Curlette lost 74 pounds

Update Nov 2018: Curlette has released a total of 95 pounds. Check out her update.

As a determined individual who likes to set a goal and maintain it, it is always a great thing to not only have good support, but to be an inspiration to those who are aiming for success in their journey as well. (…even though we don’t always have support, and that’s ok as long as we stay focused.)

Since my last update in 2016 (below), I am down a total of 95 pounds as of Nov 2018! I am currently wearing a size small/size 4-6. I have continued to maintain a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and plenty of protein to help me build muscle. I have continued to stay away from sugars and sodium. I also eat very few carbs. (I have become the big label reader these days…lol)

Drinking a gallon of water a day is helpful to me even though I usually get about (6) 16.9 water bottles in…which is close! As for exercise, after losing 92lbs by July 2017, I did end up joining a gym. I added a new goal of transforming my body. I felt the need to try to tighten up as much as I could and build muscle. My exercise routine includes 4-5 days a week at the gym. I use the weights as well as the elliptical for cardio. My workouts are approximately 2 hours long. When the weather permits, I leave the gym and go walking. Walking 3+ miles has always been my best cardio.

Keeping an active life with plenty of exercise, and never losing sight of not only the correct foods, but portion control as well, has allowed me to maintain my weight loss. My journey has taught me many things. The most important thing that I have learned is that I have the ability to set a goal for myself, and the strength to stay focused despite the challenges that our world sometimes gives us.

My advice to anyone who is on the same journey… whether you are just getting started, half way through, or trying to maintain… NEVER give up! The reward of living a happy healthy life is well worth it.  Nothing is “impossible” unless your “mind” tells you so.

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Curlette lost 74 pounds. She was diagnosed with hypertension and hated taking meds. When her meds were increased due to weight gain, she knew she had to change. She made good on her New Year’s pledge to lose weight, with lots of walking and by overhauling her eating habits. She shared with us about what it took to achieve lifestyle change…

My name is Curlette. I have always been a person who hated taking meds. Then, I was diagnosed with hypertension 4 years ago and put on meds. I would ask every year at physical time if I could stop the meds and was told no.

In the fall of 2014, I gained 15 pounds in 30 days, adding to a weight that was already considered obese. Putting on more weight in the fall of 2014 that caused my doctor to up my medications. I was at the biggest weight of my life (other than my pregnancy). My clothes were size 2x shirts and plus 20 pants. In tears, I made the decision in Jan 2015 (as I make New Years Resolutions each year) to lose the weight.

My workouts were simple. I did not go to a gym. Seeing that the spring months were ahead, I went to the neighborhood park and power walked the track 2-3 miles, 4-5 times a week. At home, I would do sit-ups, increasing the amount every night before bed. That was it in terms of exercise!

No more 2 liter Cherry Pepsi a day. I drank 8 – 10 water bottles a day. I stopped eating fast foods, breads, fried foods and foods high in sodium and sugar. My diet consists of salads, fish, baked chicken, fruits, veggies, and PLENTY of WATER. As of July 2015, 55 pounds lost and no more meds! By August, I was down 71 pounds, and as of November 2015, I’ve lost another 3 pounds. That’s a total of 74 pounds and counting! I am now wearing small/medium shirts and size 8/10 pants. Even though my Dr says that my BMI and my current weight is a spot on match and NOT to lose another ounce, I am still continuing my healthy eating habits and maintaining.