Transformation of the Day: Alicia lost 48 pounds. She has achieved long term success, keeping the weight off for 18 years by following the Weight Watchers plan. She is a WW coach/ambassador, and she attributes her success to the nutritional guidance and accountability the program provides.
I am an investigator at Loyola Marymount University, but my weight loss journey began 18 years ago after gaining close to 50 pounds over the course of two pregnancies. I was a police officer at the time and had just returned to work after giving birth to my youngest daughter. My biggest fear was being asked to put on my uniform because it no longer fit.
I tried losing weight on my own. I would always lose a few pounds, but then I’d quickly gain the weight back. My best friend suggested that we join Weight Watchers together, so we joined the following week.
I lost 48 pounds 18 years ago on the WW points plan and have followed the WW ever plan since. I owe my success to tracking and workshops. Tracking my food gave me so much awareness of what I was eating and the guidance to make the changes that I needed to make. Attending the workshops gave me a sense of accountability and community. For the first time, I did not feel alone on this journey.
What was your workout routine?
When it came to exercise, I started slow. To be honest, I did not like being active at the beginning of my journey. I started with walking and hiking. Since then, I have grown to love exercise. I love riding my Peloton, and I try to ride every single day.
What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My inspiration to keep going was/is my daughters. When I started losing weight, I felt like an active participant in their lives. We traveled more, we went to amusement parks, and I no longer felt like I was sitting on the sidelines. I love being able to keep up with my daughters. Never again will I allow my weight to hold me back from enjoying my time with them.
How did you change your eating habits?
I never was someone who ate large portions, but I was a junk food junkie. When I joined Weight Watchers, I learned that I did not have to give up my favorite indulgences, but I needed to cut back. I also began eating more fruits and veggies.
Before Weight Watchers, I was never aware of how much sugar and saturated fat I was consuming. Tracking my food helped me to be more aware of my choices.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 182 pounds. My current weight is 134 pounds.
What is your height?
I am 5’4″.
What is the most important factor/habit when it comes to keeping the weight off?
The most important factor in keeping the weight off is making realistic, small changes that you can live with. I exercise at least five days a week, and I still track my food because it helps me to be more aware.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson that I learned is to be consistent.
What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone trying to lose weight is simply to be patient with yourself. Weight loss takes time, but you will reach your goals as long as you never give up,
Instagram: @Alicia_ww
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