Transformation of the Day: Camille lost 39 pounds, going from a size 14 to a size 10. For years, she put all of her focus on caring for others, and stopped caring for her own needs. Depression, irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety piled on along with the pounds. When she made herself a priority, she was able to turn her life around. Check out her story.
Before photo: On May 16, 2016, my weight was 206 pounds
After photo: March 24, 2017 , current weight of 167 pounds
I’m proud to say that I will be 48 years old this year. I feel as if I’m getting younger. For years, I stopped focusing on myself and let my family completely consume me. As the weight gain spiraled out of control, so did my self esteem, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pains and anxiety. At the end of 2016, I started to have chest pain and was also diagnosed with diverticulosis. I had to do some real soul searching as to why my body was betraying me. The answer was simple, I was unhappy. The moment I said realized that I was unhappy, accepted it and told my husband, everything in me changed.
I told my husband that the time had come for me to put myself as a priority. My children have been extremely supportive. They see the changes in my mind and body, and that makes them happy. They understand that mom is going to the gym after work. I’m thankful they are old enough to take on more responsibility when it comes to caring for themselves.
In the past, I was always very active. I’d been majorette, cheerleader and a dancer. I also worked out constantly. My weight really started to escalate 13 years ago after having my 3rd child and becoming a nurse. Drug reps would bring Boston Market, pizza, Panera and pasta for us so that we would stay and listen to their presentations.
In the beginning, I decided that I was going to start taking walks. I live in the suburbs with winding roads and hills. Each day that I walked, I’d add another corner or stop sign. Once I would return home, I was clocking in 2-3 miles. It was so effortless. Once the weather got cold, I started going to the gym. I’m still taking classes I have access to the gym at my university.
Every workout consists of being in fat burning mode on the treadmill or elliptical for 35 minutes. During every workout, I do 3 sets of 15 on the abdominal weight machine. I alternate each workout with upper and lower weight traning machines, doing 3 sets of 15. I try to go to the gym 3-4 days a week. Sometimes, I go every other day for muscle recovery.
My eating habits have changed also. I eat on a dessert plate for portion control and I don’t east anything white [white bread, white rice, etc]. At work, I have soup and salad for lunch. I was never really a lover of sweets, but I do enjoy a glass of wine. Any bread, pasta or rice I eat is whole grain. I don’t eat fried foods and dinner is usually a protein and veggie.
My journey has taken 7 months so far. I set my goal weigh at 165 pounds and I’m 5’5″ tall. I’m down from a size 14 to a size 10.
My inspiration was my happiness and seeing myself evolving, mentally and physically, into my old self. Now I’m more mature and overall I feel better inside and out. Seeing results keeps me going and the fear of gaining weight back is my motivation.
If you do some soul searching and if you are honest with yourself, you may find your revelation. I’m a foodie. I had to learn I eat to live, not live to eat. Know that you can eat what you want with moderation. You MUST make up your mind that you’ve had enough and want to lose the weight.
Instagram: @crrez4
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