Lorna lost 73 pounds

Today’s weight loss success story: Lorna lost 73 pounds.  This 54 year old proud mom says that she doesn’t mind getting older, but she is fighting the affect of aging.  She has changed her lifestyle in terms of eating right and exercising and the hard work has paid off.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

What was your motivation?

I was epileptic as a child and exercise triggered my seizures. I eventually grew out of it, but, by that time…who wanted to go to the gym? In January 2009, I took my daughter to her first GYN appointment and had mine too to keep her company. They weighed me and told me that I was 272 pounds. I nearly fainted. I had NO….repeat NO idea. As a single mom, it wasn’t a priority to take care of ME! When my daughter went to college, it gave me time to focus on me. I don’t mind aging. I embrace ALL of my 54 years. I have decided to fight the heck out of getting old, though. Holding on to the extra weight was holding me down and back from what I wanted the next phase of my life to look like.

How did you change your eating habits? 

I eat a lot of fish and poultry. I have always liked veggies and fruit. I limit (bad) carbs, processed food, alcohol and sugar. For me, it’s all about picking my battles and I know that if I want something out of the ordinary, there is a price to pay. I try hard to look at the changes as a lifestyle change as opposed to a diet.

What did your workout routines look like? 

Initially, I could only do 7 minutes on the elliptical and 5 minutes on the stairmaster. Over time and with lots of persistence, I worked up to being able to do an hour on both. I SWORE I would NEVER spin and now…spinning is my most favorite workout. Currently, I am now ‘trying’ to embrace running. Typically, I do some type of workout 5 – 6 days a week. For the past couple of months, I have been working out with a fabulous trainer at my neighborhood rec center 3 times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting: 272 pounds Current: 199 pounds

How long did your transformation take?

I am still transforming…I started my journey in January 2009 and I am NOT done yet. I plan on getting things ‘right and tight’ and I am shooting (at a minimum) to be the actual weight on my drivers license of 172.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?

Advice??? Never, ever give up! No matter what size you are TODAY or how old you are…it is never too late to redefine who YOU want to be. Also…don’t compare YOUR journey to that of anyone else. As you are unique…your journey will be as well. Just do YOU!