Tina lost 101 pounds. Childhood trauma led her to use food for comfort, which brought weight gain. As an adult, a diabetes diagnosis caused her to adopt a new, healthier lifestyle. Over the course of two years, she learned how to get results, even when she was afraid. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going?
Weight has always been an issue of concern for me. As a child who was violated multiple times, I quickly figured out that I could use food for comfort. I also realized that once the weight started packing on, I got less attention, which in my mind kept me safe.
As an adult, I was struggling with some health concerns that pushed me to make different decisions around food and exercise. I decided to choose my health over unhealthy foods. I started my weight loss journey a little over a year ago, and I’m getting better daily. I am working continuously to heal my diabetes. When I get weary, I remember that my very health is at stake.
How did you change your eating habits? What is your workout routine?
I don’t have any specific diet plans I use. I simply try to find ways to drink more water during the day and stay active. Between school and work, I walk around in my area when I have 30 minutes to an hour. I don’t let 72 hours pass by without going for a walk around my neighborhood.
Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 387 pounds, and I currently weigh 286 pounds. I started my journey two years ago when I got the diabetes diagnosis. Two years later, I’m 100 lbs lighter.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson for me was to learn to do it while being afraid. I was afraid people would see me walking and that they would laugh. I was afraid that one day when I was walking, I might fall (and somebody might see me and laugh). I was afraid I would fail and not lose the weight. I’m doing it afraid, and I will continue on my journey.
What advice would you like to share?
Start where you are and do what you can with what you have. It’s your journey. You can make your own rules, just as long as you get in the game.
Melinda says
Awesome!!! You look fabulous, your smile is more evident and brighter in the after photo.
You look very happy and proud! Great job.
Shay says
Wow. I don’t usually read the articles but I wanted to know if you had surgery so I read. Your story is mine in so many ways, with the exception of having diabetes. I too notice that the more weight I gain the less attention I got and I felt safe. Then there’s what you said about people seeing you. I had to tell myself so what, at least I’m trying. I was embarrassed to walk around with weights