss over to God and have lost more than I ever have and continue on!
Good luck in all your future endeavors! :-)
Taryn:
I was so excited to see this morning! I am so proud of you of how far you have come. I know I tell you this all the time but you are my inspiration and I look forward to reading your journals everyday. Thank you for being such a positive role model. You are going to be successful in everything that you do because of your positive attitude. 
{{Hugs}}
Congratulations
You are absolutely correct. The start of anything successful is a change of attitude. You are looking great and you know it is a amazing how a change like this can make you look much much younger.
mark
The best part of your posting is
Give what you want to receive. The more people you cheer up, the more people you give kind advice to, the more people you will have in your corner.
Too many people believe that weight loss involves giving to themselves and slowing down on giving to others. this is not true at all. A person can lose weight while being kind to others. There's no reason to leave others out of your life. I'm also on my journey and God is helping me every step of the way. People need to make sure to include Him in their everyday lives.
Great post and congrats on your success!
Hello Friend... When I saw your name I knew you were on my friends list. CONGRATS... I am now down 30lbs... and I have about 15-20lbs to go. You are right , sometimes it is not about weighing yourself constantly, but changing your mindset about food and yourself. You look GREAT.
YAY for MY friend! Taryn you are a prime example of how what's on the inside will show on the outside. I am so proud of you. You inspire me to keep pushing towards my goals.
You deserve this spotlight and much much more
Wow! I am new here- and your story has inspired me-- I am on the road of inner transformation to reach my desired healthy weight. Thanks for the tips- very helpful.
Great Story, it was very inspirational and helpful. Good luck with the second half of you gaol, i know you can do it:)
This is the best story I have read so far! I loved reading about your success and I even felt like it was speaking to me at times. I am inspired by your story and your success! Thanks for sharing with us! You look amazing and there is wisdom in your words that will help so many people! :-)
Go Cello, and congratulations! I really love your tips. They are so true, and really put things in perspective.
thanks for posting your story.. its such an inspiration.. i hope i can lose the weight too..
I really needed to hear your comments about self-esteem....I always revert to self-deprecating humor wanting to acknowledge my weight first, before others do, but it doesn't seem to be doing me any good whatsoever. I do like to laugh and make others laugh but I think I could really benefit from making my weight off limits. Maybe it would help me to get serious about it.
Thanks for sharing.
This is a very encouraging story! It seems you are also spiritually in tuned...so am I:) I defintely felt bad for this past weekend and continued to feel guilty about the things I decided to eat. But after reading this I am going to do as you did, pray about it and boycott the guilt! Congradulations on your physical, mental and spiritual growth!
I love this story. I needed to read this. I have those days where I feel like. Giving up is possible, and I know right now.. I can lose this weight once again. Thanks for sharing your life story. Now, I can push pass thanksgiving. I pray for change, and here it is.. Right in front of my face.. The answers to change and courage.
I love your five tips and at the moment I too am keeping away from my scale and not beating myself up for eating this and that..hope I have good results such as yours! Thanks for the inspirational story!!
You are truly an inspiration! You're story sounds so much like mine and my life long struggle with weight loss. I've just started here so I hope to make a lot of friends dealing with the same situations as mine, that can help me push through just as you have. Please keep up the great work!!!
That is really impressive and inspiring to hear you get past low self-esteem and self-sabotaging. It is a really tough thing to do - CONGRATULATIONS!
Your self confidence and determination is an inspiration to all of us. You are truly beautiful inside and out.
Your story is so inspirational and your tips are ones that I will definitely use. Thanks for sharing your story and I wish you nothing but luck in keeping yourself healthy.
either way. Spend it productively.
This is the best thing I've read in a long time. Very true.
girlllie.
im so glad you made it to your goal!
your support has been helping me along too.
hi5 
Congrats! Feeling good about yourself is probably the best feeling in the world!
I'm currently trying to reitorate my negatively into positive thoughts and telling my body that I love my body and that I can lose those 10 - 15 pounds (your story has just given me inspiration to not give up!)
I'm also struggling right now with finding a workout that is good enough to be called a "workout" rather than just a "slow paced 30 minute walk" 3 times a week. How often do you work out? And what sort of things do you do?
This is really very inspiring!! :) congratulation!
I'd like to ask something.. Im actually hitting the gym like 3 days a week and I need to lose weight and im having difficulties even tho im being very active. Do u think that muscles can prevent weight loss?
You go girl!! I was so excited to see you on here. You worked hard and it paid off! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
congratulations! great inspiration and thanks for the comments on my weight loss updates aswell! :D
Wow! That was awesome. When reading your post, I could only think of myself. I want to say thank you for the inspiration.
I just started on this site, and your story seemed similar to mine (used to be very active and fit, gained weight, lost it, gained it again). Also, the self esteem issue is one I have as well (calling myself fat when really no one else sees it). I'm inspired to do well, and hopefully become a success story myself! Congrats on getting healthy!
I'm really not sure about the website (because I dont understand it so far) I'm new to it, so how does it work? lol 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. I always put myself down and feeling like if I would've known that weight could be gain as a young child I would've been a little more worried about what I've ate. I was on dietry pills that werent even on the market at age 11, everything you could think of. Now its this website that I found today, I hope it helps. Your story was a great thought I know one thing I know that this website I'm not alone. I wont self esteem and thats something I dont have, I just dont show it.
Thank you,
Mal
I am so inspired by you and your story. Thank you so much for sharing yourdelf with the rest of us. You offered me encouragement, and inspiration, and motivation! I'm a little bit more certain that my goals can be achieved! Thanks.
A great inspiration!! I always forget to pray and involve God in these types of decitions in my life! Im getting on my knees right away!! :D
you were beautiful before you lost the weight, now you are stunning and your story is so inspirational! :) thanks for sharing!
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What a beautiful post- great job!