Name: Liva
Age: 41
Family Status: Divorced
Occupation: National Account Executive
Location: Tampa, Florida
Height: 5’7″
Starting Weight: 205 pounds
Current Weight: 145 pounds
Current Waist Size: 28″
Liva’s Weight Loss Interview!
How much did you lose?
I lost 65 pounds and went from a size 14 to a size 6!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was never overweight as a child. However, I have been overweight most of my adult life. When I had children, it became something I felt came with the territory.
What made you decide to lose weight?
Once I had children I figured this was just the body I was going to be stuck with. I went through a divorce and working out became my outlet. Once I learned how to get my nutrition in line and decided to make the necessary changes, it all came together.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
It was definitely my eating habits. I worked out when I was overweight, but the big changes came when I started eating clean. When people say results come from 80% nutrition and only 20% exercise, it’s absolutely true!
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
Staying the course. I tried everything to lose weight in the past and always failed. Consistency is key and once I stopped giving up on myself, everything changed.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
A couple of months. That is the hardest part of a weight loss journey. People want instant gratification and it simply takes time and consistency.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me about a year.
Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
I have a little loose skin, but the body is an amazing thing. Once I was able to build more muscle, my skin tightened up a lot. I never had surgery. I still would love to tighten up just a little more, but I think age is definitely a factor and you have to come to a place of acceptance.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I have maintained for 5 years. I’ve competed in a lot of fitness related activities and while preparing for them, I lost weight and gained some back following each competition and then would lose weight again when the next competition presented itself. Finding that balance has taken time and I still need big goals to keep me on track and disciplined.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Never wanting to go back to the person I was before I started this journey!
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
It has changed in more ways than I can express. I have met some of the most amazing people and have accomplished more than I ever thought possible.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Be consistent and be kind to yourself. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
Liva’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight Loss Tip #1:
Don’t have any cheat days in the beginning. I always tell people who are trying to lose weight that nutritionally, it is too hard to get back on track once you’ve let yourself have a cheat day. You haven’t built up the discipline to avoid losing control. I always encourage my clients to set realistic goals and then reward themselves (within reason) once they reach that specific goal and then immediately set another.
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Move your body. Whatever fitness level you are at, it is so important to be active. Whether it’s just a 20 minute walk with your dog or your kids, or taking a Zumba class. Just make sure to move your body!
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Get your family and friends involved. Support is the key to success.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
Accountability. Have accountability partners to help you stay on track.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Eat small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism moving.
Liva’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Isagenix meal replacement shake.
What do you normally eat for lunch?
Grilled chicken, sweet potato, veggies.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
Salmon and veggies or a big salad with a protein.
What do you normally eat for snacks?
Veggies and hummus, hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
Isagenix. Meal replacement shakes, vitamins, cleanse, snacks. It’s been a game changer for me.
Liva’s Weight Loss Workouts!
What do you do for weight training?
It depends upon what I’m preparing for. This includes CrossFit, bootcamp type workouts, HIIT training (High Intensity Interval Training) and at times, just traditional weight training.
What do you do for cardio training?
I like doing HIIT cardio workouts (High Intensity Interval Training). I do a lot of sprint work, uphill runs, rowing and stairs.
2 Comments
Wow, this is really amazing!
Hi Liva – Thank you for posting your success story. I saved your images to my tablet for motivation. Can you please tell me more specifically the workout you do to get the results you shared in the picture of you in the black outfit holding the weights? I am impressed also by the Wonder Woman costume! Hard work definitely pays off. I sincerely appreciate you. You are an inspiration to me!