Weight Loss Success Stories - Amanda Leon Lost 66 Pounds

First Name: Amanda
Age: 33
Family Status: Divorced
Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher
Hometown: Lakeland, Florida
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 66 pounds!
Height: 5'4"
Waist: 26"
Starting Weight: 204 pounds
Current Weight: 138 pounds

Amanda's Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?

Around 2009 I became unhappy, but I didn't start actively trying to lose weight until January of 2011.

What made you decide to lose weight?

I was always tired and never wanted to do anything. I was also unable to find clothes that fit well.

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

Going to the gym and paying attention to calorie intake (measuring my food). As well as trying to eliminate diet sodas and processed foods. It was extremely important to me to learn to make a lifestyle change without the use of fad diets.

What was most challenging about losing weight?

I have a physical disability. At age 18, I had a brain tumor removed which resulted in partial paralysis of my left side. I cannot run or jump, so exercise choices were limited. It took a long time to train my body to do certain cardio and weight lifting exercises. Determination was the name of the game!

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

I started noticing results in March 2011.

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

It took about 9 months to reach my original goal weight. It took about 11 months to reach my current weight. I have maintained this weight for about 4 months.

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

My original goal weight was 150 pounds, but when I realized how easy it was to reach that goal, I kept going. My new goal weight is 130 pounds, so I'm still slowly working toward my goal.

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

I am happier, I feel stronger and I'm more confident. I have the energy and the desire to go places and do things that require physical activity. I love going to the gym and would rather go workout than sit on the couch after work.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?

Seeing ShapeFit's weight loss stories from other people helped me stay motivated.

Amanda's Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:

Measure your food and keep a calorie log.

Weight loss tip #2:

Stop drinking diet soda and drink water!

Weight loss tip #3:

Eat as much lean protein and fresh fruits and veggies as possible.

Weight loss tip #4:

Get active and stick with it. Sticking with a routine will eventually end up being something you WANT to do.

Weight loss tip #5:

Find a buddy to motivate you. If you can't find anyone, then be your own cheerleader. If I can do it, you can do it!

Amanda's Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:

1 frozen whole wheat bagel with spray butter, 1 pear and 1 cup of coffee.

Lunch:

Fresh veggies (cucumber, tomatoes, red and green peppers). Chobani yogurt with 1/4 cup of granola or 2 cups of chunked watermelon & pineapple. Water with lemon or mint.

Dinner:

Grilled chicken on the Foreman grill with a frozen veggie of my choice which is usually one that came with a seasoning already added. I mixed the chicken with the veggies. Water with lemon or mint.

Snacks or Mini Meals:

2% cottage cheese with 1 sliced peach or sliced strawberries. Granny Smith apple with a 2 ounces of medium cheddar cheese or with a serving of crunchy peanut butter. Cinnamon almonds with a glass of skim milk. 1 dark chocolate Diana's Banana Baby.

Amanda's Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:

I do 30 minutes of weight training workouts at the gym consisting of:

• Shoulder press
  
• Chest press
  
• Lat pull down
  
• Chest fly
  
• Chin up and dip assist
  
• Leg press

I also 30 minute workouts at home with exercises consisting of:

• Shoulder press
  
• Lat raise
  
• Upright rows
  
• Hammer curls
  
• Tricep kickbacks

Cardiovascular:

From January to March of 2011, I did 20 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes on the stationary bike. From March 2011 to present day, I do 30-40 minutes on the ArcTrainer machine.

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