Tamara lost over 230 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamara lost over 230 pounds.  She found a weight loss program, online tools and mobile apps to help her stay on track with her goals and see results. She has extensively documented her journey on Instagram and is inspiring others (20,000+ followers). Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

I’ve been overweight/dealt with food addiction my whole life. One day in 2011, while being depressed and deciding to give up on life, I realized that I no longer wanted to die. I then signed up with Weight Watchers, weighing over 430 pounds. I counted points, completed 3 months of the program and lost approx. 35 lbs. I really didn’t like at the quality of food, just the point system. I cut out soda and white bread and added more fruits and veggies. After three months, I signed up for My Fitness Pal and logged my calories. At that time, I slowly cut back on fried foods and my favorite cookies. I decided that this was for life and I wasn’t going to rush this time. I slowly changed my diet, my lifestyle, along with doing whatever exercises I could at the gym or outside. I must say that the road to living has not been easy, but it has been worth it!! I no longer have high blood pressure, diabetes and joint pains. Above all, I’m taking my life back, and I want you to know that it is possible. YES, there are days, perhaps weeks, where we find ourselves off track; but I encourage you to keep fighting and stay positive. I realized along the way that I AM worthy of living a healthy life. And, guess what? You are worthy, too, so let’s live a positive and healthy lifestyle together!!! Instagram: @gettingmylifebacknow 

This journey was not a diet but a lifestyle change so that I understood how I got the weight off. I knew I had to continue to do it for life. Lean meats, complex carbs and green veggies were my go to foods for the most part. My favorite snacks were Greek yogurt or almonds.  I had treats here and there. I even tried cheat days/meals but that method didn’t work for me because I’m a recovering food addict. Moderation was/is key for me, so if I wanted a treat here and there I made sure it fit within my calorie range and that I worked out that day. I slowly cleaned up my diet and eliminated most processed foods. Ultimately in 2013, I eliminated meat all together and now eat a plant based diet. I do not label myself vegan or vegetarian I just choose to eat foods that my body loves. I now consume a gallon of water a day.  I must say I didn’t use to drink water at all and when I added water into my regimen the scale started to change drastically. I had treats within moderation and in 2013 I literally cut out my weekend alcoholic beverages because it was stalling my weight loss..