Aimee lost 35 pounds

Today’s weight loss success story:  Aimee lost 35 pounds and has gone from a size 12 to a size 6 in six months.  She is a pastoral counselor, author and Christian self-Help expert.

“I was thin my entire life until I started to have children. I’d lose most of the weight but a little would always remain. Everytime a child came, the bigger I got. Being from New Orleans, where BIG is considered to be sexy, I had no idea that my weight was a problem. I had always been teased for being so skinny and then after moving to Texas, I completely ignored my physical health. Here in Texas, a size 12-14 is the norm. I never lacked self confidence, so I hadn’t realized that I wasn’t looking like myself anymore.

Every once in a while, my family members would playfully tease me but I let every word they said roll off of my back, until I met an old friend. They were really surprised at how big I had become. They made a “BIG” deal about it and it really hurt my feelings. I ignored what they said until I started having trouble finding things to wear.  Shopping became a chore and I was really embarrassed that I couldn’t wear the pretty dresses that I loved because they didn’t look right on me.

So I tried to lose weight to be able to look good again but I failed… even though I went to the gym everyday. What was I doing wrong? I didn’t want to change my diet. I still ate the same things and the same amounts. I maintained my water weight and never lost a pound. I actually gained weight! I was so discouraged. So then, I tried to change my diet but it didn’t work for long. I didn’t know what to do. I was just copying what I saw others do but I wasn’t really ready.

So New Years of 2012 came along and I made the resolution to lose wieght like years before but this time I was serious. Why? Two years ago my aunt died from complications due to obesity. Also, my mom had gotten diagnosed with diabetes and I knew that I was at risk. Even though I LOVED tasty food… I had to decide that my health was more important. I mentally prepared for making this physical and spiritual change but a month into it, I hadn’t really done anything.

That’s when I had THE MOMENT. I was coming upstairs with my family when I passed a window and caught my reflection. I thought “Is that me”? That’s when I snapped into action and ever since, my life has totally changed. I thought that I had confidence before but now my confidence is at an all time high… I have fun shopping… energy for my family… I reduced my health risks and I feel great. Most of all, my guilt is gone!

I never thought I’d be disciplined enough to lose weight like this. But I stopped trivializing it because I realize that I have a future and a family to think about. I also realized that my body is worth so much more than how I had been treating it and I should take better care of it as a way to show honor to God.

The doctor and others told me that one of my major mistakes was only doing cardio and using light weights. (What I saw most other women doing) I needed to start really lifting and for longer periods of time. I also needed to do more exercises that involved moving my whole body.  Since belly fat is my biggest problem, I thought that doing a bunch of crunches would make it right but what I found out was that you can build up your muscles on the inside but you’ll never see them until you burn the fat off of your stomach first.  I learned that thigh exercises are actually the exercises that burn belly fat off. So I’m doing that now, and will re-incorporate crunches later. I do core exercises to strengthen my tummy and it is DRASTICALLY slimming down.  Also, sweating a lot does not determine how much you lose and the most you need to stay on the treadmill or bike is for 20 mins.

Avoid foods high in sodium… they make you retain water. Saunas only make you lose water weight but you gain it again when you drink water. You also have to drink a LOT of water. It’s important for reducing hunger and keeping you from retaining water. The more water you drink, the less you retain.

You may have to work out more often and for longer periods of time, each time being sure to do strength training. Experts say that it burns fat faster than anything else. Being disciplined enough to eat healthily is the hardest part. You can do this!

Side note: Make sure that you check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimine. Also, find out what your heart rate should be for your age and weight. Each day I do 20 mins on the bike. The entire time I am at or above where my heart rate should be. This is very important. I didn’t start off like that but worked up to it.”

Check out her website: aimeecolbert.com