Today’s featured before & after weight loss story: Charlotte lost 60 pounds. She was motivated by the possibility of having diabetes to change her eating habits and get healthy. Here is what she shared with us:
I’m down 60 pounds so far since July 2012! I have more to go. I was borderline diabetic. I didn’t take it seriously until the doctor said she was more than sure I was over the borderline, because of all the signs and symptoms I was having. The day she tested me I prayed and told God if He would spare me from this disease I would start working out and lose the weight. I’ve seen my aunts and sisters deal with diabetes. Losing their sight, their limbs, kidney failure and having to stick themselves daily. The day I got my results I cried. Cried tears of joy because I didn’t have diabetes. As I cried and while thanking God, I popped in a workout video and haven’t stopped yet.
Along with working out I also used the loseit.com to keep track of my eating. I noticed that when I began cutting back on how much I ate the bulk of the weight began melting off. I stop eating beef years before the weight loss, never ate pork, let the sodas go, cut way back on the sweets and began eating more fruits and veggies. I love my veggies now. Now, I carry a bag of fruits with me in case I get hungry when I’m away from home. It keeps me from stopping for fast food. Don’t get me wrong, I do have my weak points but I don’t over do it and don’t do it often! When I get to that “I don’t feel like doing this” point, I have my before picture handy and it quickly motivates me to keep moving! I was at a weight loss plateau for a long time so I decided to join Weight Watchers recently to get the remaining weight off. I was in a size 24-26 at the beginning of my weight loss journey and now in a size 12! Fit&Fabulous at 40!
Alicia says
I commend u very much I just need sum help with this weight loss thing it’s very hard for me any suggestions.
Charlotte says
Thank you Alicia! It IS hard Alicia but you can do it. Once you make up your mind to do it let nothing and no one stop you. Everyone’s journey is different. You must find what works for you. The thing that helped me the most was cutting back on how much I ate. I started eating out of a small saucer instead of the large dinner plate. Once I noticed the weight coming off it motivated me to do more. Keep moving! Do some type of exercise daily. I started off doing only 15 min a day and got addicted and wanted to do more! Little changes at a time is better than no change. In everything we want to change, we must start somewhere. Having a support system wouldn’t hurt either. I’m behind you 100%. You CAN do it.
Monica says
Alicia,
What exactly do you need help with? Is there a particular area (eating habits, exercise, motivation, etc.) where you’re having trouble? I lost 70lbs and am still losing. I started out changing my eating habits, eating the same things that I normally would eat but decreased (weighted on a scale) the portions. I limited fried foods and tried to cut out soda. I wasn’t perfect at first. I did this but didn’t exercise at first. Then once I started losing, I added exercise to my routine. Eventually I cut out soda and fried foods completely. I eat lean seafood (b/c I don’t eat meat anyway), and plenty of veggies and some fruit. I try to limit sugars and eat whole foods, nothing out of a box. I gave you my process b/c I tried going “cold turkey” in the past, cutting out EVERYTHING at once and working out, and I didn’t stick with it. Now, this is a lifestyle for me and if I don’t eat well, I don’t FEEL WELL! It was gradual. As far as exercise, I started at a gym and I got a personal trainer. Once I made it a routine (meaning I felt like something was missing if I didn’t work out), I stopped at the gym and started doing workouts at home (DVDs and outdoor things). I still see a trainer weekly though. I am not perfect but I’m much better than I was 70lbs ago. It’s a lifestyle for me now. I hope that helps!
Danielle says
Fabulous!
Charlotte says
Thanks Danielle!
Carmen says
Char I was so excited when I clicked on the link and saw it was you!!! Congratulations on your weightloss! You look great!! With your loving spirit, I’m sure you will be an inspiration to others! I too am on this journey and is 30 pounds down since January. I will share my story as well once I reach my goal. Keep up the good work and yes you are Fit & Fabulous at 40!!
Charlotte says
Awwwww..thanks Carmen! I am so excited to hear your news!!!! That’s awesome! Keep up the good work!!!!!! I’m rooting for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
z says
Great job!!!!!