Tara has achieved long term success We featured Tara’s story back in 2013 after she lost 63 pounds and she has worked to keep the pounds off since 2010. She’s down 115 pounds. Check out her updated transformation story.
We love it when people write to us years later and let us know that they’ve been able to maintain their success because maintenance can be very challenging.
It’s been almost 6 years ago since I shared my story. It was three years after I began my journey on September 6, 2010. Since 2013, I’ve been staying the course.
My starting weight was 274 pounds at 5’8″. I have lost a total of 115lbs. I’m aiming to lose more, but right now I’m focused on lots of toning. I’m still not done transforming because this is a lifestyle. I guess it would be fair to say that I may be done after I can have skin removal surgery someday. Until then, I’ll continue grinding.
What was your motivation?
Health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. I wanted to become healthier.
What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
When there are goals in mind, they become your target. Also, I thought about what I’ve accomplished and how hard it has been.
How did you change your eating habits?
That part was always a challenge because I’m a junk food eater. However, eating in moderation has been in play for quite some time now. I didn’t really change my eating habits. It’s been all moderation and portion control up until this point.
Now, I’m cutting sugar and carbs which have been my Goliaths all my life. I’m eating more protein and veggies. I’ve even cut back on a lot of fruit, which use to be my go-to. Although I struggled with meal prep in the past, now it’s also my go-to. Why? It helps me make better choices.
Tell us about your exercise routine.
My eating habits slacked a couple years ago, but I never stopped working out. I’ve always worked out 3-5 days a week. (In the past, I sometimes worked out 7 days a week)
In 2015, I joined the gym for the first time. Before that, all my exercise came from walking to running outside, cardio, kickboxing, ZUMBA, etc.
I joined the gym for my very first time in 2015. However, I started school again, so I was never really able to go as much as I wanted. In January 2016 one of my sons joined the gym too. It was at that point that I began using the weight machines along with 30 minutes of cardio.
I have been committed to the gym now for the last 3+ years with minimum cardio and more strength training. As of January 2019, I’ve only been doing 20 minutes cardio, and I’ve spent more time with free weights.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
When your mind is made up, you can do anything. You can do the impossible!
What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Consistency, Perseverance, and Endurance. You must make it a LIFESTYLE, even on the bad days. When you fall, don’t wait until tomorrow to get back up. If you’ve fallen and it’s still day, dust yourself off and try again on the SAME day. Remain RELENTLESS.
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