Name: Pamela
Age: 34
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Location: Missouri
Height: 5’7″
Waist: 28″
Starting Weight: 285 pounds
Current Weight: 135 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost a total of 150 pounds! I was featured on the Today Show on February 10th, 2014 (Joy Fit Club) and also in FITNESS Magazine (June 2014).
Pamela’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I had been unhappy with my weight since childhood. I was always considered to be obese.
What made you decide to lose weight?
My weight had been up and down. My dad then got sick in 2010 and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away 5 weeks later but while he was in the hospital he told me, my mom and my brother that we would all die young because we were obese and didn’t take care of ourselves. This made me jump into action finally.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I cut out all fast food which I had been eating at least twice a day or more. I also cut out soda. I was a 12 pack a day Mountain Dew drinker since my freshman year of college in 1999.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging thing was recalling every day what my Dad had said. Also cutting the soda out was a very painful experience for me. It was an addiction problem.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
As soon as I started eating healthier, I started seeing results. Within a week or two my belly bloat was already going down from all of the sodium I was consuming with the soda daily.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me about a year to lose the first 50 pounds (prior to my dad passing). Then about 2 additional years to lose the final 100 pounds (after my dad passed).
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have now maintained my current weight for over 1 year. I continue to eat healthy and I exercise 5-6 days a week.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My kids are my main reason to stay healthy. I want them to grow up knowing and learning how and what to eat. I don’t want them to lose their parent at a young age.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I feel so much better and I finally have energy. I can play with my kids and not just sit and watch them play.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Evaluate what you are putting into your body. So many things we are putting in our bodies are just plain bad for us. Start with little changes and you will find yourself becoming the healthier person you want to be.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss success stories amaze me. Anyone can do this if they put their mind to it and they really want to do it. Thank you so much for the stories. They really help others reach their goals and they are so inspiring!
Pamela’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Weight loss tip #2:
Eat whole foods when possible.
Weight loss tip #3:
Lean meats are essential.
Weight loss tip #4:
Stay away from high sugar foods and drinks along with artificial sugars!
Weight loss tip #5:
Fruits and vegetables are key!
Pamela’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Bowl of fruit with a protein shake. At times I will blend frozen fruit into the shake to make a smoothie.
Lunch:
Salad. I love salad and I still eat this daily for lunch. I do a light dressing and I also dilute the dressing in water.
Dinner:
This is usually anything sensible. I watch my carb intake and portion size. My favorite is grilled chicken on the Foreman Grill and grilled asparagus on the side.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Nutritional Supplements:
I do take whole food supplements to aid in my daily nutrition and my immune system. I have an autoimmune and thyroid disease so I take a daily hormone supplement as well.
Pamela’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I do weight lifting at home.
Cardiovascular:
I like doing the elliptical machine and running.