Name: Monica
Age: 41
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Assistant Customer Service Manager
Hometown: High Point, North Carolina
Height: 5’11”
Starting Weight: 330 pounds
Current Weight: 185 pounds
Current Waist Size: 33″
Monica’s Weight Loss Interview!
How much did you lose?
I lost a total of 145 pounds and went from a size 26 to a size 10!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
As a young child, I wasn’t really overweight. Then there was the summer at Grandma and Grandad’s house and from that point on the pounds started to pile on. I continued to gain weight from my youth to adulthood.
Monica was featured in Woman’s World magazine!
What made you decide to lose weight?
I had been comfortable with my weight until about three years ago when my blood pressure started to spiral out of control and I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. It scared me into the place I am now. I wasn’t ready to leave my children and my husband so I vowed to fight and do whatever I had to in order to live.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I went cold turkey on a lot of old habits. I stopped frying foods and embraced grilled and baked foods. I stopped eating pork and red meat and that was over 2 years ago. I was never a water drinker and if I did drink water it had to have some kind of flavor in it, but now on an average day I drink over a 1/2 gallon of water daily and on some days I challenge myself to drink a gallon!
Monica was featured in a local Fox News video segment about being featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of Woman’s World magazine! Click to watch the video!
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
The most challenging thing for me was exercising. I had to embrace exercising daily as I have continued to do. If I plan to keep my health and weight under control, I need to make sure I workout and stay active.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results about a month after implementing my new lifestyle change.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has taken me three years to reach my current goal and I am still pressing forward. I wouldn’t change anything for the world. I feel great!
Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
The only issue with loose skin is an area on my thighs and I am working very hard to tone it up with walking and weights. I want to do all of this on my own so I do want to do any surgery.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
Since I have been on this journey, I have only fluctuated by a pound or two. I fight so hard to keep the weight off and I refuse to go back to the place where I used to be. For the weight I lost over the three-year period, I haven’t gained any of it back. I would give my clothes away as I lost the weight because I didn’t have any intention of wearing them ever again. I eat healthy, drink lots of water and exercise. You have to continue to do what you did to get it off in order to keep it off!
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My children and my husband are my motivation. There are so many things in life that take over our bodies and I was so determined that I was going to beat this. I knew that I could control my weight and it was something that I could fix, so I did!
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I have a renewed energy and I’m off all my blood pressure medications now although I do monitor my blood pressure on a regular basis. I feel great and I can go shopping for clothes and don’t have to go into the plus size section.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Yes! I always tell people when they ask me how I did it, that this is not an easy journey to take but it is attainable, just look at me. I look at my journey as a ship at sea with rain, windstorms and turbulence as the bad days. These are the days I almost fall off and it’s the days I want to throw in the towel. Yes, those days do come but it’s not that you fall overboard, it’s that you pick yourself back up and jump on board again. The key is to put your mind to it with dedication, discipline and determination. Anyone can accomplish what I have achieved!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com is so inspiring and encouraging to read.
Monica’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight Loss Tip #1:
You have to first admit that you have an eating problem and a weight problem.
Weight Loss Tip #2:
If you fail one day, go strong the next!
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Challenge yourself daily.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
Set small weekly goals and write them down on paper. Having a visual helps to make this journey a little easier.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Never give up! The only way you fail is when you stop trying!
Monica’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
I normally eat 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of turkey bacon and fruit.
What do you normally eat for lunch?
My lunch normally consists of a salad and sometimes I eat chicken salad. It varies sometimes but it is always something low in fat content.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
Dinner consist of baked or grilled chicken, fish, turkey, sauteed spinach and a sweet potato.
What do you normally eat for snacks?
I eat lots of fruit, yogurt, and Nutri-Grain bars.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I drink a lot of herbal teas, but I don’t take any nutritional supplements.
Monica’s Weight Loss Workouts!
What do you do for weight training?
For weight training, I do light weights with 12 and 15 pound dumbbells for my arms and legs.
What do you do for cardio training?
My cardio routine consist of vigorous walking and riding the stationary bike daily for at least 30 minutes or more.
