Name: Christina
Age: 27
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Height: 5’7″
Starting Weight: 380 pounds
Current Weight: 190 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 190 pounds!
Christina’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I grew up overweight. I hit my highest weight of 380 pounds when I was 15 years old.
What made you decide to lose weight?
When I was about 16 years old, I was in Italy and was bedridden while my classmates were able to explore the country. I realized my weight was holding me back from a decent life.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
My most important changes were my decision to exercise. I started exercising before I started to clean up my diet. Dietary changes followed.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
I think the hardest thing to deal with had to be my surroundings. In a world of fast food and social gatherings, holding my own was challenging but not impossible.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I remember the first 3 months after I started to clean up my diet, I had lost 50 pounds. I weighed myself at the beginning of the month, then again after 3 months.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It’s been a journey. I lost it slowly and some months I didn’t lose any weight and then the following months I would start losing again. It took a few years on and off to lose it all.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
It was a roller coaster at times with different life changes. However, I have kept off at least 100 pounds for a few years now. The additional 90 pounds was lost in the past couple of years. The biggest factor to keep it off is to focus on the lifestyle change and avoid any type of crash dieting. Remember, it’s a process and it’s not going to happen overnight.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My supporters. They push me to be the best I can be. The feeling of accomplishment and the feeling that I can physically do whatever I want, like walk around the block without being winded.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I am more confident and I have made more friends. My personality was suffocated with the feeling of anxiety and depression before. Now, I can be me without any fear. It turns out that I’m a people person!
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Slow and steady wins the race. Always keep your mind focused on the good things. If you can conquer and change your mind, you can do anything!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss stories are very motivational.
Christina’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
What you do to lose weight, is what you need to do to keep it off.
Weight loss tip #2:
Consistency. However you decided to lose weight, be consistent with your plan. Don’t waste your time with all of the latest products.
Weight loss tip #3:
Healthy eating and exercise always wins.
Weight loss tip #4:
Drink lots of water because it helps flush out toxins.
Weight loss tip #5:
Lift weights! Weight training will boost your metabolism and women need to understand that they will not get bulky from lifting weights.
Christina’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Eggs and oatmeal.
Lunch:
Chicken, rice and veggies.
Dinner:
A large salad with protein.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Mini crisps and tuna with mayonnaise on cucumbers.
Nutritional Supplements:
I don’t take any supplements.
Christina’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I like doing leg training since it’s the biggest muscle group on my body. When I first started, I performed total body weight training, 3 times per week.
Cardiovascular:
Taebo, walking videos, and dance workouts when I first started. Now I use the stepmill, bike, and the Precor AMT machine (Adaptive Motion Trainer).
