Charelle’s Weight Loss Statistics
- Name: Charelle
- Age: 32
- Family Status: Engaged
- Occupation: IHEP Coordinator
- Location: Rochester, New York
- Height: 5’5.5″
- Starting Weight: 317 pounds
- Current Weight: 167 pounds
- Current Waist Size: 34″
Charelle’s Weight Loss Interview
How much did you lose?
I lost 150 pounds! I used to wear a dress size 28 and now I wear a size 14! For pants, I used to wear size 22/24 and now I wear size 12/14! I’m actually not sure what my beginning waist size was, but now it’s 34 inches.
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
Since I was six years old, I started gaining weight every single year. I became more unhappy with my weight as I got older and when I was around the age of 18 or 20, I was miserable.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I wanted to lose weight for a while, but I’ve always struggled at it. Then I had two back surgeries and really didn’t know what to do about all the weight gain. Before I injured my back, I had actually lost some weight, but after my first surgery, I gained it all back. Then my boyfriend proposed to me the summer after my surgery and I definitely did not want to get married being heavy. I also wanted to lose the weight for myself because I did not like the way I looked and I just wanted to be healthy.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
The most important change I made was my eating habits. Knowing which foods are good for you and which foods are unhealthy was the key. I used portion control and that was a big factor also. Another important thing was not eating 3 hours before going to bed which made a huge impact on my weight loss.
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
At first, the hardest thing was being hungry all the time because I was used to eating certain meals throughout the day and especially before bed. Adjusting from big portions to smaller ones was also tough. Not being able to eat my favorite foods like pizza and pasta was also difficult.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results 2 weeks into my weight loss journey.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 19 months to lose all the weight.
Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight?
Yes, I do have loose skin, but I have not done anything about it yet because I can’t afford the surgery. I just try to deal with it and be proud of what I have accomplished and try to not let it bother me.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
The biggest factor for keeping the weight off is actually having cheat days where I eat what I want and then I just go right back to eating the way I have been since I’ve started my journey. The key is to not go back to your old eating habits and just focus on eating clean the majority of time with small cheats here and there. If you’re able to exercise, that is also a huge factor for keeping it off.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Just feeling good about myself and being healthy is a huge motivator! When I look at an old photo when I was big, I get disgusted and know I will never go back to that again! I wasn’t happy and I didn’t like myself when I was heavy.
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
My life has changed in so many ways! My health is better, I am happier, I don’t get discriminated against for jobs or get looked at a certain way because of being heavy. Now I want to go out more because I don’t feel like I need to hide any longer!
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Just know that anyone can lose weight. You just have to want it for yourself and don’t do it just for a quick fix because it is a life changing journey that needs to happen for you to succeed. It won’t be easy, but the final reward at the end is the best feeling in the world!
Charelle’s Weight Loss Tips
Weight Loss Tip #1:
Eating healthy foods.
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Cut out bad carbs.
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Drink lots of water.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
Try to avoid sugars.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Avoid eating 3 hours before going to bed.
Charelle’s Weight Loss Eating Plan
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
What do you normally eat for lunch?
5 ounces of turkey that is made into a turkey loaf (no bread crumbs) and 2 cups of baked zucchini. Or, I will have 2 ounces of lettuce with 2 ounces of tomato, cucumber, 2 eggs and 17 grams of Colby-Jack cheese with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
5 ounces of steak or chicken grilled with adobo and peppers with either mushrooms, broccoli and chop it all into a salad. Or, I’ll have 5 ounces of hamburger and make taco salad, but with homemade taco seasoning so there is no sugar and I also have this with lettuce, salsa, Colby-Jack cheese and tomatoes.
What do you normally eat for snacks?
I don’t usually eat snacks, but if I do I will have 2 pickles or cut up cucumbers and dip them in salsa.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I don’t use any supplements.
Charelle’s Weight Loss Workouts
What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
I’m not working out right now. I haven’t really exercised because of my back, but I will start doing weight training exercises for my arms using dumbbells and other exercises that don’t include machines and any leg training.
What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
I haven’t really done much cardio exercise because of my back, but I will start riding my bike and dancing to burn calories once my back feels better.