Weight Loss Story of the Day: Alicia lost 42 pounds. Tired of increasing clothing sizes, hiding her stomach and a poor eating habits, she decided that enough was enough. Making the decision to embrace healthy, balanced meals and exercise has helped her understand that weight loss can be easier than we make it out to be. She shared her story and some great advice with us…
Growing up as a young woman, I never really looked at myself as being ‘fat.’ I knew that I was overweight from the number on the scale and according to BMI, but when I looked in the mirror I didn’t see 180 pounds in front of me. It wasn’t until my sophomore of college that I really saw my weight getting out of hand. However, this still didn’t entirely motivate me to lose weight. My friends and I would go to the gym here and there, but I still had a poor diet. When I would go shopping, I realized that my clothing size kept going up and I really hated looking at my stomach. I was always finding ways to hide it. I then decided that enough was enough and I became fully dedicated to my weight loss journey in January of 2013.
I felt as if I’d made progress after 3 months of starting my weight loss journey. I couldn’t see the pounds coming off but I remember people telling me that I looked as if I had lost weight. I would lose 2 lbs here or 5 lbs there, but when I lost my first 30 pounds after starting out at 210 pounds, I was ecstatic. I was more focused than ever before and determined to make losing weight a lifestyle. Currently, I am weigh 168 pounds.
After a period of working out and eating healthy, I came to the conclusion that losing weight isn’t as hard as we make it seem. Anyone can lose weight but that really separates those who succeed from those who don’t is willpower. The ability to get back up after you’ve fallen and remaining dedicated to the process. This was one of the most challenging aspects of my journey that I had to deal with along with being persistent and self-motivated. We live in a world that continually bombards us with images and videos of unhealthy foods. These things only help to increase the obesity epidemic in the world. One has to decide whether to give into that temptation or not to. In addition, when you’re on a budget you’re faced with the decision to buy a salad that’s costs about $7/$8 vs. a hamburger that goes for $1. Choosing to eat healthy and having the willpower to remain focused on one’s journey is really hard. This I found came with self-motivation, remembering why you started and making healthier food swaps.
My advice to others on their own fitness journey is to eat in moderation but know when to say No. One should incorporate cheat days and times where he or she is able to let loose a little and enjoy the journey without being so caught up on how many calories that donut has. At the end of the day, you can lose as much weight as you want, but if you still aren’t happy, then is it really worth it? I choose to live a life of happiness and the freedom to do whatever I want. More advice as it relates to diet and exercise:
1. Examine where you are now and where you want to be. What is your goal weight and how do you plan on achieving this? This initial step is very important as it will help to keep you on track. You’ll always want to go back here in hopes of remembering why you started.
2. Understand that losing weight does not happen overnight. What you put in is what you get out. I’ve seen so many people say they’re going to lose weight but the next time I see them, but they’re eating something that’s not reflective of what their goal is. Losing weight is all in what you eat: 80% diet, 20% exercise. You can’t expect to lose weight after you’ve spent a great amount of time in the gym if right after that you go for a hamburger and fries. Instead choose a lean meat, any cruciferous vegetable, and a complex carb that will keep you satiated and won’t spike your insulin levels.
3. Implement a good exercise routine into your daily regimen. Along with a clean diet and loads of water, 10-20 mins of cardio preferably High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and resistance training will help one to lose fat while building muscle. Incorporating these three things along with a good amount of sleep and rest into one’s weight loss journey will help tremendously in shedding that excess body fat.
If you need more motivation or personal advice, please feel free to email at: aliciafitsique@gmail.com and follow me on my social media accounts at:
Instagram: @aliciacandiece @myownfitsique New Instagram: @mindbody180
Facebook: Mind Body 180
Website: www.myownfitsique.com
Melissa says
Awesome advice and very well written! Thank you for speaking the truth! As you so eloquently spoke, What separates some from others success is ‘WILLPOWER’ And I pray everyday for it! Congratulations on your weight loss! I too look forward to one day sharing my story on BWLS!!
Co Sandra White says
Great job very inspiring
Ebony says
So inspiring! You look wonderful and your hourglass shape is so cute. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Bre says
Your success story has really inspired me to lose weight, and the tips included are very helpful.