Today’s featured weight loss success story: Victoria lost 163 pounds going from 346 to 183 pounds in 4 years. Slow and steady wins the race, Ladies! She has shared a great deal of detail about her journey:
“I put off doing this because I did not want to see any visual reminders of the poor shape and health I was in emotionally and physically. The ‘before’ photos just bring back painful memories and raise up all the insecurities and self-hatred that I put myself through. As part of my affirmations I will acknowledge these hard times but instead focus on what I was able to accomplish with the help ofthe Goddess, my friends and family and all those who supported me in this journey. I went ahead and did some comparison snapshots so that I could put my story out there. If you truly, truly are seeking to change your life and want to live a healthier, more vibrant life and need support, mentoring, a shoulder to lean on and knowledge, I am offering to help anyone do that. I am not going to lie, it is hard and more times than I want to count, I wanted to give up, it sucks but the transformation that has occured in my body, in my emotional state, and in my outlook on life more than makes up for the pitfalls.
I counted calores and I cut out all processed foods, I went by the saying, “If God didn’t make it I don’t eat it” no bread, pasta, white rice, sugar, etc. I kept it really strict until I lost the majority of the weight, then would have tortillas with lunch, but I still just mainly stick to fruits and vegetables, fish and chicken. Yes, I do eat cake occassinally or some cookies but I always make sure to balance it out with really healthy foods. I was in the gym 5 days a week, weight training and doing cardio. For me, my journey was about 75% emotional/psychological issues that I had to be honest with myself about, the last 25% was diet and fitness. If you are an emotional eater you are not going to be successful unless you deal with your issues first.”
Latanya says
I am right there now… Last week I went and bought all fresh fruits and veggies and frozen … But I still have no idea what to do with it… I Eat just because I am 267lbs and 5’4 … I feel horribly… I look at the website everyday for motivation .. I read the stories and I cry.. Cause I want that to be me.. I need help!!!! You look awesome Tho!!!
Robbin says
Latanya…just wake up and tell yourself that nothing is gonna make you eat bad today… promise yourself that you will go to bed without guilt. I lost 87lbs back in 2009 gained back 42lbs and started my 2nd weight loss journey on Jan 1. I have lost 16lbs so far. Took me a minute to get back on track. You can do it.
Bridgette says
Good afternoon Latanya,
My name is Bridgette, You are on a journey of success because you are on this website. Great choice because we as women need the support system because with our everyday lifestyle of working, taking care of kids and trying to fit in exercise and eating right.
My journey started a year ago, I felt the same way, but I change for me and not to be a certain size. SO I made a change on a daily basis not a monthly and I took baby steps with health and fitness.
If you need any suggestion or support please dont hestitate to contact me ok. Im here for support
Jewel says
Latanya,
There is a website called cleaneating.com that is a great resourse for healthy recipes.
Latanya says
Thanks jewel !!! I will check it out I figured my first step was buying fresh everything and no red meats or sodas or sugary drinks … I would love to lose thirty pounds by July!!!
Jacqueline says
Thank You Victoria Please be my mentor I know in my heart what you say is true. I am an emotional eater and I am ready to heal. I feel I am at a crossroad and I am losing the battle. I am ready to make healing my #1 priority I have so much to live for I am truly blessed so why am I still unable to take care of myself changing this is where my journey begins I NEED HELP
Mauri says
Victoria, I am so proud of you and you look awesome! I love that it took you 4. yeara to reach your goal, this is the route I would luke to take. I would love if you can be my mentor!!! Congrats and thanks so mich fir sharing!! Truly an inspiration.
Maura
linda says
How encouraging. I’m very happy for you.
Mikisha says
You are such an inspiration and I would love some guidance because I’m at my wits end. I’m so frustrated with myself.
Chere says
I love your inspiration,you would be an asset to anyone trying to reach their goal of weight loss no matter how many pounds they are trying to lose. You look wonderful, keep up the good work.
meesh says
I am on this hard journey and u ladies r truly an inspiration for women who are battling weight
pjwb says
I need to identify my emotional issues, fnd a way to deal w them and the related stress, turn to God not food and have a real strong supporter that wont lv my side. Thanks for sharing
Nikki says
I commend you for having the courage to find the beautiful woman within. Congratulations!!!
Denise says
Victoria,
I can see your self love. You deserve it. If one cannot love oneself, how may she love someone else. I am too an emotional eater. I have lost sixty pounds over ten years. I want to lose another fifty. I am at the point to give up all the processed food,cakes, cookies and cheetos. I love me now. For me it is about insecurity, guilty and not liking myself.
Food is my drug of choice. Self medication. I am not 56 and want to live to be old. Not many obese elderly women out there.
Bridgette says
Awesome Denise. And you have to love yourself first for sure. Im 50 and want to live healthy for the rest of my journey in life.
CherronRW says
AMAZING, YOUR BEAUTIFUL