Name: Valarie
Age: 33
Family Status: Single with one daughter
Occupation: Bartender and student
Location: Oklahoma
Height: 5’9″
Waist: 31″
Starting Weight: 259 pounds
Current Weight: 163 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 96 pounds!
Valarie’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I’ve never been very unhappy about my weight. I think that is why I stayed so big for so long. I always knew I was beautiful but what happened was I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I got unhappy about being unhealthy.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I had thought about it for years, but then it hit me. I don’t want to feel frumpy. After everything I’ve been through, I’m not about to be taken out by a cheeseburger!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I started moving, a lot! At first I couldn’t jog for 20 seconds, now I can run 3 miles.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
When you do it right, it’s a frustratingly slow process. We want things now, but in reality, the things that are the hardest are the most worth it.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
Not long really but its hard to say. The big girl still lives in me and sometimes it takes a picture or not seeing someone in a long time to really realize how far I have come.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
2 years. I set myself attainable goals, then I relax for a bit and then I get serious again. Its made the process easier for me.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
2 years. I will never be as out of shape as I was again. I watch what I eat and I exercise. I don’t diet because diets don’t work. I live my life to the fullest. When its someone’s birthday, I have cake. Sometimes you must have cake!
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My daughter. I want to be alive and healthy for her, and for me. You get one body, and I know it gets harder to do the older you get.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I just have more energy. My overall health is better too. I’m not so sick and tired anymore. Its great!
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Find something you like and stick with it. Start small, set attainable goals and celebrate when you reach them.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
Honestly, I have never seen ShapeFit before. I only started looking at anything about fitness over the last several years! Since this cool experience of being showcased as a success story, I’m going to have to check out ShapeFit.com more now.
Valarie’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Make it fun!
Weight loss tip #2:
Stick to it!
Weight loss tip #3:
One step at a time!
Weight loss tip #4:
Make time for you!
Weight loss tip #5:
This is about you and only you!
Valarie’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Banana.
Lunch:
Apple, whole grain light sandwich.
Dinner:
Grilled chicken, green beans and a starchy carb.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
I love peanut butter! Avocados are good, nuts, cereal, popcorn.
Nutritional Supplements:
If I’m super busy I drink a low sugar protein shake.
Valarie’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
Lifting weights is for girls! Smart strong sexy girls! Women are socialized to think this will make them manly, but that’s just silly. Muscles are tone and lean and yummy! I like to lift weights, kickbox and do toning workouts.
Cardiovascular:
I fell in love with running. I used to say I don’t even walk to my car and now I run, a lot. Its something about just being me that I love. It can be a pretty spiritual experience too. I also like to bike, play softball, racquetball (my rules, which consist of me hitting the ball and groaning loudly), basketball and swimming.
