Weight Loss Success Stories - Cathy Lost 146 Pounds

First Name: Cathy
Age: 34
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Civil Technician
Hometown: Milton, FL
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost 146 pounds and 100.50 inches!
Height: 5'5"
Waist: 27
Starting Weight: 277 pounds
Current Weight: 131 pounds

Cathy's Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?

In January 2007, I decided that it was time for a huge change in my life!

What made you decide to lose weight?

I was tired of looking in the mirror and not liking what I saw. I was tired of being so limited in clothing choices because of my size. And one day I woke up and realized that many of the health issues that run in my family are aggravated by obesity.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?

I began a low calorie diet and joined the gym. I also started walking regularly.

What was most challenging about losing weight?

Limiting foods I loved such as sweets, salty snacks, sodas, and pasta dishes.

How long did it take you to start to see results?

Within the first month I had lost about 15 pounds and 13 inches. It was amazing motivation to keep it up.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?

It has been almost 18 months since my journey began.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?

I have been at my current weight for about a month now. I have began to increase my calories to stop losing weight, but I have joined a second gym to help with toning and maintenance too. I also have a personal monthly goal to walk 80 to 100 miles and consistently reach nearly 120 miles per month.

How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I have more energy to be a better wife and mother. I look in the mirror and like the person staring back at me. I look at recipes and immediately start to figure out how I can make them healthier. I go to restaurants and strive to choose a healthy choice. If I splurge, I immediately plan to go for a 5 mile walk or to the gym to work it off.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?

ShapeFit.com is a great site that gives all the information you need to live a healthier lifestyle. The articles and suggestions are wonderful and easy to incorporate into my life.

Cathy's Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

Weight loss tip #2:

Commit to an exercise program and stick with it.

Weight loss tip #3:

Allow yourself an occasional "splurge". Just limit your indulgence!

Weight loss tip #4:

If you go overboard at a meal, immediately get back in the right mindset. Don't have the attitude of "today is shot" and then spend the rest of the day making it worse by eating even more.

Weight loss tip #5:

Find a weight loss buddy. It is so much easier to do it with a friend to help you stay on track.

Cathy's Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:

1 serving of oatmeal; medium banana.

Lunch:

4 oz. steamed fish or grilled chicken; 2 cups steamed cabbage

Dinner:

4 oz. meat; 1 cup steamed broccoli; 1 cup green beans; 6 baby carrots.

Snacks or Mini Meals:

A.M. snack - 1/2 cup cottage cheese, medium apple. Afternoon snack - 1 serving of yogurt with 1 Tbs. granola; 1 cup fresh pineapple or 10 fresh strawberries. Evening snack - 1 serving of fat free sugar free pudding or 1/2 cup of sugar free ice cream.

Cathy's Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:

3 times a week workout at Curves gym; 3 times a week work out at my other gym doing strength training, elliptical machine, bike.

Cardiovascular:

Walk/run minimum of 20 miles per week.

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