Mary lost 159 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Mary lost 159 pounds, going from a size 24 to a size 10. After losing and re-gaining weight time and time again, she started reading and researching the best methods for creating a healthy lifestyle. Now, she is sharing what she’s learned with us.

Hi, I’m Mary, I’m 6ft tall and I’ve reached my goal weight of 170 pounds. My highest weight was 329 pounds. I didn’t look like I weighed over 300 lbs, but I felt it.  Over the years, I’ve lost 100 lbs 4 times and each time it was harder and harder to stay motivated, and as I got older my knees ached. Finally, I decided to make a plan that worked for me. I started reading everything I could find that pertained to eating. I used the information that was realistic for me and saw a nutritionist for realistic food advise and vitamins once every 2 months.

I used to wear a size 24 1/2 and now I am a size 10. I did it in 1 year and 4 months. It was not easy, but I earned every step of it! I take a photo of myself daily to stay motivated.  I also gave away all my loose clothes so I don’t have any big clothes to go back to. I only hang around friends who are like minded, so I had to let some go. I journal, pray and meditate as well.

I gave up regular Coke after drinking 10-12 cans a day. I also stopped eating fries foods and read alot of recipes books, using what worked for me. I did not consider my eating habits as diet. I call it my lifestyle. Now, I eat alot of fresh vegetables and fruit daily, including leafy greens, cabbage, collards, mustard greens and salads sometimes. I use canned green beans and corn, and I bake, broil, bbq or steam my fish and meats. Occasionally. I will eat a piece of fried fish or shrimp, but that’s mostly on vacation.

I exercise everyday, at the gym or home. I hit the gym 5-6 days a week. My routines include cardio, exercise bike, weight lifting, abs workouts, or a 30 minute full body workout. I also work out with a trainer doing different exercises so that I don’t get bored.

My advice is to make up your mind and change your surroundings. You may have to drop some negative friends. Hang around like minded, postive people. Make small goals, like breaking your weight loss into 5-10 lbs achievements. Then celebrate each achievement with a non-food moment. There will be tough moments and setbacks. When that happens, just make your next meal a healthy meal, don’t beat yourself up and stop your negative thinking about slip ups. Most of all, remain encouraged.

Ways to stay encouraged; Take a picture of yourself daily or weekly to keep up with your progress. Give away your big clothes as they become loose, so you will not have anything to go back to. Enjoy buying a smaller size.

Make some time for self care and focus on you! Write down your journey and learn from your set backs. Be realistic about your goal weight and size. I am a size 10 and that’s good for me. All the best to everyone on your journey!