Weight Loss Stories – Sandra Rosano Lost 207 Pounds

Name: Sandra
Age: 39
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Registered Nurse (ER)
Hometown: Haverhill, Massachusetts
Height: 5’3″
Waist: 29″
Starting Weight: 377 pounds
Current Weight: 170 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 207 pounds and went from size 30/32 to size 8!

Sandra’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have been unhappy with my weight for as long as I can remember.

What made you decide to lose weight?
The turning point was in March, 2009 when I changed jobs to a larger, busier emergency room.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Activity for sure. I fit some sort of exercise into my day, 6-7 times a week. I also drink a gallon of water a day and I have eliminated meat, alcohol, diet soda and any fried foods and junk food.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
Honestly, this time hasn’t been challenging. I never thought about it as a “diet”. I decided to change my life and start living. If I had to pick something, I would say the most challenging thing is pushing myself to exercise in the beginning. I hated it! Now I feel strange if I don’t do it.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
At 377 pounds (approximately) there were no scales that could register my weight. I had to lose over 80 pounds for anyone to say “are you losing weight” to me. That was frustrating, but also a confirmation of how big I really was.

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

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
6 months. I don’t eat meat or dairy. I don’t eat sweets. I exercise 6-7 days a week. I take stairs everywhere. I continue to keep a fitness journal. I do not reward myself with food. I treat myself with a movie, a pedicure or new clothes.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I can breathe! I no longer sweat with the slightest exertion. I don’t worry about what kind of chairs I’m sitting in. I am no longer the heaviest person in the room. I do not loathe myself. I see friends and family more. I look good in clothes. I have no symptoms from my multiple sclerosis.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
On ShapeFit.com, I read everything about weight loss and maintenance I could get my hands on. I love the exercise and healthy eating tips and I incorporate them into my daily life.

Sandra’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
You are number one.

Weight loss tip #2:
Be accountable and announce to the world the changes you are making.

Weight loss tip #3:
Write it down! Everything you eat drink and feel and every minute of activity.

Weight loss tip #4:
Food is not a reward, it is fuel for your body. The better the fuel, the better the results. You are worth the best.

Weight loss tip #5:
Vary your workouts so you don’t get bored. I walk, do yoga, Zumba, hula hoop. I’ll try anything like spin class or even kickboxing. Just try it! If you don’t like one, try something else until you find your thing.

Sandra’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
Fruit, 2 rice cakes with 2 tsp low-fat peanut butter, V8 juice, 12 almonds.

Lunch:
Whole grain bread, soy cheese, soy turkey, avocado and tomato sandwich, carrots, fruit, Fiber One bar.

Dinner:
Mushroom risotto, wilted greens like spinach, kale or broccoli rabe with beans, fruit and veggies with hummus.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Small salad, rice cakes with hummus, Fiber One bars, English muffin with veggie burger on it.

Sandra’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
Biggest Loser Power Sculpt DVD, kettlebell DVD, yoga.

Cardiovascular:
Treadmill with incline for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. I also do a weighted hula hoop for cardio.