Name: Darlene
Age: 33
Family Status: Married with children
Occupation: Legal Assistant
Location: Florida
Height: 5’3″
Waist: 30″
Starting Weight: 202 pounds
Current Weight: 143 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost a total of 59 pounds! I used to be a size 16 and now I’m a 6-8!
Darlene’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve been unhappy with my weight since I had my first child 15 years ago. After my first child, I had two more children and couldn’t lose the weight I gained even though I was skinny as a child and teenager.
What made you decide to lose weight?
My husband was diagnosed with high blood pressure and ended up in the emergency room. He had to change his diet and in order for him to succeed, I had to join him. I am so glad that I did because I look and feel great!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I stopped eating fast food and processed foods. I also cut out the junk foods, snacks and sugary drinks. I started to pay attention to my sodium intake and my sugar and fat intake. I also minimized my portions significantly and incorporated fresh fruits and veggies in my overall diet.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
I used to always “diet” and I failed miserably every time. I wanted to lose weight for superficial reasons. This time around, I wasn’t paying attention to my weight, I just wanted to be healthy for my husband and kids. The weight started melting off once I just focused on my health as the overall goal.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
At first, I dropped about two dress sizes in about a month. I noticed it in my face and arms right away, then my thighs. It took a total of 5 months to reach my current weight.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
Five months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
It’s been 7 months now.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
I still indulge every once in a while but I notice that when I do, I don’t feel good. It kind of makes my tummy ache and I feel sluggish and weak. I would much rather eat healthier foods because it gives me energy and makes me feel good. Also, I look great in my new clothes. I LOVE fashion so much now and I feel like a diva! I get so many compliments and people treat me differently. I don’t feel invisible any longer!
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
First off, I feel amazing both emotionally and physically. My confidence is through the roof! I love the attention that I get and I feel so confident in my skin. I haven’t felt this way since I was a teenager.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
I would say that the main focus and overall goal should be your health. Start monitoring your food intake, what you’re eating and how much of it you are eating. Once you do that, the weight will start melting off. Don’t ever give up! If someone would have told me a year ago that I would look and feel the way I do today, I honestly wouldn’t have believed them. Nothing tastes better than skinny!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
Honestly, this website was such a motivation. I still go on ShapeFit to read people’s weight loss stories and see their before and after pics. I always thought to myself, “One day this will be me!” and I can’t believe that ShapeFit is featuring my story. I want to inspire others like this website did for me. ShapeFit.com has helped to inspire me and keep me motivated to reach my goals!
Darlene’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Eliminate sugary drinks, junk foods and processed foods.
Weight loss tip #2:
Drink tons of water.
Weight loss tip #3:
Get active! Incorporate exercise at least 3 times a week.
Weight loss tip #4:
Eat lots of fruits, veggies and protein. It will help to keep you full.
Weight loss tip #5:
Don’t be in a rush to lose weight. Slow and steady wins the race!
Darlene’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Some kind of fruit during the weekdays and on the weekends, a boiled egg or a veggie omelet with turkey bacon.
Lunch:
A wrap, salad, or sandwich paired with fruits and nuts.
Dinner:
Protein, like a very small piece of sirloin steak, or grilled chicken or grilled burger, with salad on the side and sometimes a small amount of rice.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Nuts (cashews and peanuts), a small amount of cottage cheese, fruits, salads or fiber bars.
Nutritional Supplements:
I don’t take any supplements.
Darlene’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I do strength training videos at home with squats, leg raises and other exercises.
Cardiovascular:
I do lots of walking! I can walk between 3-6 miles, 3 times a week. I also dance for about a half an hour every other day.
