Only 3 lbs. to go…never thought I’d see the day when I was back in the 170s. The last time I was this size is when I found out I had food allergies and lost 47 lbs. in about 8 weeks – definitely NOT the way to lose weight!
Anyway, I promised to post my weight-loss story, so here it is:
My wake up call to lose weight was going for my physical in October 2006, weighing in at 228 lbs. and the doctor telling me I needed blood pressure medication. Not wanting to be a hostage to medications, I decided it was time for me to take control of my health.
By November 2006, I was signed up at the gym across the street from work (now City Club of Buckhead) and after talking to a staff member, decided to give the “ drink plenty of water and eat something every 2 hours” suggestion a try. I went to the store and bought a 64 oz. water bottle and ate 6 meals a day – regular breakfast/lunch/dinner, and 3 snacks consisting of a 1:1 ratio of proteins and carbs.
By simply eating more frequently, I jumpstarted my metabolism and lost 10 lbs. within about 3 months. I can’t say my workout affected my weight loss immediately, because I was grossly out of shape. I knew a trainer would push me and felt I would give up easily if I were sore after working out – so I got in shape MY WAY. (I knew I had the discipline and positive attitude to pull it off!)
Everyday I would suit up in sweats and an oversizied t-shirt and do about 10 minutes on the treadmill and a couple of reps on the machines to build up my arms. The elliptical was the scariest machine for me. At first I could only stay on for 10-seconds and that was without using my arms! I didn’t give up, and gradually added more time week-by-week. After several months, I could stay on the elliptical for 30 minutes and now it’s my favorite piece of equipment in the entire gym!
I met a few people along my fitness journey who encouraged me. I soon learned that aerobics classes weren’t for me, but along with the elliptical (using my arms!), I did enjoy the treadmill and got comfortable with pretty much all of the equipment. Before long, I shed my sweats and bought fitted workout attire that I actually like seeing myself in. After 6 years of committed workouts and taking the advice of a nutritionist on how to eat properly and manage my food portions, I am 178 lbs. and have a well-balanced workout – Aqua Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, weights and cardio.
Find what works for you and your lifestyle and go for it! Try several different workouts to prevent boredom and work all body parts. But most importantly – don’t give up on yourself! Getting in shape takes time – and it’s the best personal investment in your future.