Name: Shanda
Age: 34
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Hairstylist
Hometown: Rising Sun, Indiana
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 114 pounds and 99 inches!
Height: 5’4″
Waist: 29″
Starting Weight: 259 pounds
Current Weight: 145 pounds
Shanda’s Weight Loss Story!
Well my story begins about the time I turned 13. That’s when I began to realize I was bigger than all of my friends. They were shopping in all of the cutest stores wearing the latest fashions and I was in the plus department wearing an outfit my grandmother would love! My friends were eating cheeseburgers with fries and never gaining an ounce. I was growing by the day. For every grade, I went up and so did the scales. I did graduate at the top of my class but it was on the scales not academics.
I remained overweight throughout my twenties until two of my friends insisted I go with them to CURVES. Very hesitant, I went and had an eye-opening experience. Upon arriving they measure and weigh you! Nervous and in denial, I stepped onto the scales to see the needle hit a jaw dropping 259 pounds! In utter disgrace I went on to finish my first workout and could barely breathe by the end. Then and there I made a life changing decision. I joined CURVES and cut my eating to 1200-1500 calories a day. Including plenty of fruit, veggies, lean meats and fish. It took me 16 months to reach my goal weight of 150 pounds!
I have maintained my weight loss even through my second pregnancy. Actually getting back 5 pounds under my goal weight. I’m not going to say it has been easy. It takes plenty of knowledge and self-discipline. We encounter 100’s of food choices a day and we must educate ourselves to make the right ones. CURVES rewarded me with a trip to the “Big Apple” to do a photo shoot for their magazine and commercials. It was an awesome experience for which I will never forget. Although my biggest reward thus far has been being a role model to my children. With childhood obesity at an all time high, it is nice to see the positive effect diet and exercise have on your children. Who would have thought my six-year-old son (who frequently works out with me) has become my biggest motivator. Now after a long day and too tired to workout, my son says, “Mom you just have to push through and you will feel better”. I can’t help but smile and think to myself “wow what a smart kid I have”.
I wanted to share my story with all the ShapeFit visitors. For I know first hand what it feels like to dread getting dressed in the morning, how it feels to be just a “pretty face”, being ashamed and hiding in your baggy clothes. Well I’m not hiding anymore. I can finally be me and being me isn’t so bad!
Shanda’s Weight Loss Interview!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
Its been a struggle my whole life.
What made you decide to lose weight?
My friends joining curves.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Diet and exercise.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Everything! It is a battle everyday but one that I refuse to lose!
How long did it take you to start to see results?
1 month.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
16 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
3 years! I did it with diet and exercise.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
In every way possible!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit offers many tips and healthy recipes. I really enjoy reading other people’s success stories!
Shanda’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Small meals.
Weight loss tip #2:
Educate yourself to make smart food choices! Knowledge is power, baby!
Weight loss tip #3:
Exercise daily! Make it a habit.
Weight loss tip #4:
No soda pop.
Weight loss tip #5:
It’s not brain science! We just need to burn more than our bodies take in. We have the ability to do so. It’s just the “doing it” that’s difficult!
Shanda’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Toast, banana or Special K waffles.
Lunch:
Usually frozen Lean Cuisine or SmartOne.
Dinner:
Lean meats like chicken or salmon (yummy) and always a veggie.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
I totally love the 10 calorie snacks since its perfectly portioned for me. It really takes the guesswork out!
Shanda’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
Pilates and light weights to target my problem areas.
Cardiovascular:
Walking and the elliptical machine (love it)!
