Torri lost 41 pounds

Featured weight loss success story: Torrie lost 41 pounds with Zumba, Weight Watchers, walking and working out with a trainer.  She was willing to put in the work to push past a plateau.  Here is what she shared with us:

“My name is Torrie and I’m 36 years old. My weight struggle started after I had my first and only son. I gained over 30 pounds while pregnant, on top of weight I had gained already before pregnancy.  My total weight was 233 pounds. This was the biggest I had ever been. I was in graduate school, working full-time, plus overtime with a newborn and got so comfortable that I did not even realize how much weight I gained. I was tired of not having anything to wear because my clothes were too small and I was tired of spending all of my money on plus size clothes (because they can be a little more expensive). In Spring 2012, decided to join Weight Watchers and later incorporated Zumba classes. I lost about 10 pounds which put me at 221 pounds. I continued with my Weight Watchers program and Zumba but I noticed that I was no longer losing. I got so frustrated and stopped going to Zumba and did not rejoin Weight Watchers; I hit a Plateau!

In April of 2013, my job decided to have a free 6-week weight lost challenge using Weight Watchers. I decided to rejoin. My starting weight was 221.8 pounds at my first weight in. I got frustrated in the beginning because I gained 1.3 pounds which put me at 223.1. After talking with a few high school alum that work out a lot they informed me that I needed to do more than just Zumba to push that plateau. I decided to join a gym and get a trainer. I would work out in the morning everyday, Monday thru Thursday and some Saturdays for an hour doing nothing but cardio machines (Treadmills, Elliptical, Stepper, and Bike).  I worked out with my trainer once a week doing weights. By the end of my 6 weeks Weight Watchers challenge, I was down to 217 pounds. I decided that I would not rejoin Weight Watchers but to keep track of my food on my own. My eating habits consist of lots of salads, fruit, and veggies. I ate in small portions, elimitated pop, junk and fried food from my diet. I continued to go to the gym and workout with my trainer faithfully. I started walking on my breaks at work for 15 to 20 minutes a day, as well as going to the track and walk. I keep track of my walking using the MapMyWalk app. I also did some bike riding when I could. I just tried to get as much cardio in as possible. On September 21, 2013, I attended my first real walk with the American Lung Association: Fight For Air 5K Run/Walk, with a few High School Alumni. It was a very exciting experience for me and I really enjoyed it. I took me close to 8 months but as of today my current weight is 192. The biggest advice I would give is to lost weight for you and not for anyone else. You are your own motivation.”