Today’s featured weight loss success story: BWLW Online Community member Elisa lost 80 pounds by eliminating junk food, portion control, and working out. Here is what she shared with us:
Hello BWLW Community, I am so happy to be a part of a community where there is so much positive support. Thank you for this opportunity.
My Motivation
My motivation came from the desire and need to see my son grow up. I was tired of being tired and wanted a change. I knew in order for me to be healthy I needed to start somewhere. I began my journey the summer of 2011. I was going to the gym but wasn’t seeing any results, so I decided cancel my membership and focus on me. I knew that going to the gym and eating the same foods was counterproductive. I always knew that I needed to lose weight but it wasn’t until I was emotionally ready that I was able to be committed to this journey.
My Eating Habits
I realized my weakness was rice and junk food candy, ice cream and soda. When I started my journey, I began eliminating junk food especially soda. I started drinking water with lemon and hot tea in the mornings and eating fruits, vegetables. Portion control helped me lose the weight. Over the course of 2 years I managed to lose 80 pounds now weighing 245 pounds. I had to come to terms, and be honest with myself about what I was putting in my body. I found that denial is real, especially when battling weight loss. Once I got over the denial part I let it go. Food for me now is not for comfort. I eat when I’m hungry and if I want a sweet snack I will get a small piece. I have tried going cold turkey in the past and I would end up eating more than I needed. I eat 3 meals a day with lunch being my heaviest. Dinner is usually fruit or something light depending on what I ate earlier in the day.
Workout Routine
I began walking a few blocks in my neighborhood and increased my duration it each time I went. I began walking 3 blocks and later began walking around the park. In the past I would take the short cut around, but as I continued I was able to complete the entire walk around the park. I also workout at home using some of the routines I learned while going to the gym. When I was going to class I would get off the train stop furthest from my school and walk back. I am looking forward to getting back in the gym now that I have control over what goes in my body.
I feel confident that I will reach my goal weight one day at a time!!
I gained my weight due to depression and I used food as a support system especially when no one was there. Ten years later, I was over 100 pounds heavier and had numerous of health problems. I was tired of being sick physically and mentally. I knew the weight was keeping me me down both ways as well. So, I researched getting the gastric bypass weight loss surgery done. I found out my insurance paid for it in full. It took me a year to do what I had to do to get approved, but it happened. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. No quick fixes here! It was the best decision for me in the end. It very hard because I never would have known what my journey was really going to be until I went through it myself. I finally accepted my new lifestyle and said goodbye to my bad habits. I got up, ate healthy and worked out 3 – 5 days a week. I did both strength training and cardio. I was careful about not putting too much pressure on myself because I never wanted to hate what I was doing to get healthy. I worked hard everyday to both eat right and workout. I also had to also change my thinking patterns because that is what controlled my eating habits. I used working out as a stress reliever and it has helped me to be more positive. It still is an everyday struggle but I work day to day (sometimes minute to minute) to continue working hard.
New moms should make it a habit of ensuring they stay hydrated throughout the day. By drinking plenty of water, mothers can keep their energy up and distinguish between hunger cravings and thirst. When one is thirsty, they commonly mistake it for being hungry. By drinking plenty of water, new moms will keep their appetite in check. New moms should have a big glass of water first thing when they first wake up, and they should carry a water bottle with them throughout the day. This also can be beneficial with nursing mothers.
