Weight Loss Success Stories - April Lost 130 Pounds

First Name: April
Age: 24
Family Status: Single
Occupation: I work 2 jobs, attend school, exercise, and stay busy.
Hometown: Texas
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 130 pounds! I was a size 22 and now I'm a size 8!
Height: 5'4"
Waist: 28"
Starting Weight: 260 pounds
Current Weight: 130 pounds

April's Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?

I was very unhappy with my weight ever since I was little at the age of 5. I was depressed and had low self esteem about myself. I was criticized and humiliated. Food was my comfort and best friend that I could depend on. By the time I hit middle school, I was over 200 pounds. I did what I could to lose the weight by exercising but it was no use because I constantly continued to eat the foods I craved such as fast food, fried chicken, sodas, candies, junk food, desserts, fried pork, etc. I would constantly eat big portions in every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I knew I had to do something about my weight but I just didn't know how to motivate myself to lose the weight.

What made you decide to lose weight?

I went to see my doctor and the moment I got on the scale, my heart just dropped. My weight was 260 pounds! The doctor told me that if I didn't get serious about my health that I was on my way of becoming a type 2 diabetic. At that point I lost all hope and gave up because of the fact that I have been trying to lose weight but found no use to get the weight off. By the end of my junior year of high school, a friend of mine complimented me on losing weight. The funny thing about it is that I had not exercised or been eating right at all. I finally had the courage to get on the scale and saw that I lost 20 pounds. I knew then that this was the moment for me to try again on losing weight.

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

I began to stop eating unhealthy foods and switched to eating healthy, nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, grilled chicken, salads, and drinking water. I started to exercise everyday on the treadmill by walking 5 miles a day. I begin to see the results in my wardrobes and the weight just constantly began to drop. I switched up my exercise by cutting down on the treadmill to 3 days per week by running and also doing aerobic videos 3 days per week. I also was going to the fitness center 3 days per week and did push ups, sit ups, weight lifting and riding the bike. When I went back my senior year of high school, I had lost 130 pounds over the summer. If I had chose to do nothing about my weight, I would not have ever lost the weight that I did. I am really proud of myself and hope I can motivate others not to give up but to keep pressing forward despite of the circumstances.

What was most challenging about losing weight?

Avoiding eating unhealthy foods that I used to eat was the most challenging part of losing weight. Throughout the process of me losing the weight, I still craved for the foods I loved, but I had to tell myself NO! It was a process and still is, but I manage to keep it under control.

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

It took about a week to see the results because every week I would lose up to 5-20 pounds! I also saw the results in my wardrobe and had to buy new clothes that actually fit me.

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

It took me 3-6 months for me to reach my goal of 130 pounds.

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

It has been 7 years since I kept my weight off by exercising 3 days a week and eating healthy.

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

My life has dramatically changed since I've lost weight. I became a vegetarian for the past 5 years now and am working towards motivating others to lose weight. I want to publish a book of my own about how to lose weight and hopefully in the future start my own fitness club or aerobic video to help people lose weight. I feel much healthier like never before.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?

ShapeFit.com helped me to take the chance to share my story and help motivate others to do the same. They have helped me to eat healthier and live longer. Thanks ShapeFit! You guys are really an inspiration to help me reach my goal!

April's Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:

Have a partner to exercise with you.

Weight loss tip #2:

Eat small portions of healthy and nutritious meals.

Weight loss tip #3:

Make sure you drink plenty of water.

Weight loss tip #4:

Exercise, but don't over do it. Your body needs rest.

Weight loss tip #5:

Stay motivated and stay focused.

April's Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:

Old fashioned oatmeal (not the instant kind out the box), fruit, and 2 slices of bacon with water.

Lunch:

Salads with grilled chicken with a glass of water.

Dinner:

Vegetables, grilled or baked chicken with a glass of water.

Snacks or Mini Meals:

Fruits, carrots, or mini frozen yogurt.

April's Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:

7 days a week on treadmill (walk or run) for 5 miles. 3 days a week of aerobic videos. 3 days a week at the fitness center lifting weights.

Cardiovascular:

3 days a week of jogging or walking outside. 3 days a week of sit ups, push ups, and lifting weights.

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