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Weight Loss Success Stories - Angela Lost Weight By Diet & Exercise
First Name: Angela
Age: 29
Family status: Married, Mom
Occupation: Avon Rep, PT Trainer
Hometown: Salisbury, NC
Pounds or inches lost: I have lost 102 lbs, and about 40
inches in 5 areas so far!
Starting Weight: 283
Current Weight: 181
Angela's Weight Loss!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I've been unhappy with my weight just about all of my life,
I've been up and down for as long as I can remember. However,
in September 2003, I seen a picture that was taken of me and my
family, and was totally disgusted. I had been going through depression
pretty bad, I had withdrew 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 lbs. 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
anti-depressants, I couldn't breathe, I could hardly stand to
walk in the mall, and I was a miserable unhappy person. I wanted
to be me again. I wouldn't go anywhere, wouldn't talk to anyone,
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, and 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,
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 had to eat less of it, less often. Overall,
I'm looking out for my heart, so I'm taking in less saturated
fat. And just as important, I exercise 6 days a week for 60-120
minutes. I workout at a ladies fitness center, I've been there
for a little over two years. I never seen myself working out 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,
do 30-60 mins on an elliptical trainer, and I also walk 30-60
minutes a day outside. But overall I would have to say I had to
changed 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
that I started writing down everything I put in my mouth, and
exercised for at least 30 mins a day 6 days a week, I lost 5 lbs
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%. 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, I find that helps keep me on the straight and narrow,
I think 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, 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 a 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 tips to help me get through. 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.
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, 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, Fruits, Protein Shakes, Low fat Yogurt
Angela's Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I do a 30 minute circuit consisting of a combination of strength
training with aerobic steps.
Cardiovascular:
At least 30 - 60 mins of elliptical trainer, and 30-60 mins of
walking daily. Somedays 30 mins of aerobic steps
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