Amanda lost 68 pounds

Celebrating Amazing Progress: Amanda lost 68 pounds.  Like so many other women, she was still faced with pregnancy weight gain years and months after having her two children.  Low carb/High protein eating and running helped her to melt the pounds away. Check out what she shared with us about releasing the weight…

My name is Amanda and I CAN.  I had my second child in 2012 taking me from 135 pounds to 174 pounds. I never did get the weight off. I was constantly cooking heavy meals for me and hubby. I was also eating sweets on a regular basis to keep myself energized to get through school and take care of my son. In 2014, I had finally got 5 lbs off, bringing me down to an okay weight of 169 pounds.

As soon as my confidence started to return, I got pregnant with our second son who was born in September of 2014. A month after I had him, my weight was 207 pounds (181 lbs in the before photo above). I was experiencing heart palpitations, joint aches, and depression about the way I had allowed myself to be. I decided to take charge of my life, my choices and my health. I specifically wanted to be better for myself, but that would also mean I could be better for my family.

What really jump started me was being told that because of my age 30 it was going to be hard and I may never lose the weight. I was told this by a much younger female who challenged me to a weight loss competition. I thought to myself, “Don’t you dare tell me what I CAN do.” I decided on a high protein, low carb diet. I stopped eating sweets 6 days out of the week. I started eating more lean proteins, more veggies and a TON of water. I also stopped eating for fun and relaxation. I scheduled my favorite TV shows on my cheat days because I knew I wanted to enjoy some chocolate while I watched the shows.

For my workouts, I ran 6 days out of the week. Of course, I had to begin with a routine of walking for one minute and running for one minute until I hit an hour.  As the days went on I increased my running time. Each time I would not get off the treadmill until I hit 800 calories, no matter how long it may have taken me. I didn’t pay attention to the time or speed as much as I paid attention to calories burnt. After 3 weeks of my walk/run routine, I was running 13 min miles. Now, I am running 45 minutes per session, up hill and flat. I am 5’5″ tall and I went from 207 pounds to 139 pounds in 6 months. I am now focused on toning.

I never got my money from that girl for winning our competition, but what I received is much more valuable. What I received is knowing that I CAN. I CAN because GOD told me that I could and I believed him. I use that I CAN attitude in EVERYTHING that I do now.

For more info my YouTube Channel is Mamaslaundrymat Fitnessrants.