Transformation of the Day: Bonnie lost 70 pounds. She experienced weight gain during nursing school and after meeting her husband. Eventually, that led to pre-diabetes and having to use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. Over the course of 2+ years she has made a lot of dietary changes and put in a lot of hours working out. Check out her story.
What was your motivation?
I gained most of my weight (about 50 pounds) during nursing school and when I first met my now
husband. Some of the many health challenges I faced were pre- diabetes (thanks to my daily donut and bagel breakfast…among other terrible habits) and obstructive sleep apnea. I needed a CPAP machine and would wake up gasping for air 3-4 times a night.
I was just simply tired of being overweight, tired and labored breathing all the time. I had an athletic build almost my whole life because I played soccer in high school and then in college. I knew I could do better and wanted to set a good example for my son who has always been my greatest motivation/support.
How did you change your eating habits?
I eat low carb and drink lots of water. In the beginning, I was pretty strict. I had one cheat meal a week and limited my intake of alcohol and sugar. I recently discovered that I am lactose, and gluten intolerant, so cut gluten out of my diet almost completely. I rarely ever eat bread and if I do it’s gluten free. I don’t eat pasta or white rice, sticking to red potatoes and brown rice when needed. I also only eat chicken, fish and turkey as I am also beef and pork sensitive.
What does your workout routine look like?
I started my fitness journey in January 2016 with 30 day challenges at a small gym in my area. The classes were small group and made up of mostly cardio exercises with some light weights. I exercised about 3 days a week.
After about a year, I started working with a personal trainer who does small group training (2-6 people) 2 days a week. For an additional 1-2 days a week, I would add in a cardio or Body Pump class here and there. I currently work out at home most of time (3-5 times a week) and I love it! The exercise portion of my journey was a piece of cake compared to the dietary.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I lost 70 pounds with just diet and exercise. I also lowered my A1C from 6 to 5.1. My starting weight was 264 pounds and I currently range between 194 pounds (my lowest in years) and 204 pounds depending on how strict I’m eating. I am 5’9″.
What advice would you like to share with people who want to release the weight?
The best advice I could give someone on this journey is to never stop moving and to get a good support system. I found that people I barely know/ just met have been more supportive and proud of me than my “friends” at some points. Also, don’t focus on the scale. Use it in the beginning to help guide you and keep you on track, but after a while the number won’t change or maybe I won’t go in the direction you’d like.
Never give up on your goals. If you fall off, get back on track. I don’t call this process a diet because that’s temporary. It’s a lifestyle change that you can continue to modify to suit what right for you. Remember “healthy looks different on everyone.”
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