Nicole lost 31 pounds

Let’s show some love to Nicole.  She’s lost 31 pounds and gives the glory to God.  She was motivated to be as healthy as possible at 40 years old.  Here is what she shared about how she’d lost the weight:

What was your motivation?
My motivation was that I didn’t want to be unhealthy at age 40. I realize that people go through major changes at 40 and health issues start to appear around this age because of years of unhealthy living. I became overweight after my second child (9 years ago), and couldn’t seem to get it off. I tried everything and became frustrated with the whole weight loss effort. I allowed myself to eat anything I wanted and ballooned to my highest weight ever, including pregnancy.

How did you change your eating habits?
Diets didn’t work for me. I just didn’t have the will-power. I took it to God. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s and He is who helped me be successful after years of failure. He gave me a plan and strength to do it. I eliminated sweets, (my weakness), sodas, fried foods, sweet tea (I’m from the south. I could be hooked up to an IV with it…lol). However, I only eliminated it during the weekdays. On the weekends, I allowed myself to splurge a little. Because I did well all week, I didn’t over-do it but I didn’t deny myself in the weekends. I think that was the key. I didn’t deprive myself. I wanted to lose 40 at 40, to be fit, fabulous, and forty! So, by the time I’m 41, I want to be at my best health and weight! I’m loving 40 and the transformation I can see!

What did your workout routines look like?
I actually didn’t include working out until 9 months into losing weight. I hate working out and still do. I don’t get the warm and fuzzy feeling from working out. I find it a chore. Lol, but when I started to see the weight drop, it gave me some motivation to start walking in the mornings. I would walk a track, about 3 miles a day, 6 days a week. Then, in the evenings, I started Hip-Hop Abs. I did have someone that made me walk in the mornings and they wouldn’t let me slide, even though I wanted to most mornings. My daughter motivated me in the evenings because she liked to work out with the video too. Soon, I plan to get a personal trainer to help with toning and defining the weight loss.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was 245. I am currently 214, I think, because I only weigh once a month. Weighing every week would frustrate me, because some weeks women actually gain weight. I can now wear clothes I haven’t worn in years! And that is how I can determine the weight loss.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in July 2012. My dad got very sick and died during this time and that set me back a bit. I lost a little motivation for a while, but I got back on track. But, it honestly isn’t about the time frame, as long as I get it done. The race isn’t given to the swift….but the one who endures to the end!

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what motivates you. It’s different for everyone. What works for one, may not work for another.