Weight Loss Story of the Day: Siani lost 117 pounds by changing her lifestyle. She shared with us about how one singular life challenge helped her to make a commitment to lose weight. I think her story will truly resonate with so many people out there. Check it out.
We have all started and restarted our diets, but significant and long lasting weight loss is triggered by a single moment in time where there is a mental shift and you tell yourself f*** this! I am FAT and I don’t wanna be FAT no more!
This moment came for me out of shear desperation for a J.O.B. As a product of the economic crisis of 2009, I lost my job of 7 years. Up til that point I had been steadily losing weight and was down about 45lbs. The depression caused by the loss of my job and being the sole caretaker of my mother triggered the weight to creep back on.
And I do mean CREEP! I had not realized how much weight I had put on til after two years of temp work, and I was finally in a position for a full time gig. The interview came with less than 24 hours notice; I went to my closet to find my interview suit. I loved this suit — it was a $400 Tahari suit with a dapper grey pinstripe on black crepe AND it was a size 16, which was several sizes down from the last suit I wore which was a size 24.
To my shock and horror, the suit didn’t fit. Not just fit, I could barely get the pants past my hips and they surely would not zip/button up. The jacket was so confining I couldn’t move my arms in any direction! I was devastated, and needed to scramble to find a suitable replacement.
You may be wondering how I could not have known I put that much weight on and the answer is simple –
- Not paying attention
- Lycra / Spandex
All my efforts went to the hustle – finding employment and taking care of my mom. Spending most days at home and having temp jobs that did not have dress requirements, I spent all my time in yoga pants , t-shirts and stretchy jeans; which are all forgiving to the waistline. However, the suit, my beautiful suit, it had no Lycra or Spandex — it was a true size 16 that wasn’t going to conform to my shape with the help of these two miracle synthetics.
I was unsure if I was going to get this job or if I did, how long it would last. I did know that either way, I was broke and had no money for a new suit, so I HAD to fit back in it and pronto. That was January 31st 2012 and I have not turned back!
The suit now hangs in my closet as a reminder, and no longer fits; the pants slip off even while buttoned up and the jacket wraps around like a cape.The struggle still continues and it will everyday, but I refuse to be that girl again and just keep repeating “that nothing tastes as good as slim feels!!”
How did you change your eating habits?
I was never a junk food junk food junkie which can be the 1st thing that people assume when you’re overweight. I love to cook and do it well, so the obstacle for me was portion control. I set a daily calorie limit, bought a food scale and measured/weighed everything I ate and drank.
What did you stop or start eating?
I didn’t stop eating anything in particular, for me it was about “bang for calorie buck “so I would rethink what I was eating based on the calories. For instance, by eating a turkey sandwich on one slice of bread instead two you can save 100 calories.
What did your workout routines look like?
Keep it movin’- I started running and did two half marathons. Plus, I am huge fan of Groupon and tried a series of classes. Through that I came to love spinning, yoga and even trampoline aerobics.
What was your starting weight?
295 pounds.
What is your current weight?
178 pounds and striving to be 150 pounds (height: 5’6”).
How long did your transformation take?
My journey stopped and started along the way, so it took about 2.5 years to reach my current weight and I have maintained it for over a year.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Take it one step at a time. It can be a shock to the body and mind when you make too many changes too soon. Instead of going straight to a huge calorie deficit, focus on your diet first by just trying to eat the suggested serving size. Before you even start counting calories, you will see and learn what 28g of cereal or 4oz of chicken actually looks like. That in itself can be a shock!
My blog is Double Servings www.doubleservings.com
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