Name: Sarah
Age: 29
Family Status: Married with 3 children
Occupation: Stay at home mom
Hometown: Ponoka, Alberta, Canada
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 108 pounds!
Starting Weight: 285 pounds
Current Weight: 177 pounds
Sarah’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have been unhappy with my weight most of my life. However, I was never ready to commit to doing anything about it. Finally, a switch just flipped in my head and I decided I really wanted to better my life. I did not want my weight to be in control of me anymore. I wanted to be in control of my own life!
What made you decide to lose weight?
I decided to lose weight mostly because I was unhappy with myself and also because I was unhappy with how I felt and how I looked. I was in pain all the time, my feet hurt and I could no longer fit into my clothes. I became introverted and depressed and decided enough was enough. I had to take control! I had to be ready this time because I was unsuccessful hundreds of times before and failed each time. This time I was ready to make a real commitment and do what I needed to do in order to lose the weight. I was ready to make a permanent change!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I totally changed the way I ate. I started the Atkins Diet and did a strict 2 week induction as instructed in the book. I went on an extended induction of limited carbs for an additional 5 months then began climbing the carb ladder by adding grains, fruits, dairy, nuts and berries back into my diet. I know I can eat this way forever. If you think Atkins is just meat, eggs and cheese then you are wrong. It’s a balanced lifestyle change. I eat more veggies than I ever did before and I feel healthier and more vibrant than ever!
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Having patience! Weight loss is not just a “straight-to-goal” strategy. You go through ups and downs in both weight fluctuations and mental struggles. I had to realize that fluctuations are a normal part of weight loss and to be patient as my body does what it needs to do to get healthy.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took me 1 month to start seeing results.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 18.5 months so far to reach my current weight.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I am not in maintenance mode as of yet. I have another 13 pounds to lose to reach my goal that I have set for myself, but I have kept the weight off since losing it!
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I can stand up straight for the first time. I feel confident. My shoulders no longer hunch and I feel alive and vibrant. For the first time in my life, I look forward to reaching my goals and going places and seeing things. I am no longer ashamed of my body and I feel great about just being me!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I visit ShapeFit.com to learn different exercises and also for motivation. ShapeFit.com is extremely motivational and I love looking at all the weight loss success stories!
Sarah’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Patience.
Weight loss tip #2:
Never give up.
Weight loss tip #3:
Set goals.
Weight loss tip #4:
Exercise!
Weight loss tip #5:
Love yourself.
Sarah’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Omelet with 2 eggs, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, ham and 1 ounce of cheese.
Lunch:
Large salad with hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions, green peppers and salmon (or some other kind of protein) along with a little cheese (1 ounce).
Dinner:
1 portion of meat (chicken, steak, pork, fish), 1-2 cups of veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, beans, squash).
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Whey protein isolate shakes, nuts, seeds, cucumbers.
Sarah’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
4 days a week of heavy weight training. I usually do a 45 minute intensive session for each workout.
Cardiovascular:
Running 4-5 days a week. I average about 20-40 miles per week and I’m training for my first half marathon that I will be running in a few months.
