Name: Natasha
Age: 25
Family Status: Soon to be married
Occupation: Mommy and Customer Service Rep
Hometown: Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 34 pounds!
Height: 5’4″
Waist: 27″
Starting Weight: 165 pounds
Current Weight: 131 pounds
Natasha’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
After my fourth child I started to hate my body and the way clothes looked on me. I hated the puffiness of my face and the lack of definition anywhere on my body. I began my weight loss journey and lost about 30 pounds and was really proud of myself. I started to love healthy food and my life. I wanted to make my kids healthier as well. But later the next year I was leaving my current fiancée, who was overweight and just miserable, and found out I was pregnant with my fifth baby. I was all alone and starting a new life. I was scared and depressed. I also knew from the prior 4 babies that I had to get serious in order to control the weight gain. Lucky for me, I met an amazing and supportive man who helped me eat healthy throughout my pregnancy and then after, while also watching the kids an hour a day so I could go outside and walk. This helped me lose another 30-35 pounds.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I was tired of being miserable and depressed. When your sad, it affects everyone in your life. You get upset and don’t even realize you’re doing it. I had the fortune of a great man to help me. All you need is one person dedicated to helping you love yourself. I wanted my kids to grow up with a healthy mom and never have the weight battles I have always had.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Eating healthy and loving it. Also, dedicating one hour a day to walking or running and one hour to yoga, every day. If I didn’t feel like working out one day, I did not feel guilty because I knew the day before I did great and tomorrow I would do great again. Sometimes, with 5 babies all under 7 years old, you can’t always sacrifice their time. It’s also important to drink lots of water! Your body will love you for it.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
When you reach a plateau it can be very frustrating, but a simple change in your routine can help a lot. Also, after the weight loss I learned to tone up and found ways to tweak my body to achieve the results I wanted. Again, I have a man who is very knowledgeable, so most of the time I would ask him for advice.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
Within the first month I noticed results. I dropped a steady 8 pounds a month after my fifth baby. Within a week, I felt better about myself so what came off didn’t matter that much.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 5 or 6 months to reach the weight I am now, so now it is just maintaining. It’s easy to indulge and gain a few pounds and it adds up fast.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have maintained my weight for one year now and I am still tweaking my body, but very happy just the way I am. Now, it’s a matter of looking in the mirror and just accepting what I see and loving it.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I am healthier and happier. I never imagined I would go into a store and buy a small shirt or pair of pants. I never liked wearing dresses or getting my photo taken. I hated every part of me and it was so sad. Now, I look for shorts and shirts as often as I can and my loving fiance loves shopping with me too.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com is so motivating! I cried when I read a story about a woman who lost 100 pounds. I love the community because everyone is here to help. Someone on this website actually told me it’s not the number on the scale you need to worry about, but the way your body looks when you stare in the mirror. The weight is just a number, not a fitness level.
Natasha’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Drink lots of water.
Weight loss tip #2:
Go running. Go out with your kids and get them motivated too.
Weight loss tip #3:
Never have an excuse.
Weight loss tip #4:
Eat sensibly.
Weight loss tip #5:
Don’t eat past 7pm.
Natasha’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Yogurt with berries and granola. Add powdered flax and use omega enriched granola.
Lunch:
Chicken wrap with honey mustard and fresh veggies.
Dinner:
Chicken, fish or beef with potatoes and a salad with fresh veggies. Lots of beans or chili. Chili is a very nutritionally packed meal!
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Dark chocolate for my sweet tooth. Strawberries and whip cream are great along with bananas and pineapple. Avocado dip is awesome and I also include a whole avocado in my salad or wrap.
Natasha’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I push a stroller at the park 2 days a week and I go out 3 days a week and hit the trails. I also lift my son all day so I don’t focus much on weights 🙂
Cardiovascular:
I run 4-6 days a week. When you’re first starting out, run one day and walk the next to get your body adjusted. Always carry water and an iPod because music will help keep you motivated. Never rely on a training partner unless they are as motivated as you because it will only provide you with an excuse to not exercise if they cannot make it.
