Andrea lost 52 pounds

Today’s Weight Loss Success Story: Andrea lost 52 pounds. She was motivated by wanting to set a good example for her family and to motivate others to live a healthy lifestyle.  Her story is a great example of how making practical, straight forward changes can bring serious results.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

What is your motivation?
My motivation is to live a healthy lifestyle that will be a good example for my children and motivate others to begin their journey to good health.

How did you change your eating habits?
The first change I made to my eating habits was to make at least 80% of my diet life giving foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables. “If it doesn’t rot or sprout you might want to throw it out.” I love the local farmers market because I believe that God designed our bodies to eat seasonally. So, whatever is at the farmers market is most likely what my body needs for that season. I also primarily stay on the outer perimeter of the grocery store when shopping. I also try my best to pre-prepare all of my meals and added green drinks to my diet.

What did your workout routines look like?
I walk 1.5 miles at 4:30am 5 days a week. I do a spin class once or twice a week. I do 30 minutes of calisthenics and weight training 3 to 4 days a week. I also believe that weight loss happens from the inside out. So for me I use my faith in Jesus to address issues that might trigger emotional eating habits. I also attend a mind body and soul groups at my church. I have also completed 2 Half Marathons!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I am at the midpoint in my journey and have about 75 more pounds to go to get to my goal weight. When I first weighted in, I was at 278 pounds now I am at 226 pounds. At the end of my journey I will have lost 120 pounds. My goal is to get this done by the end of my calendar year.

How long did your transformation take?
I have been on this journey for two years. My weight loss has been slow and steady because this time I didn’t want to do any fad dieting. Every time I have done fad dieting I loose a massive amount of weight only to put it back on plus more. This is the first time that I have lost weight and not put it all back on.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
“Recently I became inspired to help others that are where I started and doing this helps me move forward to my final goal.  I encourage people to look at weight loss as a change of lifestyle instead of diet and make realistic changes over time that will last for the rest of their life. I believe that small changes over a long period of time make a big difference. Above all to not just look at what you’re eating but also take a close look at what’s eating you. I realize I am only at the midpoint of my journey and many others have completed theirs it would be an honor if my story was shared now and I can check back in when I have me my goal. I feel like this would be a great accountability opportunity. To Him be all the glory.”

Check her out on Twitter: @ADJOSEPHS