Weight Loss Stories – Amy Lost 122 Pounds and 22 Sizes

Name: Amy
Age: 36
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Hairstylist
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Height: 5’3″
Starting Weight: 261 pounds
Current Weight: 139 pounds
Current Waist Size: 28″

Amy’s Weight Loss Interview!

How much did you lose?
I’ve lost 122 pounds! I started at a size 28 and now I’m a size 6/8. I also started with a very high level of body fat and now I’m way down!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve been overweight my entire life. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t trying to lose weight. Once I graduated from high school I started getting depressed and the weight started piling on even more.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I needed a lifestyle change. Being a hairstylist, I looked at myself in the mirror every day and it was so depressing. My sister started Weight Watchers and she had great success with it. So it inspired me to join and make a change.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Joining Weight Watchers made the biggest impact when I first started losing weight. Once I got closer to my goal weight, I hired a personal trainer and really started fine tuning my diet to help me achieve my ultimate goal.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
I think the most challenging thing was finding a balance and realizing that I wasn’t on a diet. I made a true lifestyle change. I still eat what I want within reason. I also think viewing myself differently has been challenging. I still see myself as a bigger girl even though I’ve lost so much.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results rather quickly. But I don’t just look at the scale to view my success. I look at all of the things I’ve accomplished while on this weight loss journey.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me a few years to lose the majority of my weight and I got the last 20 pounds off over the summer.

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
Weight lifting and losing weight slowly has helped me to avoid having a lot of saggy skin.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
Staying active is what has helped me maintain my weight loss. I’ve kept the majority of the weight off for 6 years now!

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My motivation comes from my niece. I want her to see me as a fit and healthy person. I also get motivation from my boyfriend. I really don’t think I could have done this without him. He helps me stay motivated by encouraging me and helping me realize how far I’ve come. Seeing my results and wanting to maintain them really helps motivate me! I never want to go back to where I was!

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
My life is so different now! I’m happy, healthy and fit! I’ve been able to accomplish so many things since I’ve lost weight. I’ve completed 3 half marathons, 15 different 5K’s and 10K’s plus I’ve done a few mud runs. I love working out and weight lifting! Seeing how much weight I can lift is so exciting to me. Plus, I have confidence again. I feel so good about myself and I’m proud of myself!

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Don’t give up! I’ve had ups and downs but I kept moving forward. Try to stay active to the best of your abilities. Find a buddy to workout with or to help you stay accountable.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com has great articles and awesome fitness tips! I love reading their weight loss success stories.

Amy’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Get a food journal. Write down everything you eat and drink. It will help you stay accountable.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Stay active! I never thought I would love fitness but now I can’t imagine not doing it. Any movement is better than no movement at all.

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Don’t just look at the scale! I’ve had so many non-scale victories. Be proud of the accomplishments you have made! Maybe your clothes are getting bigger or maybe you started walking or maybe you said no to that cupcake. Those are all non-scale victories.

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Drink a lot of water! I drink a gallon every day.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Eat non-processed foods! Focus on lean protein, complex carbs, vegetables and some fruits.

Amy’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
I eat 1 egg, 3 egg whites and 1/2 cup of steel cut oats.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
4 ounces of bison, 1/2 cup of jasmine rice and 1 cup of broccoli.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
4 ounces of flank steak, 1/2 cup sweet potatoes, 1 cup green beans.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
I like snacking on 1-4 ounces of grilled chicken with a 1/2 cup of brown rice or I’ll have 2-4 ounces of ground turkey with a 1/2 cup of brown rice.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I take fish oil every day.

Amy’s Weight Loss Workouts!

What do you do for weight training?
I have a trainer and I do weight training 3 days a week. We focus on a full body workout. Arms, chest, back, legs and abs. My workouts vary every week. That way I don’t get bored. The weights I lift have gotten heavier the longer I’ve worked with him.

What do you do for cardio training?
I run 3-4 miles every day. If I’m trying for a half marathon then I run 4 days a week and cross-train with either the elliptical machine or I do a cycling class.

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