Marquita lost 61.8 pounds over the course of the past year. This proud teacher found a weight loss plan that worked for her and her busy schedule. Check out what she had to say about losing the weight.
What was your motivation?
My motivation was wanting to the lose the weight for me. I was tired of being overweight and once I decided that I was going to do it for me it all clicked. I wanted to avoid any medical issues that are associated with being overweight. I also did not enjoy the fact that I was lacking the energy to simple things. I have lost a total of 61.8 pounds and I’m still working to lose at least 50 more.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my habits by joining Weight Watchers and watching what I eat. I also used portion control and stayed away from a lot of sweets and sodas. I was never a big eater, but just enjoyed sodas and sweets. I did not want to do the surgery thing and find it very rewarding not having to use that option to lose weight.
What did your workout routines look like?
I’m a teacher and have a extremely busy schedule but I try to do a lot of walking and drink lots of water. These things have helped. Working out at 3 times a week helps to keep me from gaining the weight back. I have even tried some weight lifting classes and Zumba.
How long did your transformation take?
I have struggled with my weight most of my life but I started this weight loss journey over the past year. It was easy in the beginning but then I was unable to lose weight for a while. I continued the plan and eventually started losing the weight again. Weight watchers really helped me stay motivated, gave me tips and the constant encouragement from others. I love showing off the before and after pictures…they motivate me!
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Just keep trying because the best is yet to come with Gods help! You have to accept the challenge of doing it for you and it will become easy. Always celebrate the small victories because they lead to bigger ones.
Instagram: @love2smile06
Hi, My weight loss started when I was doing a 4 month course. That was last year in May. We were doing physical training three times a week. My weight when I started was 105 kg (231 pounds). At the end of the course i was 95 kg (209 pounds). However, I relaxed and did not exercise anymore. On Dec 6, 2013 I decided to register with the gym and I haven’t stopped since then. I even join their classes; spinning class which starts 5:30 in the morning till 6:30 and a 30 minute abs classes. I workout 3 times a week at the gym, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1 day for spinning 2 days I would do cardio and strength, including abs. Now, I jog when I get a chance on the weekends, do TaeBo, skip rope and use an ab wheel. Today, I just bought 10 kg (22 lb) sets of dumbbells. I’ve invested a lot in home equipment like a skipping rope, an exercise ball, ab wheel and women’s health dvds. I’m currently going to the fitness house (gym) 3 times a week and I’ve joined endurance class which is spinning. When I started working out again at the gym I was 98.5 kg (217 pounds) and my body fat was 43%. The last time I checked my body fat it was 32%. I’m not sure what my percentage is now because when I want to check it the machines are always offline. My current weight now is 79kg (174 pounds). My height is 5’5″. My motivation to want to lose weight was because of my health. I’m a diagnosed asthmatic, so I would struggle with breathing and easily get tired. As a person who works in the medical field, I knew that if I didn’t do anything about it I would not live long enough to see my 3 beautiful baby girls group. My Eating Habits: I’ve cut all junk food like fried chips and soda drinks. I avoid eating too many carbohydrates and sugary stuff. My meals For breakfast I always have high fiber cereals, with fat free milk or plain yogurt. Mid day – Fruits, nuts, raisins Lunch – I can chose to eat my Low go bread which is also high in fiber with no sugar or salt added with peanut butter and boiled eggs Dinner – Brown rice, 2 servings of veggies with grilled meat (chicken, turkey or fish). Sometimes sweet potatoes with any meat or High fiber spaghetti Don’t forget the greek salad as well. The discipline that is most important is food portion control. You can use food scale or just a palm of your own hand. It works. Also, eat before 6pm in the evening and try not to stress a lot as you know stressing too much decreases ones digestive system. For those who want to lose weight, I suggest you start a motivating routine and set a realistic goal. Find a weight loss partner or group, this will help you cut down a mental strain by sharing what you going through with someone. Start an exercise log because writing down your progress makes everything concrete. Find an old photo where you look good and post it on your fridge. That will remind you how you used to look and see that what you want to be is attainable is motivating. Lastly but not least, set up a reward, think positively, pace yourself, keep it fresh and have fun.
