Weight Loss Stories – Elizabeth Lost 80 Pounds in 18 Months

Name: Elizabeth
Age: 34
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Data/Gift Processor
Hometown: St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 80 pounds and 65 inches!
Starting Weight: 204 pounds
Current Weight: 124 pounds

Elizabeth’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was more unhappy with my health overall.

What made you decide to lose weight?
My family history of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Eating a balanced, healthy diet and fitness.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
Towards the end of my journey hearing, “You’re wasting away to nothing”. Are you still losing weight? You should stop. That was back when I was still an unhealthy weight according to my BMI. People, as nice as they were trying to be, were very discouraging.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results after about 8 weeks.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
18 months.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’ve only been in maintenance about 3 weeks. I eat a healthy diet consisting of all of the food groups and keep my calories at or below the allotted number of calories to maintain my weight.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
Energy and smaller sizes make shopping a whole lot more fun. I feel great. My home life is a lot better and I’m no longer depressed.

Elizabeth’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Follow the Food Pyramid.

Weight loss tip #2:
Eat a rainbow! 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies and all different colors.

Weight loss tip #3:
Go for the grain! Whole grain breads, whole wheat pastas, brown rice. The more fiber the better.

Weight loss tip #4:
Do at least 30 mins of cardio 4 days a week.

Weight loss tip #5:
Do at least 15 minutes of strength training 3 times a week.

Elizabeth’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal. 1/2 cup of soy milk (preferably fiber enriched), 1/2 banana or mini box of raisins, tsp of honey or brown rice syrup, 8 oz glass of skim, 2 % or soy milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Lunch:
2 tbsp hummus, 1 serving of Triscuits, 1 small apple, mozzarella cheese stick, 8 medium baby carrots.

Dinner:
4 oz of broiled tilapia, 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1 slice of whole grain bread with Smart Balance or other non-hydrogenated spread, 1 cup of steamed broccoli, 15 grapes.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Apple with peanut butter, almonds, strawberries, granola, pears, cheese, grapes.

Elizabeth’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
30 mins – 3 days a week. 10 minutes – upper body, 10 minutes – core, 10 minutes – lower body.

Cardiovascular:
30 minutes recumbent bike, 30 minutes elliptical.

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