Natasha’s Weight Loss Stats!
- Name: Natasha
- Age: 30
- Family Status: Single
- Occupation: Nurse
- Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Height: 6’1″
- Starting Weight: 380 pounds
- Current Weight: 210 pounds
- Current Waist Size: 35″
Natasha’s Weight Loss Interview!
How much did you lose (pounds, inches, dress/pants size)?
I lost 170 pounds and 35 inches off my waist!
When did you become unhappy with your weight (were you overweight as a child or did you gain weight as an adult)?
I was always overweight from childhood into adulthood. During my time at college, I gained 100 pounds! I was just unhappy with how I looked and how I felt.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I decided to lose weight when I sat down one day to work on my budget and realized I was spending almost $200 each month on medication. At the time, I had PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and a low thyroid. I knew I needed to make a change!
Natasha was featured in First for Women magazine!
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
The most important change that I made was becoming more active and making some dietary changes.
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
The most challenging thing to deal with was staying motivated and not giving up.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took about 4-5 months for me to be able to visually see any changes. I knew I was losing weight and exercising more, but I didn’t really notice any physical difference for about 4 months into my journey.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has taken 2 years to reach my current weight.
Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it (surgery, etc)?
Yes, I have loose skin, especially in my abdomen and arms. For my abdomen, I did have a panniculectomy surgery where 10 pounds of skin was removed. I have not been able to get the skin removed from my arms yet.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I’ve maintained my current weight for about 6 months. The most important factors are to stay consistent and not become discouraged or lose motivation. I also have to remember to continue to challenge myself.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
The biggest motivation right now is that I look and feel better than I ever have! I also stay motivated because I have been taken off all of my daily medications and I have reversed my type-2 diabetes. My health keeps me motivated!
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
My life has changed mainly because I have the strength and the energy to actually live and experience life! I’m move active and I enjoy life now. I’m confident and I’m happy with the woman I have become.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Do not give up or be intimidated by the number on the scale. Never forget why you started. Don’t let your mind hold your body back!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
The information and education that ShapeFit.com provides is excellent. Seeing other people reach their goals is awesome.
Natasha’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight Loss Tip #1:
Get up and get moving.
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Learn what works for YOU!
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
What you eat is just as important as exercising.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Take progress pictures to track your results.
Natasha’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
I normally have 4 tablespoons of egg whites and 1/2 cup of oatmeal (sometimes with berries).
What do you normally eat for lunch?
I normally eat a 5 ounce baked chicken breast, broccoli and 4 ounces of baked sweet potato.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
Salmon with 1/4 cup of quinoa and spinach.
What do you normally eat for snacks?
Protein shakes, grapefruit, Greek yogurt with honey, berries, cherries, ground turkey breast, peanut butter.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I drink protein shakes, BCAA’s (Branched Chain Amino Acids) when strength training and a multivitamin.
Natasha’s Weight Loss Workouts!
What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
I do a lot of supersets and HIIT workouts (High Intensity Interval Training). I train a different muscle group each day.
What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
Zumba, Tabata, HIIT, sprints on the treadmill and cardio kickboxing. I’m a huge fan of group exercise classes!
