Lorraine lost 100 pounds. At two months postpartum, this 4’11” tall dancing mom found the energy and time to start working out regularly. She also adopted healthier eating habits. Check out her story.
My name is Lorraine and this is my weight loss journey. I have battled with weight and overeating all my life, that is, until my pregnancy.
Before I got pregnant, I weighed around 135-140lbs. That seems like an average weight, but at 4’11” I was always on some sort of diet that never worked.
During my pregnancy, I gained 100+ pounds. I remember that my highest weight during pregnancy was 245 pounds due to severe preeclampsia. I guess eating/not doing much also contributed. After I gave birth, I weighed about 220 pounds. I could barely walk, move and I was in pain all over in addition to having a c- section.
I started my journey two months postpartum (around September 2017). It took me around 8-9 months to lose 90 pounds. Of course, the first 25lbs was through breastfeeding.
When I started my weight loss journey, I actually made an effort to work out 7 days a week for at least an hour a day. I just had a baby 2 months prior. As she slept, I usually woke up around 4:00 am, went to the basement, and did exercises and dance routines for about an hour. Then, I went about my typical day. At the time, I could barely walk, and that was one of the lowest points of my life. I posted all my goals behind me in the bathroom and made sure to limit my food intake. I ate more salads, soup, fish, and fruits of course.
Next, I started exercising for an hour a day (sometimes 2 hours). I would go for long walks and made sure to be mobile during the day. Some days, I made it and others I missed, but I kept up being consistent. Now, almost two years later, I actually weigh 120 pounds.
My motivation was a desire to be comfortable in my skin, as I once was. I wanted to be able to dance again. However, making it through basic training in the army was my primary motivation.
The biggest lesson I have learned, as cliché as it might sound, is never to give up! I got made fun of during my journey, and a lot of people doubted that I would ever get back to my normal weight. I also struggled with depression and self-love/acceptance. I knew the capabilities of my body and my mind. I knew I could be as healthy as I could possibly be. Of course, the scales do not measure health but taking my body to other levels through exercise did, and that gave me that mental boost, I needed.
My advice: Know that you are capable of anything. If you have a weight loss goal or a goal in general, all you need is consistency and hard work. There is no fast way or route to weight loss other than proper dieting and exercise. Consistency is the key that will enable you to achieve whatever goal you set for yourself.
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