Name: Beth
Age: 26
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Certified Nursing Assistant
Hometown: Indiana, Pennsylvania
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 150 pounds and 16 pants sizes. I went from a size 36 to a 18/20.
Starting Weight: 385 pounds
Current Weight: 233 pounds
Beth’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was basically unhappy with it my whole life, but I was especially unhappy with it when I couldn’t even fit in regular plus sizes, I had to go to specialty stores.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I hit rock bottom in 2001 when I was hospitalized with a blood sugar over 1100. I weighed almost 400 pounds. That’s when I knew I had to change or I was going to die.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I’d say that the most important thing is making it a lifestyle change and not a “crash diet.” I am going to eat this way for the rest of my life. I have to eat healthy, and I did not allow my boyfriend to eat junk food in the house, so that I wasn’t tempted.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
The biggest challenge is not eating too much between meals. I tend to graze, and that’s where a lot of the calories accumulate. So I have to watch what I am eating so that I don’t eat too much between meals.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I saw results in the first two months. I started feeling my pants get a bit loose, and saw the numbers on the scale go down.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
After I lost a bit of weight after 2001, I gained a bit back because I didn’t know how to eat healthy and maintain it. Since February of this year, though, I have lost almost 100 pounds.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have been steadily losing more and more. My goal is 175 by April of next year. I think the key is that it is a lifestyle change and not a “diet”.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
It has changed a lot. My self-confidence is way up now. I feel like I can accomplish anything. I can fit on all amusement park rides, I can shop basically anywhere for clothes, and I don’t worry that I am going to get made fun of when I go out. It’s a great feeling.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
It helped me by giving me tips and hints on exercise and eating right. Also it gave me the support that I need to continue on my weight loss journey.
Beth’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Drink a lot of water.
Weight loss tip #2:
Do not snack in front of the TV.
Weight loss tip #3:
Watch “between meal” portion sizes.
Weight loss tip #4:
Beware of hidden condiment calories.
Weight loss tip #5:
Drink mostly non-carbonated, non calorie beverages instead of soda.
Beth’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
High protein cereal, skim milk, orange or grapefruit juice.
Lunch:
Low-fat turkey burger with whole grain bun, low-fat mayo and a salad with low-fat dressing, sugar free beverage.
Dinner:
Baked chicken, cucumbers with light Italian dressing, broccoli (steamed), water.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
100 calorie packs such as baked Cheetos and Doritos, fat free pudding, yogurt (fat free Yoplait).
Beth’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
3 times a week for 30 minutes.
Cardiovascular:
5 times a week for 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes walking or jogging on the treadmill.
