Name: Hilda
Age: 50
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Administrative Assistant
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario Canada
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 43 pounds and lots of inches!
Height: 5′ 4″
Starting Weight: 185 pounds
Current Weight: 145 pounds
Hilda’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve been unhappy for years, especially after having my second daughter 24 years ago.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I was diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea. I went for a sleep test at a hospital and stopped breathing 17 times in my 6 1/2 hour test. It scared the daylights out of me. When my doctor gave me the options and two were to sleep with some type of contraption, I knew I had to concentrate on the weight loss. So here I am.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I joined the gym at my workplace. It’s convenient for me to go during my lunch 2-3 days a week. Also food was very important. There was never any fad dieting, just good food, lots of veggies and yogurt. I eat salads 1-2 times a day and I’ve introduced protein at almost every meal. I also learned to understand how to grocery shop; keep away from as many items with a bar code! That is my newest mantra. Since focusing on that, I found that I’ve been able to maintain my figure.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
When the scale didn’t budge one or two weeks, especially when I am so strict. No soda pop, no desserts. It’s been a real struggle but now I’m beginning to reward myself once in a while as I’m beginning to feel deprived.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I noticed results within the first month. Honestly, just by removing soft drinks and sweet drinks I noticed the results quickly. Since losing my weight I went from a size 16/18 in pants to a size 7/8 – 10 (depending on the manufacturer). But I no longer stress about size, it’s what fits and is comfortable on my body that counts.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
7 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I began my journey in September 2007 and so far I’ve maintained my stature for over 2 years as it took me about a year to get to my level. I still have the same fitness routine, and continue to watch what I eat.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
My husband can’t believe his new wife. My coworkers are all stopping me and asking me what I am doing. Am I on a special diet? Do I get injections (referring to a very popular diet here in Toronto)? I even had people ask me if I was ill. When I tell them what I do, their jaws drop. It feels so wonderful to have curves again and to feel sexy. My sex life with my husband has turned around. We recently celebrated 32 years of marriage, and it feels so great to be able to wear a bikini again and not be self-conscious. I am also now able to swap clothes with my daughters ages 30 and 26. What I am very proud of is that I am a grandmother to two boys, ages 8 and 3 months. When people find out my age, they don’t believe me and I have to show them my driver’s license. That is a thrill for me to have to prove my age, in a good way.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I enjoy reading the articles, nutrition tips and of course the success stories. When I see women who struggled to lose weight and did it, it truly is very inspirational. ShapeFit.com has been a big influence on my new look at life. When I was diagnosed borderline sleep apnea, it scared me to death. By chance I came across this website and I became hooked. The information is credible and reading about others who have been successful, has helped me focus and stay on track! Thanks ShapeFit.com for being the voice that I needed to get my life back!
Hilda’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Do not give up! The scale will not budge at times but keep going with your routine!
Weight loss tip #2:
Try not to be so hard on yourself. Remember it took years for you to get to the point you are at. It won’t come off that fast for some of us!
Weight loss tip #3:
Eat protein at every meal. Research, cut out magazine articles, paste them where you can refer to them for reminders. You can’t remember everything!
Weight loss tip #4:
Encourage your better half to eat more healthy. Tell them how much you love them and want to grow old with them. A healthy partner is a healthy relationship for many years of happiness. A fit couple are a happy couple!
Weight loss tip #5:
Read the food labels. Every calorie counts! It’s also important to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible. Sauces, add calories, as well as sodium and sugar; stuff you want to try to keep away from as much as possible. But it’s important to not over deprive yourself. Go ahead, and celebrate that anniversary; have a cheat meal but get back on track. Life, my friends, is for the living!
Hilda’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Quaker instant oatmeal with water, strawberries, blackberries, 1 cup of coffee with cream and a little sugar, 1 boiled egg white, one 35 calorie yogurt (the greatest discovery ever).
Lunch:
Salad or soup (under 100 cal), whole wheat bread, toasted with tuna (water packed), onion, green onion, 1 tbs. light mayo (40 cal), water, fruit.
Dinner:
Chicken breast, cooked with chicken broth, vegetables, spices, salad and steamed green beans/broccoli.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Hummus and carrots, yogurt, cottage cheese with fresh fruit, fruit and power bars for the ride home on the subway!
Hilda’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
Leg and chest presses, dumbbell lifts.
Cardiovascular:
Circuit training, running, stationary bike.
