Update Sept 2018: We’ve been following Charlena‘s journey since 2015. She has released more than 60 pounds.
Starting weight: 250 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Height: 5’3”
I had three kids back to back, and it showed. I’m only 5’3, so that means I was wide. I had to clean up my eating. I’m a snacker, so this was not easy. I had to work out, even when I didn’t feel like it.
After years of going up and down with my weight, I have finally learned that this is a lifestyle change and not something I can do for the moment. Today, I know that I am healthier than I ever was, and I’m so grateful for that. My children are my motivation. I get to look a lot better too… that’s a plus.
Jan 2016: Charlena has added weight lifting to her routine. She’s lost a total of 75 pounds since June 2015.
June 2015: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Charlena lost 59 pounds. Her story parallels millions of women who have lost weight, gained it back… only to repeat that classic yo-yo dieting cycle. In 2014, she broke the cycle and found a way of living that allowed her to release the weight. Check out her story.
My height: 5’2″
Starting weight: 240 pounds
Current weight: 181 pounds
I first decided to lose weight in November 2012. I finally decided to step on the scale, and I weighed about 240 pounds. I was so hurt that I had let myself go. I wondered if my family and friends loved me because no one told me that I was that big. …and Yes, my first attempt to lose weight was not successful.
Then I decided to do some research on exercise and things that I could eat to try to motivate myself to get the weight off finally. The second time around, I was more successful, but my weight loss did not last. The biggest problem for me was trying to figure out how to eat better. If it was full of sugar, calories, and carbs, I loved it.
After having 3 kids, like stair steps, I needed to change. In 2014 I started my weight loss journey again, and for the first time, I was very successful. The one thing that I completely cut out of my diet was soda. I started to eat more fruit, more vegetables, more salads and I drank a lot more water.
Walking became my best friend. Later, I went from walking to jogging lightly. Now I do different exercises that I never thought that I would see myself do.
Not only did I want to lose weight but I also wanted body definition and a lean, toned look. I walk, jog, do squats and lift weights. I do crunches and jumping jacks too. I rarely go to the gym. I do the majority of these exercises right at home using furniture in my apartment.
My advice for other: The one thing you have to understand about losing weight is that it is never easy and it’s always going to be a struggle, but it can be done. Never give up!
Oct 2015 Update – Charlena lost 8 more pounds for a total of 67 pounds gone: “Still working hard! 8 more pounds down! I know you can’t see my face, but lifting weights changed my life. I thought that cardio alone would do the trick. It really helped but when I started to lift, that’s when I saw the transformation. My body was a mess. I felt hopeless but now I’m more motivated then ever.”
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