Cynthia lost 100 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation: Cynthia lost 100 pounds by changing her eating habits, keeping a food journal and working out regularly. She stopped running and being in denial about how weight loss could help improve her life.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

My motivation was that one morning I got up out of bed and made the mistake of looking into the mirror, something that I never do. As I was standing in front of that mirror and the tears began to fall, I knew that it was time. No more running, no more being in denial.

What inspired me was seeing other people’s before and after pictures and they looked really good. Their stories gave me hope and encouraged me to the point of saying that if they could do it then so could I. I also saw my knee doctor and he told me that I would feel so much better if I could take some weight off my knee.

At the time, I wouldn’t eat breakfast, so when lunch came around I would end up eating everything that was in sight. I also ate when I was upset. In terms of eating out, Braums and Taco Casa were my downfall. I would order large nachos and fries. Each time I would say that it was my last time, but it was all lies because I continued doing it. I just did not care. Just with those two places alone, I had packed on 40 lbs.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out all the junk foods that I was eating even if I wasn’t hungry.  I cut out the fries burgers and chips and began to eat healthy. I also gave up eating out all the time and weened myself off of all sodas. At one time, I was drinking 6 sodas a day. Now, I have not had a soda in 4 years. During my journey, I began to keep a journal, was able to see exactly what I was eating and it was not pretty.

• I started adding more vegetables, more fruits and started drinking 8 bottles of water each day.
• I discovered tilapia, I eat more brown rice, do Meatless Mondays and I have a salad with every meal.
• I also have learned to eat breakfast every morning. Each morning, I drink a smoothie.
• I pack my lunch everyday for work. I also pack 3 snacks, which I eat every 3 hours.

I go to Zumba 3 times a week. If I can’t make it, I walk 2 miles on the trail. Before getting involved with Zumba, I belonged to a fitness club where I was doing water aerobics, weights and the treadmill, as well as some of the other machines. I also trained with a trainer 3 times a week. For 2 years in a row, I walked in the 4th of July Parade which is 3.1 miles. My husband goes walking with me and has been my biggest supporter.

My starting weight was 370 pounds and my current weight is 270 pounds. My height is 5’7″.  My transformation is from 2012 to the present.

My advice: I would tell people that they can do it and to not give up. I would say that the days that they don’t want to workout are the times they need to go. Once they make up their minds, that’s the key right there. That’s when everything else will fall into place. Get up, don’t be discouraged and remember that they did not gain weight all in one day, so it’s not going to be gone quick. It can be done. Always stay encouraged, be active and get moving. Start off slowly and then gradually work your way up. Go to a store or mall and get some walking in or workout with a friend or partner, but don’t give up!