Michelle lost 66 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Michelle lost 66 pounds in 5 months, going from a size 28 to a size 18. At 49 years old, she has embraced healthy lifestyle change and is seeing results. Here is what she shared with us about her journey.

Hi, my name is Michelle.  I’m 49 years old, from Philly and sending my transformation photos in hoping to inspire others! I started my weight loss journey on January 4, 2015! I’m 5’11” tall and I was 340 pounds at the time.  As of today, I am 66 lbs lighter weighing in at 274 lbs. I’m far from finished and I am amazed how the weight is drooping off! From a size 28 to a size 18! I would have never believed that I could have done this. Just WOW!!

In November of 2013, I fell down my basement steps and cracked my fibula in my right ankle! I sat at  home for three months, gaining more weight from being confined to my bedroom. Once I was able to return to work in 2014, the weight just became to much for me to bear! Walking up steps…heck, walking a distance period was a task on top of my ankle beginning to ache after 5-10 minutes of walking on it! I just got tired of being tired!

I begun with the 21 Day challenge (actually I did it for 30 days) by not eating any sweets, sodas, fast food or any thing that just wasn’t plain ole healthy! In February, I joined the Kroc Center (a fitness center in my area) and I go 3 times a week. I now bake all my foods and continue to stay away from foods that are not good for me! I have learned that this is a lifestyle change and that I MUST continue this in an effort to keep the weight off. I’m happy with the results thus far and looking forward to continuing my transformation.

I go to the gym 3 times a week, which consists of 40 minutes on the elliptical machine, then a series of strength training exercises. If time allows I try to make the 55 minute Zumba class in addition to my workout. I’m gradually increasing my elliptical time and strength training week by week.

I’m a spiritual person, and I stay prayed up asking God to give me the courage, strength and fortitude to stay focused through this journey. So whatever your faith, lean on it to help you through! Support from family and friends and colleagues are also very encouraging. Following social media sites such as BWLW is very encouraging as well.