Weight Loss Stories – Debbi Lost 135 Pounds and 26 Inches

Name: Debbi
Age: 54
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Sales
Hometown: Naples, Florida
Pounds or Inches Lost: I am literally HALF the size I was last year! I’ve lost 135 pounds and now weigh 135 pounds! I went from a 55 inch waist to a 29 inch waist.
Height: 5’5″
Waist: 29″
Starting Weight: 270 pounds
Current Weight: 135 pounds

Debbi’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve always been unhappy with my weight. I’ve yo-yo dieted for 30 years. I’ve gained and lost the same amount of pounds about 5 times, each time gaining more and more.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I live on the second floor and work on the second floor. It was getting harder to climb the stairs. My heart was pounding. It scared me. If I can’t get into my own home, what would I do? My daughter had just lost weight doing a low carb and high protein diet. She encouraged me to try it. I thought “okay, one more time!” To my surprise, the weight fell off.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I quit eating anything white. No more bread, pasta, potatoes or rice. I found that I must have had a gluten allergy. I had to find a new way of eating, and to make food NOT the main focus of my life.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
The AMOUNT of weight that I had to lose was overwhelming. I knew it would take me over a year to lose it. That made me sad. But the very most challenging thing is maintenance. This is the really hard part! The challenge of not gaining it all back again.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I saw results the first week. Once my body got used to not getting its sugar fix, the bloat was gone. A big surprise was the congestion disappeared too. And the hot flashes were gone! Who knew that menopause symptoms were aggravated by carbs!

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
I changed my goal weight several times. I didn’t know what weight would look best and feel right. I’ve been morbidly obese for so many years. Ultimately, it took me 15 months to lose 135 pounds. I’m happy with my weight now. I’ve never said that before!

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’ve been on maintenance for 3 months so far. I’ve challenged myself with a fitness goal now. I signed up for fitness boot camp and I started running.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I’ve been running 5K’s. At 55 years old, I’m in the best shape of my life. Adult on-set athletics! I feel so much better.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I use ShapeFit’s FitTracker fitness tracking program to measure my workouts.

Debbi’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Look at food like the addiction that it is!

Weight loss tip #2:
Eating right begins at the grocery store.

Weight loss tip #3:
Set small attainable goals.

Weight loss tip #4:
Take pictures.

Weight loss tip #5:
Join a fitness forum.

Debbi’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
2 boiled eggs, 2 slices of turkey bacon.

Lunch:
Organic chicken breast, lite Miracle Whip, chopped spinach, tomatoes and romaine lettuce.

Dinner:
Grilled fish, chicken, or beef with steamed broccoli or asparagus.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Sugar free popsicles! Atkins protein bars, sugar-free Jell-O, raw almonds.

Debbi’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
No real weight training until I met my goal. I used 5 pound hand weights and lifted while I walked.

Cardiovascular:
I just walked. I started slow and built it up as it got easier. When I could walk 4 mph for 10 miles, I started running. I’m building that up now. I can run for 2 miles without stopping so far!

1. Prev:Weight Loss Stories – Deborah Lost 78 Pounds in 10 Months
2. Next:Weight Loss Stories – David Lost 70 Pounds in 12 Months