Sophia lost 104 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sophia lost 104 pounds. She believes that weight loss should be a lifestyle change, not a phase you go through temporarily. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she committed herself to changing her eating habits and working out regularly.  Read more about her journey…

What motivated you?
My motivation was being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 17 years old. What inspired me was my son and seeing him grow. I’m a proud single mom who losing weight. I was also motivated by the compliments that I received from my family and friends during my weight loss journey.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by using proper portion control. I started with that first and then I started with healthier choices. I stop cooking with a lot of grease as well. To tell you the truth, I still eat pizza, fried chicken, steak, mashed potatoes, etc…but I eat those rarely and in reasonable portions. Ultimately, what worked for me was portion control and less greasy food with as much exercise as I can do.

How did exercise figure into your weight loss journey?
I joined a gym and I use to go every day after work, straight from work to the gym. I made a it a ritual so that there was no work without gym time.

How long did your transition take?
In 2003, my heaviest weight was 290 pounds after I gave birth. From there I got down to 230 in 2010. Even though it has taken time for the weight to come down I never gained it back. Now it’s December 2014 and I am 186 pounds. I am almost to my goal weight 170-180 (maybe a little bit lower but I will be ok with that). If you look at it from 290 to 186 it’s a huge difference. I feel just like I look, GOOD!!! Lol

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
The advice that I have for others is find your motivation first. It could be a spouse, your children, yourself or that diagnosis from the doctor. Next, find a routine you can follow and stick with because losing weight should not be hard or sad. Losing weight should fit in your schedule and everything that you do already. In my case, I throw my gym clothes in my car and go to the gym after I leave the office. I use to tell people that I get off at 7pm  instead of 5pm  because technically that’s when I’m free. Most importantly, don’t make it a temporary thing make it a lifetime thing. Exercise and eating right should not be a phase you’re going through. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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