Monica lost 130 pounds

Update: Shout out to Monica. She has released 160 pounds. Check out her update.

Great news BWLW! I lost an additional 30 pounds, and have reached my goal of losing 160 pounds. I didn’t lose the weight by my self-imposed goal date of Memorial Day, but I’ve finally arrived. I’m very proud of myself. It’s been a very long, difficult journey with lots of peaks and valleys, wins and losses.

The journey continues. It is never really over, especially for those of us
who have been morbidly obese. Food addiction and emotional eating is a lifetime battle. I deal with it on a daily basis. My responsibility now is
to make sure I am fueling my body with proper nutrition and maintaining what I have achieved.

My advice is to keep going. Never give up, even if you must begin again or a thousand times. Fad diets may give you results, but those results are usually temporary. Adopt healthy eating habits that you can live with for the rest of your life. Also, get moving. Exercise is a must. You just might find an activity you enjoy.

Believe in yourself, and know that you can do this. Don’t listen to the negativity within or without. You might have a great support system, but at the end of the day, this is ultimately for and about you. If I can do it, you can do it. YOU are beautiful! YOU are worthy! YOU are loved! YOU can do this!

Transformation of the Day: Monica lost 130 pounds. This grandmother of 2 was sick and tired of being sick and tired. A stressful divorce, lupus, and fibromyalgia could not stop her. She changed her relationship with food and with herself. Being vegetarian and working out six days a week works for her. Check out her journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired…of myself. I’ve been trying to lose weight for 30 years, to no avail. While getting divorced under very stressful circumstances, my ex’s attorney brought up my weight (even though she is just as heavy as I was at the time).

I have two beautiful grandchildren now, ages five and two months. I want to stick around as long as I can for them. I want to see them grow up. I want to play on the floor and run around with them. I want to teach them preventative healthy eating habits.

Also, I was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia in 2014. I am determined to play an active role in the manifestation of my healing. Faith without works is what? DEAD!

How did you change your eating habits?
In the past, I put way too much pressure on myself with crash diets, fad diets, and plain ol’ starving. The first thing I gave up was all that foolishness. I needed something I could do for the rest of my life. That meant I had to completely change my mind about food, how I see myself and the world.

Soon after I changed my mindset, gave up chocolate (aka. my kryptonite). Then, I gave up all carbonated and sugary drinks. Slowly, I was able to wean myself off junk food. Now, my lifestyle is mostly vegetarian. I say “mostly” because on major holidays with my family I partake in a small piece of meat (3oz. or less), BUT just for that day. My meals are high protein (90+ grams per day) and very low carb. I keep a food log especially when I’m feeling particularly tempted.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
I started with chair exercises. There was no going to the gym or walking because I couldn’t. Once I dropped 40-50lbs, I began to walk: 1/2 lap, then one, then two, three and so on until I was able to walk 3 miles around the lake at the park.

Now, I’m in the gym every day except Sundays. No excuses! Sometimes, when I’m in the midst of a bad lupus flare, working out is not an option for me. However, once I’m feeling better, it’s back to my regularly scheduled programming. My main focus is still cardio and fat burning, but for the past month or so I’ve added weight training to tone up and build muscle.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
At my heaviest, my weight tipped the scales at 320 pounds. My current weight is 190 pounds. My ultimate goal is to be anywhere from 150-160 pounds at 5’4″. That range will work nicely for me and these bad knees of mine, LOL!

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I began my journey, FOR REAL, during the fall of 2017. I continue to be on this long, frustrating, marvelous road. I probably will be for the rest of my life because I never want to become complacent. Complacency is dangerous for a bona fide food addict and emotional eater. [No surgery was involved.]

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there are NO quick fixes. You have to be constant and consistent. That’s mandatory in every meaningful relationship. What relationship is more significant than the one you have with yourself, right? I’ve also learned to love me, be proud of me and to encourage myself.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
PLEASE be patient with yourself. Love yourself. Turn all the negativity off, even when it’s in your head. Start small and gradually work yourself toward a long term weight loss and exercise goals. Stay positive and do everything you can to maintain your peace. Self-care is not a passing fad. It’s everything!

Talk to your doctor. Have an honest conversation with him/her. Ask for their help and ask questions. You need a team; your primary doctor, a nutritionist or dietician, AND a therapist. Let’s face it. A lot of us got fat because we’ve experienced some terrible things/stressful things and we eat our feelings instead of talking about them or resolving issues. A licensed mental health counselor can give you great tools to deal with life’s challenges instead of turning to food. Also, a fitness trainer with a holistic philosophy is an excellent addition to your team if your finances allow it. If possible (or if you’re comfortable enough), get your family and close friends involved. They can be your cheerleaders and may even want to shed some weight themselves.

Make sure you’re eating enough calories. Starving yourself is always counterproductive. Even if you experience weight loss initially, it’s temporary. And remember, change takes time.

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