Weight Loss Stories – Angela Lost 102 Pounds in 24 Months

Name: Angela
Age: 29
Family Status: Married, Mom
Occupation: Avon Rep, Personal Trainer
Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost 102 pounds and about 40 inches in 5 areas so far!
Starting Weight: 283 pounds
Current Weight: 181 pounds

Angela’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve been unhappy with my weight just about all of my life and I’ve been up and down for as long as I can remember. However, in September 2003, I had seen a picture that was taken of me and my family, and I was totally disgusted. I had been going through depression, I had withdrawn from social situations, and I was miserable. I feel that was when I hit hard rock bottom and decided I couldn’t take it anymore. At that time my weight had come to an all time high of 283 pounds. I refrained from having pictures taken and missing out on many memories to make with my husband and daughter because I couldn’t stand seeing myself. I decided it was time to do something about it.

What made you decide to lose weight?
Many things really. I was severely depressed and refused to take antidepressants. I couldn’t breathe and I could hardly stand to walk in the mall. I was a miserable, unhappy person. I wanted to be me again. I wouldn’t go anywhere, I wouldn’t talk to anyone and I just stayed at home and basically slept so I wouldn’t have to deal with the way I was feeling. My dad has had 3 heart attacks and heart disease along with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all run in my family. I didn’t want to fall victim to those health concerns. I didn’t like the person I had become, and I wanted to be around to see my daughter grow up.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
First of all, I had to re-teach myself to eat. I also had to finally get it in my head that “diets” don’t work. It’s a lifestyle change. It has to be something that I can do each and every day of my life for the rest of my life. I drink mostly water and my eating consists of low-fat, low-calorie foods with sensible snacks. I don’t put food off limits to myself because that makes me want it more. If I decide I want a slice of pizza I will eat it. I just have to eat less of it, less often. Overall, I’m looking out for my heart, so I’m taking in less saturated fats. And just as important, I exercise 6 days a week for 60-120 minutes. I workout at a ladies fitness center and I’ve been there for a little over two years. I never thought I could workout in a gym before but because it was all women, I felt more comfortable. These women were just like me and had the same goals I did. I do a combination of strength training and aerobics through a circuit, with 30-60 minutes on an elliptical trainer, and I also walk 30-60 minutes outside every day. But overall I would have to say I had to change the way I thought about losing weight, exercising and eating right. It’s not all about looks, it’s about my health. I want to be healthy for my daughter and husband, and I want to pass those values on to my daughter so she will live a healthy lifestyle.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
Overcoming my fear of exercising especially around other people and learning what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat. It sounds easy but it’s a journey. A journey you must be ready to take. It takes dedication and commitment. I’m a big emotional eater and I had to really dig deep inside of myself and figure out what started this pattern of emotional eating and why I continued it. Once I started dealing with what was going on inside it was easier to deal with and to lose weight.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results within the first month. The first month I started writing down everything I put in my mouth and exercised for at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. I lost 5 pounds and over 9 inches.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has taken me about 2 years to reach the weight I am at now. I believe very strongly that slower is better. Losing it slowly means you’re making the right lifestyle changes. I haven’t taken any diet pills, no special shots, or anything. I have done this the natural way 100%. I did it by just changing my eating habits and exercising.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I’m actually still losing weight now. I continue to write down what I eat since I find that helps me stay on the straight and narrow. I think it’s because of the accountability factor. I also still exercise 6 days a week. I’m very committed to working out. I know my body needs it, I know my hearts needs it, and I know my mind needs it. Exercise is a high for me and it makes me feel wonderful from head to toe.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
My life has changed so much. I am beginning to be me again. I used to be such an open, bubbly, fun person who was outgoing. When I put on all the weight, I retreated to my house and that’s where I wanted to stay. I was depressed, I would cry, and I was so sad all the time. Now, I feel amazing! I’m laughing more, I’m outside more, I do more things with my family, and I’m enjoying being around people again. I feel the way I used to feel and I wouldn’t trade anything for it. I don’t ever want to go back to that sad person I used to be.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com has helped me learn more about weight loss, nutrition and their fitness tips help me with my journey. It’s excellent motivation! I believe knowledge is power, the more you know, the more you learn, the better off you are. I love the information I get from this website!

Angela’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Change the way you think about food, exercise, and weight loss.

Weight loss tip #2:
Fuel your body, just as you would fuel your car (no junk).

Weight loss tip #3:
Exercise! Learn to love it since it’s good for you and your body will love you for it!

Weight loss tip #4:
Drink plenty of water! Your body needs it and it does wonders for you.

Weight loss tip #5:
Commit to yourself! The same way you wouldn’t cheat on your spouse, don’t cheat on yourself! Learn to love yourself enough to take better care of yourself.

Angela’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
Whole wheat toast, granola bar, fruit.

Lunch:
Turkey on whole wheat, salad, fruit.

Dinner:
Grilled chicken breast, baked potato with salsa, 2 servings of veggies.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Granola bars, fruit, protein shakes, low-fat yogurt.

Angela’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
I do a 30 minutes of circuit consisting of a combination of strength training and step aerobics.

Cardiovascular:
At least 30 to 60 minutes of elliptical trainer, or 30-60 minutes of walking daily. Sometimes I also do 30 minutes of step aerobics.

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