Lena lost 40 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Lena lost 40 pounds.  This proud and petite mom found her motivation to lose weight and get healthy.  She’s been so successful that now she helps others reach their goals too.  Here is what she shared with us…

My name is Lena and I am the mother of a beautiful 3 year old boy. This is where it all began, after having him. At my sons 1st birthday party, I had a professional photographer capturing precious moments. When the pictures came back I was mortified at how I looked. It was so hard to balance a new baby and a full time job but those pics were a scary wake up call. Even then, I did nothing…apparently I still didn’t get the picture. I didn’t get it until I went to the doctor 6 months later for a wellness checkup and the doctor told me my BMI was too high, tipping the scale at 200 lbs at only 5’3″ and my son was 18 months old. She sent me to a nutritionist and gave me ways to change my lifestyle. THIS was the TRUE WAKEUP CALL!

I worked a normal 9-5 job so I would make green smoothies, oatmeal or egg whites/turkey bacon for breakfast. I packed 2 snacks (nuts, popcorn or fruit) and lunch (veggie and/or grain and a meat). My snacks were in super small baggies so I could ensure I didn’t pack/eat too much. I drank water only or 0 calorie drinks. I stopped eating pork and lowered my beef intake, so I ate grilled chicken and seafood mainly. I had one cheat day a week IF I had a consistent week. I call it “earning a cheat”. As far as my workout, I was in the gym 3 times a week. My workouts consisted of a leg/glute/ab day with 15-30 minutes of cardio and an Arm/back/ab day with 45-60 minutes of cardio. On the 3rd day I would do a day if intense cardio. If I could fit any exercises in at home, I surely took advantage. I also did a 5 week bootcamp with Hard Exercise Works.

I completely changed my way of thinking and all else fell in place. Now, 40 lbs later, I weigh less than I weighed before I got pregnant. I am more toned, I have abs (after a baby!!!!), I feel better and look better. Fast forward to January 2014, I started an accountability weight loss group called @finegirls_fit (on instagram) where we have weight loss challenges, workout challenges, discussions, recipes with prizes. Its a way to help one another in a fun way. We learn from each other and its a very positive environment. This journey was so worth it. I have had 4 rounds of weight loss challenges and we have collectively lost over 800lbs!