Lauren lost 110 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lauren lost 110 pounds. Like many ladies, she experienced significant weight gain in college.  She decided to change her eating and workout out at home to change her lifestyle for good.  She shared with us in detail about the steps she took to lose the weight…

I’d always been shapely when I was growing up, but school sports kept my size at a manageable level. Once I hit undergrad, that was all shot. Our cafeteria was all you can eat buffet style and believe me, I took advantage. Without the extra activity, I began to pack on the pounds, but it wasn’t until I went to the doctor at the end of my school career and found out I was 300 pounds did I realize how much. I began to adjust my eating (balanced plate) and began working out at home (started with Focus T25) and have lost 110 pounds! I’m enjoying the transformation that I’ve gone through, mentally and physically  and have signed up for a 5k, something I’d never thought I’d do. I love Instagram because it’s allowed me to document my success and setbacks and find so many other amazingly motivating people.
Instagram: @_just_one_more_

How did you change your eating habits?
I started changing my eating habits through a program called Retrofit because they were working with my employer at the time. Through Retrofit I learned a lot; no food is off limits to me. I work on a 90/10 rule; 90% of the time my plates consist of 50% veggies, 25% protein, and 25% carbs. I have a tendency to eat a lot of the same things (chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and protein shakes make a frequent appearance on my food tracker) because it makes it easier than having to recalculate every single day.

Did you do any other types of workouts in addition/or after T25?
In addition to T25 (which I completed twice), I’ve also completed Insanity, P90x3 and Chalean Extreme. I also enjoy incorporating TurboFire into my workouts because it has quick (20 minutes or less) high intensity options that get my heart rate up without me having to spend forever working out. I’m currently doing an Insanity Max:30/Chalean Extreme hybrid and incorporating outdoor running a few times a week to get ready for my first 5k! I’m not really a gym person, so 99% of my workouts take place outside of the gym. I’ve also made the investment to obtain some good equipment for home (Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, a bench press bar, resistance bands, and a half Bosu ball) that allow me to make the most of my small space. And no, I don’t pay full price for anything; Craigslist is my friend.

What is your height?
5’9″

How long did your transformation take?
I got serious about my journey in October 2013 and officially joined the #100poundclub in September 2014. Since then, I’ve been focusing more on toning than weight loss.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what kind of motivation works for you. Some people prefer public motivation (where people can reach out and check in with you when you don’t check in for a while), fiscal (I’ve seen a lot of Dietbets on IG or putting the money up front for a couple of personal training sessions), or materialistic (I like to bribe myself with awesome gear that makes me feel good about getting into it so I want to work out). Whatever works for you, as long as it’s legal and not harmful to yourself or others, I say go for it! And finally, yes, you’re making a lifestyle change, but if you start your journey thinking you are going to have to do this for the rest of your life, it can get super daunting very quickly. Pick a manageable goal (10 weeks was my first goal, 90 has been my longest and I’ve found that 60 days is my sweet spot) that allows you a light at the end of the tunnel and know that you’ve got something new coming.