Weight Loss Stories – Natasha Lost 34 Pounds in 6 Months

Name: Natasha
Age: 25
Family Status: Soon to be married
Occupation: Mommy and Customer Service
Hometown: Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 34 pounds!
Height: 5’4″
Waist: 27″
Starting Weight: 165 pounds
Current Weight: 131 pounds

Natasha’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
After my fourth child I started to hate my body and the way clothes looked on me. I hated the puffiness of my face and the lack of definition anywhere on my body. In early 2006 I began my weight loss journey and lost about 30 pounds and was really proud of myself. I started to love healthy food and my life and I wanted to make my kids healthier as well. But later into 2007 I was leaving my current fiancee, who was overweight and just miserable and found out I was pregnant with my fifth baby. I was alone and starting a new life, scared and depressed. I also knew from the prior 4 babies that I had to be drastic to control the weight gain. Lucky for me I met an amazing and supportive man that helped me eat healthy throughout and then after, watching the kids an hour a day so I could get out and walk. This helped me lose another 30 to 35 pounds.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I was tired of being miserable and depressed. When your sad, it affects everyone in your life. You yell and don’t even realize you’re doing it. I had the fortune of a man to help me. All you need is one person dedicated to helping you love yourself. I wanted my kids to grow up with a healthy mom and never have the weight battle I have always had.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Eating healthy and loving it. Also dedicating one hour a day to walking or running and one hour to yoga, everyday. I found that way once in a while if I didn’t feel like working out, I did not feel guilty because I knew yesterday I did good and tomorrow I would again. Sometimes with 5 babies all under 7, you can’t always sacrifice their time. WATER!!! Drink lots and your body will love you for it.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
When you reach a plateau it is most frustrating, but a simple change in routine and your there. Also, after the weight loss I learned to tone and found ways to tweak my body to achieve the results I wanted. Again, I had a man that is very knowledgeable so most of the time I would ask him how can I fix this and what I needed to do.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
Within the first month, I could see results. I dropped a steady 8 pounds a month after baby #5. Within a week I felt better about myself so what came off didn’t matter much.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 5 or 6 months to reach where I am now, so now it is just maintaining. It’s easy to indulge and gain a few pounds that add up fast.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have maintained my weight for one year now and I am still tweaking my body but happy just the way I am. Now it’s a matter of looking in the mirror and just accepting what I see and LOVING it.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I am healthier and happier. Never did I imagine I would go into a store and buy a small shirt or a size 5 shirt. I never liked wearing dresses or getting my photo taken. I hated every part of me and it was so sad. Now I look for shorts and shirts as often as I can and my loving husband to be loves shopping for me too.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit is so motivating! I cried when I read a story about a woman losing 100 pounds. I love the community because everyone is here to help. Someone on this site actually told me it’s not the number you need to worry about but the way your body looks when you stare in the mirror. The weight is just a number not a fitness level.

Natasha’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Drink lots of water.

Weight loss tip #2:
Get running. Go with your kids and get them motivated too.

Weight loss tip #3:
Never have an excuse.

Weight loss tip #4:
Eat sensible.

Weight loss tip #5:
Don’t eat past 7pm.

Natasha’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
Yogurt with berries and granola. Add powdered flax and use omega enriched granola.

Lunch:
Chicken wrap with honey mustard and fresh veggies.

Dinner:
Chicken, fish or beef with potatoes and a salad with fresh veggies. Lots of beans or chili. Chili is super nutritionally packed!

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Dark chocolate for that sweet urge. Strawberries and whip cream. Bananas, pineapple. Avocado dip or whole in a salad or wrap.

Natasha’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
I push a stroller in a park 2 days a week and 3 days a week on the trails. I also life my son all day so I don’t focus much on weights 🙂

Cardiovascular:
Running 4 to 6 days a week. When starting out, run one day and walk the next to get your body adjusted. Always carry water and an iPod it keeps you motivated. Never rely on a training partner unless they are as motivated as you because it will only provide you with an excuse to not run if they cannot make it.

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