Name: Tamara
Age: 43
Family Status: Very happily married!
Occupation: Fitness Model and Business Owner
Hometown: Vacaville, California
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 55 pounds!
Tamara’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was a normal Mom who had two children and a great family. I didn’t realize how overweight I was until I was going on a cruise and had to buy a swimsuit! Standing in the Macy’s fitting room staring at myself in the mirror I thought it was one of those trick mirrors they use in fun houses! (laughing) It was at that moment I knew I had to do something. This was reinforced by my doctor when I went in for a physical a week later. I have a heart condition and he told me either lose weight or possibly suffer a heart attack! That scared me!
What made you decide to lose weight?
Once the doctors confirmed me of my heart condition, they wanted to put me on heart medicine. Instead I decided to lose the weight and get into great shape, not knowing how much it would affect my life in such a positive way!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I established a routine and took out all the junk food. I also started training consistently and tracking all my food and exercise in a journal.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
Keeping a positive mental focus was the most difficult thing to do! You cannot imagine the changes you go through when you really start to shed the pounds! Your friends treat you differently and you have to become very strong-willed to overcome the obstacles that are thrown at you! Sometimes to conquer your mind you have to maintain a “warrior” like mentality! Especially when you compete in figure or fitness!
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results after about one month. Water weight was the first to go and then the real fat starts being shed. But sometimes people get discouraged because muscle weighs more than fat, so they think they are gaining when in reality they are exchanging fat for lean muscle, which is great!
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me about four months to lose all the weight. But I kept training to tighten up my skin and build more muscle mass.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have maintained my weight for 6 years now! I allow myself to indulge if I am having a really bad craving, but if I am getting ready to compete, then I really tighten up my diet and watch what I eat!
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I have a lot more confidence in myself and know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to!
How did ShapeFit.com help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit helps me to learn more about staying in shape! I love reading about inspirational people who have overcome adversity to achieve their goals! Normal people like me who have struggled and won by conquering our fear of failure! ShapeFit gives people the information they need to make the changes in their lives! Thank you!
Tamara’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Commit yourself to success in your mind and your body will follow!
Weight loss tip #2:
Create a plan that ensures your success, write it down!
Weight loss tip #3:
Drink a lot of water to flush your system and keep your muscles full!
Weight loss tip #4:
If you cheat, don’t beat yourself up! Start over and be positive!
Weight loss tip #5:
Use music while you work out or do your aerobics! This helped me to really put out the effort and sweat!
Tamara’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
4 Egg Whites/ 1 yolk Slow cooked oatmeal Coffee Once a week I allow myself a cheat meal so I stay sane! This also allows carb loading which is good if I am getting ready to compete, because my muscles fill up glycogen and look much fuller!
Lunch:
Chicken breast (skinless) 1/2 cup brown rice Dark green veggies.
Dinner:
Lean steak or chicken or fish Spinach salad with fat-free dressing. Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shake or protein bar (but not very often) Fresh food is the best! Apples are really the only fruit I eat. Most other fruits are high in sugar and can be converted into fat!
Tamara’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I use almost all free weights to help with balance. My workout routine looks something like this: Monday: Chest/Triceps/Abs Tuesday: Legs (Quads and calves) Wednesday: OFF Thursday: Back and Biceps Friday: Shoulders and hamstrings and abs Thursday:
Cardiovascular:
Treadmill work 45 minutes a day (am) except for Sunday which is rest day!
